Coaching without Certainty

An early lesson during my ACC training was learning how to stay present and move forward in a coaching session when I couldn’t immediately find the “right” question or insight to share. When clients raised issues filled with uncertainty or lack of clarity, I often felt unsettled—my attention drifting as doubt crept in around my ability to respond. I’ve heard from other coaches that this experience is not uncommon.

 Over time, I’ve come to understand that my role as a coach isn’t to resolve uncertainty, but to create space and steady ground so clients can move forward without needing the entire roadmap. Sharing in their uncertainty—rather than trying to fix it—deepens trust and allows the right questions and insights to emerge naturally.

 I’d like to hear from other coaches, new or experienced: have you faced this challenge as well, and how did it shape your growth?