Coaches: When a Client Tries to Hijack Your Process — How to Stay in Leadership Energy

Hi, I’m Marne Semick, and today we’re talking about something every coach, expert, and creative service provider will eventually face — what to do when a client tries to hijack your process.

You know the moment: you’ve built a system that works, but suddenly your client wants to “try it their way.” Maybe they start questioning timelines, deliverables, or the strategy you know gets results.

This is where your leadership energy gets tested.

Let’s break it down into three things you can do to stay grounded and in control:

1. Revisit the Energetic Agreement

Every client relationship starts with trust — an agreement that you are the guide.
When that trust wavers, it’s often because fear has crept in. Maybe they’re doubting the investment, or maybe they’ve had a bad experience before.
Take a moment to realign. You might say, “I completely understand where you’re coming from, and I want to remind you that this process is designed to get you the best possible result.”

When you calmly bring them back to center, you reclaim the role of leader and energetic anchor.

2. Lead With Compassion, Not Defensiveness

It’s easy to take it personally when someone challenges your methods — but remember, resistance is usually rooted in fear, not disrespect.
Instead of reacting, get curious. What’s driving their need to control?
When you approach with empathy, you defuse tension and create space for real progress.
Compassion doesn’t mean caving — it means seeing the human behind the behavior while still holding your boundary.

3. Anchor Back Into Your Proven Process

Your process is your magic. It’s the reason people hire you.
When a client wants to rewrite it, it’s your cue to stand firm. You don’t need to justify it; you just need to remind them why it works.

Try saying, “I completely hear your input — and this step is essential because it ensures we hit the outcomes you hired me for.”

That subtle reframe puts you back in command without conflict.

At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about control — it’s about calm authority.
When you stay centered in your process, your energy communicates confidence, which helps your clients relax into trust.

✨ You’re the guide. Stay the guide.

If you’re ready to step into your next level as a coach or expert — with clear systems, confidence, and leadership energy — watch my Free Masterclass:
👉 https://www.marnesemick.com/Masterclass

And if you’re ready to have a Kajabi-built platform that reflects your authority and brand, check out my done-for-you packages:
👉 https://www.marnesemick.com/kajabi

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