In this episode, I talk about interruptions in coaching — a topic that brings up a lot of questions and uncertainty for coaches. Many coaches were taught that good coaching means letting the client speak without interruption. So when a client talks for a long time, goes in circles, or drifts away from the goal of the session, coaches often hesitate. They wonder: Am I allowed to interrupt? Does that mean I’m not listening well enough? Will it damage the relationship?
This episode looks at interruptions from the perspective of ...
In this episode, I talk about interruptions in coaching — a topic that brings up a lot of questions and uncertainty for coaches. Many coaches were taught that good coaching means letting the client speak without interruption. So when a client talks for a long time, goes in circles, or drifts away from the goal of the session, coaches often hesitate. They wonder: Am I allowed to interrupt? Does that mean I’m not listening well enough? Will it damage the relationship?
This episode looks at interruptions from the perspective of professional coaching competencies and real coaching practice. Interruption is not automatically a mistake. When it is done with a clear coaching purpose and in service of the client’s process, it can become a useful intervention.
In this episode, I talk about:
- What core coaching competencies say about interruptions;
- What “a clear coaching purpose” for interruption actually means;
- How to contract with clients around interruptions so they understand when and why you might step in;
- How to navigate the relational side of interruptions, including fears about breaking rapport and why repair is a normal part of a strong coaching relationship;
- How to check your own internal motives before stepping in, so the intervention truly serves the client.
I briefly walk through the most common questions I hear from coaches about interruptions: ethical concerns, fears about power dynamics, worries about damaging the relationship, and uncertainty about when the timing is right.
If you’ve ever wondered whether interrupting a client is appropriate in coaching and how to do it in a way that supports awareness and forward movement this episode will give you a clearer way to think about it.
In the next episode, we’ll talk about metaphors in coaching. When a client says something like “I feel stuck” or “It’s like I’m carrying the whole company on my back,” what do you actually do with that? How do metaphors open insight, and when can they take the conversation off track?
Enjoy other free materials:
- Free Coaching Course for People Leaders:
podia.com/basic-coaching-skills-for-new-leaders
- Mock ICF Credentialing Exam (PCC, MCC) from UpThink Coaching:
podia.com/mock-icf-credentialing-exam-pcc-mcc
- PCC Marker Demo:
podia.com/pcc-marker-demo-session
- Next ICF-Accredited Coach Training Programs (for coaches who want to work at depth):
- ACC Path:
https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development/become-a-coach/
- PCC Path:
https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development/the-path-to-excellence-for-certified-coaches/
View more
