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Coaching Through Resistance or Skepticism

Not everyone embraces Develop right away. Use empathy and practical framing to guide conversations without pressure.

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Written by Product
Updated over a week ago

It’s normal for some employees to feel skeptical - or even uneasy - about behavioral data. Your role as a manager is to create safety, model openness, and focus on growth, not judgment.


Common Concerns You May Hear

  • “This doesn’t sound like me.”

  • “Am I being evaluated?”

  • “What if I score low - is that bad?”


How to Coach Through It

1. Normalize the Reaction

  • Say: “It’s totally normal to have questions about this - it’s not a performance review. It’s about understanding what takes more or less energy for you.”

2. Reframe the Scores

  • Use the battery metaphor: “This isn’t about how good you are - it’s about what drains your battery faster. Everyone has those.”

3. Find Common Ground

  • Ask: “Is there a part of this that feels true based on your recent work?”

  • Highlight any strengths they agree with before discussing growth areas.

4. Make It Practical

  • Keep it simple. Instead of “Let’s change your behavior,” try: “What’s one thing you want to do more easily this quarter?”

Trust takes time. Stay supportive, patient, and focused on progress, not perfection.

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