How to Avoid Dangerous Assumptions in Coaching - International Coaching Federation
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How to Avoid Dangerous Assumptions in Coaching

Posted by Fanie Zis, PCC | April 5, 2021 | Comments (7)

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.” ― Isaac Asimov

Assumptions are everywhere and we use them every dayOur brains are hardwired to assume – it saves energy so that our brain can focus on other areas it deems more important for our survival. 

We make assumptions at both a conscious and subconscious level about both our inner and outer world. Our types of assumptions can range from our perception of how the world works (e.g., you may assume the sun will rise tomorrow and then assume you live to see it)about people (you may assume that someone may react a certain way in a given situationand assumptions about ourselves. 

But what happens when you make assumptions in your coaching sessions? How does this affect the coaching relationship and what can you do about it? 

This article will look at the use and potential dangers of assumptions in coaching. We’ll explore some examples of common assumptions as well as strategies to help you work on reducing their use in your coaching sessions. 

First, let’s take a look at some examples of common assumptions that may come up in coaching sessions. 

As coaches, we might assume that:  

  • Silence in the conversation means the client is not paying attention. 
  • Your client will react the same way as they previously have in a similar scenario.  
  • Behaviors are directly related to what’s going on inside for the client. 
  • Stereotypes are the reality (e.g., assuming that because your client shows up wearing dirty clothing with holes in it, they must be struggling financially). 
  • You and your client have shared experiences.  
  • A client can relate to a metaphor you used. 
  • You are not an effective coach” because your client is not getting to where they want to be (assumptions about your own competencies). 

Any of these sound familiar?  

Now, let’s look at why assumptions can be dangerous. 

The danger is not necessarily the assumption itself or whether your assumption is right or wrong. It’s the process and use of believing in and acting on the assumptions in the first place and allowing those assumptions to “fog the windows, affecting the pathway to learning for both you and your client. 

When you assume things about your client, you are operating from your own subjective experience and not learning about your client’s way of being, thinking and believing. Thus, assumptions can negatively affect the coaching relationship, the coaching process and the client’s learning, development and goals (and your own). 

To help you understand this further, here is a list of possible consequences when a coach assumes: 

  • Poor rapport. The client may not feel understood, respected, heard or trustedor may feel judged and unsafe. 
  • Limited ability to evoke awareness. You may block access to blind spots, hidden areas. 
  • Neglect of the REAL issue, issue behind the issue.
  • Hindrance or closure of the pathway of learning, both for you, and the client.
  • Confusing judgments and assumptions.

So, how do we work on avoiding making assumptions (clean those windows) when our brains are evolved to assume? 

Here are 9 Strategies:

  1. Acknowledge your use of assumptions. Assume that you are assuming. 
  2. Familiarize yourself with types of assumptions
  3. Evoke self-awareness (internal and external) – try these steps:
    • Record and listen to yourself coaching.  
    • Have a Mentor coach listen to your recordings and provide feedback. 
    • Recognize and identify common assumptions you make.  
    • Reflect after each appointment (e.g., on my client session notes, I include a section called “coachs reflection”). 
    • Notice your use of assumptions in your everyday life, not just in coaching sessions. 
  1. Challenge and untangle your assumption:
    • Identify the assumption. 
    • Ask yourself: Could I be wrong? What else could be true?  
  1. Adopt a coaching mindset. Stay curious. Stay in a state of not knowingReplace assuming with asking. 
  2. Do assume that you don’t know everything 
  3. Practice consciously NOT assuming in and out of coaching sessions. This is a skill. It needs training, development and continuous practice.  
  4. Engage in continuous professional development.
  5. Practice self-care. The more tired and fatigued your brain is, the more likely you are to rely on.   

 Is there ever a time to use conscious assumptions in Coaching? 

Maybe. What I like to call purposeful assumptions may actually help you get more clarity into a situation or help the client see things in a different way. 

For example, you may purposely share an assumption to challenge the client. It may prompt them to counter that assumption with something like, “Actually no, I don’t feel that, or want that, or think that. This is a great opportunity for further exploration if you follow up by askingI’m curious, what does it feel like for you? Or what is it that you really are after?  

Lastly, acknowledge that assumptions are inevitable, so be nice to yourself. You likely would not have survived this far in life without using and relying on assumptions. Just clear those windows when working with clients!

Fanie Zis, PCC

Fanie Zis, PCC, CCDP, CWS, CES, CCS, comes from a background in psychology, counseling, and career development. She holds a PCC credential with ICF and is a certified career development practitioner with the BC Career Development Association. Fanie is currently enrolled in David Kessler's Grief Educator Certification program and is looking forward to continuing to coach clients in their grief and loss journey. Fanie works as a life smart coach for the employee and family assistance program through Homewood Health in the areas of career coaching, career counseling, relationship coaching, family support, grief and loss, stress management, and pre-retirement planning. Fanie also works as a freelance life and career coach, supporting clients through personal and professional development and life enhancement processesReach Fanie at http://epifanielifecoaching.com/

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Comments (7)

  1. Shalini Gogia says:

    I think if you assume, then that means you have stopped paying attention in that moment. It is better to pay attention to the client and not assume anything. The expression on our faces as a coach or even as a person changes when we are assuming rather than when we’re paying attention. Being non-judgmental means not assuming.

  2. Ajith Anirudhan says:

    Very interesting read, so relevant being a coach.

    Being conscious/aware of the assumptions one makes of themselves is a great way to start one’s journey.

    Two take aways I loved
    1. Improve your skill set by listening to your coaching sessions (something I don’t fancy doing but I realize the learning I can have)
    2. Reflect on the conversation right after the session ( this I do & has definitely helped improve my approach)
    Thank you.

  3. jlzpasqual@gmail.com says:

    Hello Fanie, I loved your article. I am based in Brazil, and as volunteer I serve ICF Brazil Chapter as the President of The Deliberative Council. I hold the MCC credential and would like to pass your article to our community. My idea is to translate it to Brazilian Portuguese, of course giving you all the credits as it should be done always.

    Would you authorize me to spread it here for our 500+ members? A second idea is to publish the translation in a digital magazine also in Portuguese, the Magazine is called CloudCOACHING.

    Please let me know about your thoughts at your earliest convinience.

  4. gruvolo8@gmail.com says:

    Thanks Fanie. Very interesting and thought provoking article., and very well written as well!
    Best
    Gaetano

  5. Nino Vakhania says:

    This article was so professional, I got all the answers to my old questions.

  6. Isabelle Moser says:

    Great article Fanie! It explores beautifully the concept of assumptions (for better or worse!) and it offers solid tips. Thank you!

  7. Fanie Zis says:

    Thank you all for your kind words and time in reading the article-I am happy to hear it is of assistance and I enjoy reading your replies and words of wisdom and reflection!

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