How to Not Be Screwed Over By a ‘Coach’
These days when you jump onto Facebook and Instagram it seems like every single person is calling themselves a “coach” of some description.
Be it a business coach, leadership coach, mindset coach, health coach, wellness coach or even a sex coach (I kid you not, this is a thing I saw pop up on my social media feed) it’s become the next hot trend to call yourself a Coach.
But is this just a social media phenomenon or is it something larger?
Turns out when we pull up the numbers, coaching is in the middle of a massive boom.
Currently the overall field of “life coaching” is in the top 5 fastest growing industries in Australia and the United States. In the US alone the coaching industry is worth around $1.08billion annually and public awareness of the industry is rapidly growing.
However despite public awareness growing less than 20% of people have ever tried a coach, attended a workshop led by a coach or interacted with a coach in any way shape or form for their personal & professional development.
So Why The Hesitation Around Working With Coaches?
The short answer: lack of credibility and a whole lot of distrust
The longer answer…
As a professional in the coaching industry, I am among the first to say that the industry as a whole is plagued by a whole lot of BS. Due to the industry being unregulated anyone can say that they’re a coach, no training or qualifications required.
Even those who do have some form of training are usually quick to point out their “qualification” that was given to them in a 3-day‘ masterclass’ run by some highly charismatic goose who doesn’t really understand much about human behavior and wellbeing themselves.
It’s become an industry of the blind leading the blind.
However, despite this the stats around the benefits of working with a well trained, highly effective coach are mind-blowing. For example:
One Manchester Consulting Group study of Fortune 500 Companies found that “coaching resulted in a ROI of almost six times the program cost as well as a 77% improvement in relationships, 67% improvement in teamwork, 61% improvement in job satisfaction and 48% improvement in quality.”
As someone who has both personally benefited from being coached, as well as seen firsthand how positive coaching can be in helping people increase their self-esteem, emotional wellbeing and sense of purpose in life I am still an avid believer in the life-changing power of coaching – when it’s done well.
But something has to change.
People shouldn’t have to wait for the “cream to rise to the top”, they shouldn’t have to navigate their way through a seemingly endless sea of con-artists, snake oil salesmen and BS ‘coaches’ who simply aren’t well equipped enough with the knowledge or personal experience to actually make a positive long term difference in the life of someone else.
It is our vision at BU that one day, hopefully not too far in the future, the industry will be regulated and a minimum standard of expertise and experience will be upheld. This is for the benefit of the industry, the profession and the people who make the decision to invest in themselves by working with a coach.
However, until that day comes here are my top 5 tips for ensuring that you hire the right coach.
1. Do They Practice What They Preach?
It astounds me how many ‘coaches’ there are out there who have never hired a coach themselves or done any form of personal development other than reading a couple of books or attend a 3-day workshop. Before working with a coach, ask them whether they believe enough in coaching to invest in it for themselves.
2. What Are Their Qualifications?
It saddens me that this is even something that has to be spoken about. Rule of thumb; no qualifications = no coaching. In terms of navigating what qualifications are worth having we are huge advocates for the following fields because they are well researched and very practical:
- Mindfulness
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
- Positive Psychology
- NeuroLinguistic Programming
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
As with anything, double-check WHERE their qualifications came from as well.
3. Do They Embody The Result?
If you’re going to work with a health coach make sure they are someone who is healthy. If you’re going to hire a confidence coach make sure they are someone who is authentically confident. Results speak louder than any marketing BS.
4. Do They Have Social Proof?
Ask for examples of how they’ve helped other people. Check their reviews on Facebook and Google. See if they have any filmed testimonials or case studies. Basically ask them to put their money where their mouth is.
5. Do You Connect With Them?
This is an important one. Coaching is a very personal experience. It is essential that you feel personally connected to, and safe, with your coach. If something feels off about them, or you just don’t feel right with them, trust that gut instinct.
When someone ticks all of those 5 categories, then they’re the right coach for you. Go for it!
As I mentioned earlier in this article; I know for a fact that coaching has fundamentally changed my life for the better. I’ve also seen it do the same for the hundreds of people we have worked with.
This article wasn’t written to discredit coaching when it’s done well. Rather, it was written to act as a useful guide to help people just like you to ensure that they work with a coach who will actually help them achieve positive change.
If you’re someone who is considering working with a coach, and you feel that one of the BU team could be the right fit for you, click HERE to organise a complimentary connection call.
Alternatively, you can find out more about our team HERE
