Recognition and reassurance are vital to the training and coaching process.  Every client needs recognition for their triumphs, challenges, and growth.  At times, the coach is there to hold space for the client and reassure she/they/he that her/their/his efforts are valid, worthy, and appreciated.  This does not mean that the coach isn't honest with the client.  On the contrary, it is the coach's job to help the client expand her/their/his thinking and knowledge and also recognize the client's blind spots and potential for growth.  

It is the coach and client's respective responsibilty to leave each other with their respect and dignity in tact.    Belittling, shaming, and unprofessional behavior that makes one person feel judged or less than is not who we are.  We value each other as extraordinary human beings who are in the process of growth and change.  It is in this environment that people experience Breakthrough.

The client is not broken and does not need to be "fixed."  She/they/he has the creativity to imagine new possibilities and the resources to carry out that vision to create the outcomes she/they/he desires.  The coach is a guide and there to create an environment where the client can fully explore these new possibilities.

The coach has the responsibility to fully understand the client's goals, ambitions, and vision for their future.  The client sets these goals and endeavors to achieve them.  The coach helps the client keep laser-focused on goals for the future (the prize) and on track to achieve those goals.

We are so grateful for the trust our client's put in us and express that freely.  Along the journey, the client will have many "wins" on their way to Breakthrough.  Those wins are things which have earned congratulations and celebration.  Growth can be a challenge.  Therefore when we see moments of growth achieved, we celebrate.

Never should a client feel blamed or shamed on their path to Breakthrough.  Whenever a client does not achieve a goal, take action, or complete a task, the coach must create a space where the client can fully explore what held her/them/him back from achieving or completing that goal or task.  There is a reason(s) for what held the client back. If the client is "shamed or blamed" for this, sooner or later resentment by both the client and the coach can begin to fester, and the trust between the two could be broken.

True growth and breakthrough take place when the client chooses to push past limiting beliefs, challenges her/them/himself to explore new possibilities and try new ways of  taking action.  At times this can be exciting.  At times this can be difficult.  However, when the client chooses to excel daily and allows her/them/himself to grow, breakthrough is truly possible.

"Seeking first to understand" can take many forms:  The coach's responsibility is to ask questions and explore the results and motivations of a client until the coach and the client have uncovered all the underlying causes of the clients success or moment of growth.  The client's responsibility is to look within her/them/himself without judgment and with an attitude of self-discovery.  We are always encouraged to dig deeper and find the "why" behind the behavior.  The client can also take this into business to help uncover the "whys" behinds their client's motivations, objections, and actions.

Growth is not only a result, it is a life-long habit.  This is achieved through the concept of C.A.N.I. -constant and never-ending improvement.  The client's growth should not end once our relationship ends.  Developing a daily habit of feeding the brain with inspiring and insightful knowledge (through reading, listening, and watching content) will provide the groundwork for continued growth and expansion.