What best describes the coaching approach during the Contemplation stage?

The coaching approach during the Contemplation stage is best characterized by exploring the costs and benefits of change. At this stage, individuals are aware that they have a problem but have not yet made a commitment to take action. Coaches play a crucial role by helping clients weigh their current situation against the potential benefits of making a change. This thoughtful consideration allows clients to reflect on their motivations, assess the obstacles they might face, and understand the implications of both staying the same and pursuing change.

Encouraging immediate action would not be effective in the Contemplation stage, as clients aren’t ready to leap into action yet—they need more time to deliberate. Focusing on past failures can be demotivating and does not foster the reflective process necessary for this stage. Setting strict goals for completion would also be counterproductive, since the client is still in a state of considering their options, rather than committing to specific goals or actions. Thus, the emphasis on exploring the pros and cons creates a supportive environment for clients to contemplate their next steps.