Cathy Liska How does a client decide to trust a coach? Put yourself in that place of deciding whether to trust someone, and reflect on how you make that decision. Possible considerations include:
- Chemistry
- Rapport
- Demonstrated professionalism
- Listening
- Reassurance of confidentiality
How important is trust? The number one indicator of success in a coaching relationship is the rapport between the coach and the client. Rapport is built and maintained on trust. Consider the definitions:
- The Dictionary.com definition of trust is reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.
- The Dictionary.com definition of rapport is relation; connection, especially harmonious or sympathetic relation.
Where trust includes reliance on the integrity of another, rapport is the connection in the relationship. It makes sense that when you can rely on someone you know you can trust them, and when you rely and trust, you develop rapport.
What is the impact of trust in a coaching relationship?
- The client has the freedom to think out loud
- The client can freely explore ideas and strategize
- The client is fully supported
- The client has the space to choose what they want and develop their process for moving forward
When the client trusts the coach then coaching can happen.
