When dealing with individuals or groups, how do you determine when you are pushing too hard? How do you determine when you should back off?

You can push the boat to a certain extent as doing so too hard might rock the boat...as far as the saying goes.

Certain individuals need the 'one to one' approach whereby they need to be guided all along the way and sometimes need that push or encouragemet to achieve certain goals or meet a deadline. If the individual is giving you the cold shoulders, then it is best to back off and give him/her some breathing space.