How To Avoid The Most Common Mistakes Coaches See Their Clients Make

Even the most competent and ambitious professionals stumble when trying to navigate their own personal growth, career transitions and leadership challenges. Often, progress stalls not because of a lack of effort or talent, but because they’ve yet to identify problematic recurring patterns.

Coaches see similar problematic patterns across industries and roles and know what it takes to interrupt them. Below, our founder Kathy Shanley and members of Forbes Coaches Council share proven strategies for moving past common pitfalls coaching clients face with greater clarity, confidence and impact.

Focus On Your Own Actions Instead Of Others’

One big mistake I’ve seen clients make is focusing on other people’s actions instead of their own. To help clients avoid this, I redirect the conversation back to their thoughts and ask which part of the situation they own. From there, we separate what they can’t control—such as what others do or say—from what is within their control or influence. This shift helps them take intentional action. - Kathleen Shanley, Statice