Many coaching clients arrive at coaching with a desire to improve their confidence; sometimes this is a general theme for improvement and sometimes it relates to specific areas, such as public speaking. For some clients it will be the primary goal to be contracted at the beginning of the relationship, and therefore of real importance both to the client’s life and to the coach evaluating their impact and results of the coaching process. 

The coach must seek to help the client become really clear on what they mean by ‘being confident’, this may take time to evolve fully. In essence, confidence is whatever the coachee deems it to be (possibly influenced by the feedback of others such as a line manager). The coach can take time to delve into that notion and help the coachee to understand a) where they are currently and b) how things would be different if they were feeling confident in their chosen area. 

Questions like “What would it look like if you were confident when tackling staff issues?” may help shape this perspective.

Because developing confidence is such a widespread coaching goal, often wrapped under the heading of ‘Imposter Syndrome’, it is useful for all coaches to build a toolkit that may assist clients in this regard.

Here are a few ideas to get you started on building your approach and creating a resource toolkit: 

Clarifying Goals and Values:

Coaches can assist in helping clients to clarify short-term and long-term goals. By aligning goals with values, the client may gain a clearer sense of purpose and direction. When a client fully understands what they want to achieve it fosters confidence in their ability to work towards and attain success over time.

Identifying Strengths and Areas for Improvement:

Coaches may help clients to identify strengths and areas for improvement through assessments and feedback. Tools such as a SWOT Analysis or Strengths Questionnaires may be supportive tools here. Understanding specific strengths, talents and abilities allows a client to fully utilise them more frequently and confidently, while openly addressing areas for improvement.

Using Scales and Measurements

A simple scaling tool, coaching wheel or chart can be used to record starting points, improvements, and final outcomes in a numerical and visual way, this can be both validating and inspiring, as the client progresses on their journey. 

“On a scale of 1-10 where are you today with…..” 

Keeping Diaries or Journals 

Coaches can encourage clients to record their wins and successes on a regular basis, including feedback received, and then share notes in coaching sessions. Helping them to recognise where improvements in confidence have been made is likely to be motivating and empowering and lead to further success. This can be linked to action planning in coaching sessions.

Challenging Limiting Beliefs

Coaches may assist in identifying and challenging limiting beliefs that are holding clients back. By reframing negative thoughts and beliefs, clients can develop a more positive and empowering mindset, leading to greater self-worth.

Information on our ILM levels for you to enhance your coaching skills, please find full info here and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any queries.