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Your client is lacking motivation. How can you use reflective listening to gain their trust?

When your client is lacking motivation, reflective listening can help you connect and understand their needs better. Here's how to effectively use this technique:

  • Listen actively: Give your full attention, showing you value their words and emotions.

  • Reflect feelings: Paraphrase their thoughts to show empathy and understanding.

  • Ask open-ended questions: Encourage deeper exploration of their thoughts and feelings.

How do you use reflective listening with your clients? Share your tips.

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Motivational Interviewing

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Your client is lacking motivation. How can you use reflective listening to gain their trust?

When your client is lacking motivation, reflective listening can help you connect and understand their needs better. Here's how to effectively use this technique:

  • Listen actively: Give your full attention, showing you value their words and emotions.

  • Reflect feelings: Paraphrase their thoughts to show empathy and understanding.

  • Ask open-ended questions: Encourage deeper exploration of their thoughts and feelings.

How do you use reflective listening with your clients? Share your tips.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
35 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Marina Bragari

    Personal brand. Motivation.

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    Reflective listening works well with any people, no matter if they have motivation or not. It helps to increase the level of trust between people. If a person understands and feels that you are listening to him, hear what he says, he trusts you more and becomes more open. Thanks to a trusting relationship, you will get more honest and deep answers to your questions. As a result, you will be able to help your client regain his motivation faster.

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  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Boon Kuang HAN 🧲

    Top 1% Canva Creator 2024 | Hosted 217 Events on Eventbrite 2024 | Tired of chasing leads? Unlock 100+ daily leads with AI-powered strategies. DM "Ai" for details | Ai Innovation Coach | Trained 130K Live Streamers

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    When a client lacks motivation, reflective listening can be a game-changer. Start by truly hearing them—repeat back their concerns in your own words to show you understand. For example, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed by the scope of this project.” This builds trust because they feel seen and valued. Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s been the biggest challenge for you?” to dig deeper. Avoid jumping to solutions; instead, validate their feelings and let them lead the conversation. By creating a safe, nonjudgmental space, you’ll help them uncover their own motivation and feel supported in taking the next steps. 😊

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    5
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    Contributor profile photo
    Dr.Parul Sharda 🇮🇳

    HoD- Management & Associate Professor, Medicaps University, Indore.| M.P State President Financial Literacy and Management Council- WICCI,| M. P State Convener at Research Foundation of 🇮🇳

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    Active listening boosts team motivation by: - Showing value for each member's thoughts and ideas - Encouraging open communication and feedback - Building trust and fostering a sense of belonging - Helping to clarify goals and expectations - Empowering team members to take ownership and make decisions - Respect the differences, the varied opinions - Share the non verbal clues that you are respecting thru point of view - Show empathy - Be Agile when you encounter the team member at loss of productivity By actively listening, leaders demonstrate their commitment to their team's success, leading to increased motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction.

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    Contributor profile photo
    Abigail Solomon (GIOMP)

    Human Resource Manager, Certified Management Consultant, Creative Content Creation.

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    As an HR professional, I've found reflective listening to be a powerful tool in building trust and understanding with clients who lack motivation. Here's how I use reflective listening: Active Listening 1. Maintain eye contact: Show I'm fully engaged and attentive. 2. Non-verbal cues: Nod, tilt my head, or use facial expressions to convey interest. 3. Avoid interruptions: Allow the client to share their thoughts without interrupting.

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    Martin Torres

    -Licenciado en Psicología

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    Mostrar empatía genuina: La escucha reflexiva implica reflejar no solo las palabras del cliente, sino también sus emociones. Por ejemplo, si el cliente dice: "No veo el punto de seguir intentando", podrías responder: "Parece que te sientes frustrado y agotado por no ver los resultados que esperabas." Esto le muestra que comprendes su estado emocional, lo que ayuda a reducir la resistencia y abre la puerta a una comunicación más profunda. Validar sus emociones: La validación es crucial para que el cliente se sienta comprendido sin ser juzgado. "Tiene sentido que te sientas así después de todo el esfuerzo que has puesto."

    Translated
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    Saad Hassan Razi

    💻 Software Engineer | React.js, Angular | MERN & MEAN Stack Specialist | Automation Enthusiast | Building Scalable & Seamless Web Experiences

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    To help a client who’s feeling unmotivated, use reflective listening to show you genuinely care and understand. Start by acknowledging their feelings without judgment, like saying, “It sounds like this feels overwhelming.” Repeat back what they share in your own words, such as, “So you’re stuck because nothing seems to work?” to show you’re listening. Ask open questions like, “What’s making this goal feel out of reach?” to dig deeper. Instead of giving advice right away, reflect their mixed feelings, like, “Part of you wants to change, but another part feels exhausted.” This creates a safe space for them to open up, rebuild trust, and find their motivation again.

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    Bipul Sharma

    LinkedIn Account Growth Partner | Profile Optimization · Targeted Engagement · Visibility for Founders/CXOs

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    Reflective listening is so important for building rapport and understanding what's really going on with a client. I'd add that it's important to be genuine in your listening. People can usually tell when you're just going through the motions. And sometimes, silence can be powerful too. Giving the client space to think and process can be just as helpful as asking questions.

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  • Contributor profile photo
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    Said Al Jabri 🏆

    Career Coach | Expert in CV & LinkedIn Optimization | Logistics, Contract & Supply Chain Trainer | Empowering Professionals to Stand Out | +40K Network

    • Report contribution

    The Power of Reflective Listening Reflective listening builds trust, whether someone is motivated or not. When people feel truly heard and understood, they become more open and engaged. This trust fosters honest, deeper conversations, allowing you to uncover real concerns and insights. In turn, it helps clients reconnect with their motivation more quickly. By simply listening with empathy, you create a safe space for growth and transformation. How has reflective listening helped you in your interactions? Share your thoughts! 👇

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    Shivangi Pandey

    Video Editor@kutumb| ex-Laitkor |🥇 Gold Medallist in BFA | UI/UX | Motion Graphics | 3D Modeling | Illustrator | Video Editor | AI-Enhanced Creator | Storyteller

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    Use reflective listening to build trust with an unmotivated client by actively listening, paraphrasing their feelings to show empathy, and asking open-ended questions to encourage deeper reflection.

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    1
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    Zahid Hussain

    CEO & Co-founder. Proving solution to 10X sales, visibility & branding with Graphic Designs & Motion Ad Creatives. 10K+ satisfied clients. Handmade Pottery Ambassador

    • Report contribution

    I practice reflective listening by paraphrasing my client's concerns to show understanding and validate their feelings. Asking open-ended questions helps them articulate challenges while reinforcing that their perspective matters. I acknowledge their struggles without judgment and highlight their strengths to rebuild confidence. This approach fosters trust and encourages collaboration toward solutions. How do you motivate a client who feels stuck in their creative process?

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