How to build trust and rapport at the beginning of a coaching session

Transcript

NARRATOR
In this example of good rapport, keep an eye out for matching behaviours. So, for example, look out for postural matching, gestural matching, and matching facial expressions. Also, listen out for vocal matching around volume and tone. Finally, keep an eye out for matches of energy and pace.
COACH
Hello, there, Tim. How are you?
CLIENT [COACHEE]
Yeah, very well, thanks.
COACH
Good.
CLIENT
Thanks for giving this time.
COACH
Not a problem at all. Take a seat.
CLIENT
OK.
COACH
So what would you like to focus on today?
CLIENT
So I’ve got so much going on at the moment. Work is just fantastically busy. And I’m struggling actually to keep on top of it all and to keep my priorities straight. I’m loving it, but I’m a bit scared it’s going to be too much.
COACH
OK. So it’s fantastically busy at the moment. You’re struggling a little bit, and you’re just worried that you’re going to keep on top of it. So what would you like to focus on in our session?
CLIENT
Yeah, so the focus for the session – it would be good to see which bits I need to prioritise on, because, as I say, it’s just so busy. And at the moment, I’m keeping on top of it, but I don’t think my energy will last much longer. If I’m completely honest with you, I’m feeling a bit tired.
COACH
OK. So you’re worried that your energy might not last at the moment. You’re feeling tired.
CLIENT
Yeah.
COACH
So tell me what’s going on at the moment.
CLIENT
So at the moment, as you know, I took on a new leadership role recently, and that’s testing me. I was told I was lucky because I got to keep some of my old responsibilities as well. But it means that I feel like I’m being dragged from here to here continuously, and it’s wearing.
COACH
So when you say you’ve been told that you’ve been lucky, and you raised your eyebrows and you shook your head to one side, what does that mean?
CLIENT
Well, I think that I’m not sure how lucky I am, to be honest. As I say, I do feel quite tired and quite stretched, quite exhilarated, but I’m going to have to focus quite tightly soon, or else my energy will dissipate.
COACH
OK.
CLIENT
Yeah.

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