When we discuss how to coach someone, it’s always presumed that the person is open to being helped.
But as managers and HR specialists know, that’s not always the case. You may have a hard-working employee who could grow much faster with a bit of support but is resistant to help from their peers or even supervisors.
This can create a rather strange dynamic in the workplace. But can you overcome it and get this coaching-resistant employee to accept your help?
Why Do Some People Resist Coaching?
People can be wary of coaching for several reasons, but 3 common ones can be:
- They Think Coaching Means They Are Not Capable
Some individuals may believe that when a manager reaches out and offers help, it is because they are not capable of achieving a task or goal on their own. Of course, being coached does not mean the person is not competent or qualified.
In fact, in most cases, it’s quite the opposite. A company may choose to invest in coaching the employee who shows the most potential. But if the employee struggles with their confidence, they may see it very differently than HR or managers do.
- Change Is Difficult for Them
Coaching involves a lot of changes. From a person’s beliefs to their preferred approaches for navigating challenges or even specific actions, the coaching-resistant employee may simply not be comfortable with this level of change.
Whether its because they believe their way is the right way, or usually have a difficult time navigating new waters, fear of change is a huge deterrent to peoples willingness to accept help.
- They Dont Want to Be Held Accountable
Of course, coaching can be done for the employee who needs more support and to improve their performance. That’s a difficult position for some people to be put in, as it means they need to be held accountable for their actions.
And for some, shedding light on their misses, failures, or promises they did not follow through on is something to be avoided at all costs.
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Can You Coach Someone Who’s Resistant?
Some ways to navigate this situation can include:
- Hear them out – Simply ask your employee why they do not want to be coached. This can help you understand their position and even clear the air, which could get them to change their stance;
- Explain your reasons – Tell your employee why you think they can benefit from coaching from the perspective of the company, but also their personal growth;
- Bring someone from the outside – The employee may feel uncomfortable discussing their weakness or fears with a supervisor or someone from inside the company. In these cases, they are usually much more likely to open up to someone from the outside.
Its important to understand that coaching is a two-way street.
You cannot force a person to accept your help, but you can try to level with them and understand where the resistance is coming from. This way, you may identify a better way to support them.
Creator of the KASHBOX: Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Habits
Helping You Realize Your Potential
I help people discover their potential, expand and develop the skills and attitudes necessary to achieve a higher degree of personal and professional success and create a plan that enables them to balance the profit motives of their business with the personal motives of their lives.
