How can you engage with a coaching client who is caught in a place of ambivalence about making changes? In addition to the coaching space, this topic is relevant in the workplace both in the employer/employee relationship and in coworker relationships. We are taking a deep dive in this solo episode about how we partner with our clients to help them move past ambivalence. We’ll talk about how our human nature sets us up for a battle with ambivalence, why this is important in the coaching arena, and what we can do as a coach in this space. Join us for a closer look!

Show Highlights:

• How ambivalence is manifested through conflicting reactions, beliefs, and feelings 
• Why Motivational Interviewing (from the work of William Miller and Steven Rollnick) is the most helpful framework I’ve found for engaging with ambivalence
• How Motivational Interviewing initially was developed to help those with addictive disorders–but has great coaching applications!
• How you can learn much more about Motivational Interviewing through various resources that are readily available 
• Why the coaching process, at its essence, is all about CHANGE!
• Why most people respond to change with ambivalence and resistance because our equilibrium is impacted
• Why it’s important to notice how a client’s habits are engaging or resisting change
• How a coach should listen for “change talk” from the client but not push for change
• Four categories of change talk (and what to listen for in the client’s language):
• Recognizing the disadvantages of the status quo
• Recognizing the advantages of change
• Expressing optimism about change
• Expressing intention to change
• How to use OARS: open-ended questions, affirmation, reflection, and summarization
• The value of using open-ended questions with the client to elicit and evoke awareness
• Suggestions for evoking methods to get the client to see what you want them to see and imagine future possibilities
• Examples of statements of affirmation to use with clients to help them feel heard
• How to use reflective listening to help the client clarify what they mean to say
• How to use summarization to highlight the reasons for change and emphasize the client’s commitment to change
• Why we need to understand that ambivalence is part of human nature

Resources:

  If you are interested in doing mentoring with Meg, visit www.starcoachshow.com/mentor

Mentioned in this episode:

Mentor Program

If you're working toward your ACC or PCC credential, or if it's time to recertify your ACC mentor, coaching isn't just a requirement on a checklist. It's one of the most transformative investments you can make in yourself and your coaching. I've taught or mentored over 2000 coaches, and I hear the same thing again and again. I came because I had to, and I am so glad that I did. Coaches tell me they walk away with renewed energy, deeper confidence and a community of peers who genuinely support each other. Here's what you need to know right now. Mentor coaching must span a minimum of three months, so the time to start is not when your credential is just about to expire. And if you complete your hours in 2026, you get ahead of the upcoming ICF changes, which means peace of mind along with skill development. My fall cohort is already filling up. Every group is capped at ten. It's small, personal, and powerful. If you've been waiting for the right time, this is it. So head over to Star Coach Show. That’s https://starcoachshow.com/mentor/ to grab your spot or to learn more. I'd love to work with you. Now, let's get into today's show.

Join Mentoring Program!

If you’re a coach who wants to grow—not just check a box—this is for you. I’m enrolling coaches now for my Spring Mentoring Program. Some are here for credentialing hours. Others are here because they want to become the coach their clients rave about. Inside the program, we work on your actual coaching. You’ll hear yourself differently. Learn from other coaches. Develop more presence. And ask questions that create real transformation. If you’re ready to deepen your skills and your impact, I’d love to support you. Learn more at starcoachshow.com/mentor I’d love to work with you.