Question

A 48-year-old man comes to his second coaching session with the goal of improving his diet. Specifically, he is trying to drink more water and eat more vegetables. He has indicated he struggles with these two goals mainly during the week when he is working.

Client: At work I just love eating candy to keep me focused since I am in a cubicle.
Coach: Tell me more about how candy keeps you focused.
Client: I don't know if it's about keeping me focused or if it's just simply craving candy. I feel like I crave it at least 3 times a day whether I am at work or home.
Coach: Do you think you are a sugar addict? Do you feel like you are addicted to sugar?
Client: I am not sure.
Which of the following traps of engagement did the coach fall into?
A. Labeling
B. Expert
C. Premature Focus
D. Question/Answer
E. Blaming

Answer 1

The coach fell into the trap of Premature Focus by assuming the client is a sugar addict without exploring the situation further.

Step-by-step explanation:

The coach in this scenario fell into the trap of Premature Focus. Instead of exploring the client's relationship with candy further, the coach immediately jumped to the assumption that the client may be a sugar addict. It would have been more effective for the coach to ask open-ended questions to better understand the client's motivations and triggers for consuming candy. By prematurely labeling the client as a sugar addict, the coach may have hindered the client's progress by overlooking other factors that could be influencing their behavior.