Years ago, I had a client who was furious at me –claiming that I didn’t hold her “accountable” and didn’t make sure she took the  action steps she was supposed to take.  Even back then, I didn’t stand for her attitude –and, basically, we ended up “firing” each other. But, it didn’t feel good at all and I still think about that experience…

Today, I have a very different understanding about what it means to hold our clients accountable. There is a big difference between that and serving as some sort of taskmaster or babysitter.  As ICF coaches, we view our clients as  “whole, creative and resourceful”.  To treat them like children by insistently asking, “Did you do this as you said you would?”  is a mistake. Instead, we must simply ask our clients what support, if any, they might need, as well as gently check in – when appropriate – with,  “So, how is that coming along?”

I don’t think that our clients are looking for another parent or a babysitter. And, I suspect, the clients who do, may need therapy more than coaching. So, whenever a new coaching prospect starts drilling me on how good I am at holding my clients accountable, a red flag is immediately raised in my mind. That’s just my 2 cents.