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Coaching the Uncoachable: When to Fold
 Some people simply are not coachable. This has been a hard lesson for me to learn. I’m one of those persistent people who rarely gives up once I’m committed and I will follow my coaching clients off a cliff whilst trying to help them succeed.
Yet I’ve learned that some people simply don’t have the desire or ability to change and even the best coaching won’t move them along the path. You can offer various carrots and sticks, try to motivate them according to their values, talk, talk, talk and listen, listen, listen — to no avail.
“…some people simply don’t have the desire or ability to change and even the best coaching won’t move them along the path.”
What do you do at that point? You fold. But as Kenny Rogers said, you have to know WHEN to fold. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj4nJ1YEAp4
What Should You Do?
As a leader coaching your staff, how do you know when to fold? Follow these signs:
- Going through the motions. You have the nagging feeling that you’re being played. They’re going through the motions but you’re not seeing results.
- Excuse making. Even though you’ve agreed upon measurements up front, they continue to have a litany of excuses for why things can’t be accomplished or finished.
- Cancellations. They frequently cancel or reschedule appointments with you.
- Nagging. You feel as if you’re repeating yourself, nagging and pushing. You’re working harder for their success than they are.
- Co-worker complaints. Their co-workers continue to complain that the original objectionable behaviors persist.
If you see several of these signs even after you’ve given coaching a reasonable time period (at least as much time as you would give a new employee to get on board), know that it’s time to fold.
 Did You Know
Our leadership and management classes cover effective coaching techniques and outcomes.
Call or write us at: 303-216-1020 or Lynne@workplacesthatwork.com
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Read Lynne’s book “We Need to Talk” – Tough Conversations With Your Employee and learn how to tackle any topic with sensitivity and smarts.
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March 19, 2018
