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When the Relational Coach Meets A Performance Gap episode artwork

Oct 20, 2026 10 min

When the Relational Coach Meets A Performance Gap

from Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Hosted by Michelle Burkhard

"I know, I know. I didn't do it." Have you everheard someone begin a conversation already defending themselves? When someone repeatedly fails to follow through on something they say they want, shame andfear of judgment can quickly enter the picture. And sometimes, the most important thing we can offer isn't another accountability question. It's a relationship where they feel safe enough to tell the truth. In today's episode, Michelle explores what happens when theperformance gap meets the Relational Coach. Maybe the person isn't simply too busy. Maybe they're secretly relieved when something interrupts their plans because they're afraid of discovering they aren't good enough. Relationalcoaching creates space for that honesty, but there's an important balance. Compassion should help people grow, not become another way to protect their avoidance. Sometimes we need enough compassion for the truth and enough truthfor growth. Questions or comments? I'd love to hear from you! [email protected] Great coaching starts with great relationships. Grow yourskills with us in the January Coaching Academy! CA.GrowBy1.com Reflection Questions How do I respond when a coachee admits feeling relief aboutavoiding something they say they want? What do I do to make it safe for a coachee to share fear,doubt, or competing desires? When might my reassurance move the conversation away from something the coachee needs to explore? How can I offer compassion without helping a coachee protect an avoidance pattern? What could I ask to hold both the coachee’s fear and theirdesire for growth in the conversation?

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