Coaching When You Aren't The Expert - #434

<div>How do you approach non-expert coaching? How do you address coaching outside your expertise or comfort zone? Niki & CJ discuss how to handle this hurdle!</div> <div> <h3>Non-Expert Coaching: Identifying the Client's Why</h3> <div class="thread-entry__content formatted_content"> <p>How do you approach a client who has a goal or endeavor that lies <a href="https://youtu.be/sLDgfuP3SsY">outside your expertise</a>?</p> <p>Similar to any change in goals for a client, even if it remains well within your wheelhouse, you should learn, and maybe even help your client identify, why she wants this new goal.</p> <p>What may have happened, and what CJ discusses, is how a deep, important goal can initially be subsumed into a shorter, more concrete goal of "get stronger."</p> <p>You talk to your client, and the client agrees to get stronger for a bit. She enjoys it, she likes some of the changes that come with it. Still, the underlying goals haven't changed and haven't been reached.</p> <p>As CJ & Niki discuss, this might involve referring the client to another coach or professional (e.g. maybe they have underlying mental health issues that require a mental health professional).</p> <p>Similarly, though within the physical health realm, a client may want to compete in competitive bodybuilding. This comes with many skills that don't involve simply lifting, so it is likely - unless you yourself come from a bodybuilding background - that you might need to refer your client to someone who can better help her achieve her goals.</p> <h3>Non-Expert Coaching: Different Paths Ahead</h3> <p>Once the deeper why(s) have been identified, the path ahead needs to be identified and agreed to.</p> <p>Another consideration, besides the purpose, is the level of desired skill. Completing a 5k run is different than qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Dabbling in Olympic weightlifting is different than setting the state record.</p> <p>You might continue to train the client, but have the client take care of that particular physical endeavor hers