The Importance of Commitment in Coaching

One of the most important parts of the coachingcommitments. This moment can sometimes be
process is the commitment element required of bothawkward and not all coaches feel comfortable with it.
the client and the coach. This is probably the part thatHowever, as mentioned previously, clients pay
distinguishes coaching from other processes the most.coaches not only for support throughout the coaching
Having said that, from the client's perspective, to keepprocess but also for some serious reality checks and
his/her commitment is not always easy. Even if thereminders.
client commits to some sort of action and is reallyWhen the client's commitment is not being honored, it is
determined to make it happen, many things can turn upthe right and the duty of the coach to bring the client
in the process that force him/her to put his/hergently back and remind him/her of his/her targets,
attention elsewhere. The reasons can vary and thegoals and objectives. This may create resistance from
coach needs to be really careful to spot the signs.the client but the coach must persevere.
There is a difference between a real-life emergencyAfter all, commitment in coaching is a two-way
or a serious change of circumstances and an attackprocess. Clients are committed to their outcomes, and
of the "gremlins" that makes the client lose focus.coaches are committed to their clients and to making
In any of those situations, though, it is up to the coachsure those outcomes become a reality.
to hold the client accountable for his/her previous