We take for granted that top athletes and executives have a coach. Someone to guide, support and challenge them to create the outcomes they want, whether it’s to win a championship or meet a sales goal. So why is it that we don’t all work with a coach? One of the reasons is because people think a coach is reserved for the elite, for people at the top of their game. So today I’m talking about that and tackling other myths about working with a coach, so you have a realistic understanding of what coaching is and if working with a coach is right for you.
Myth 1: Coaching is for people at the top of their field
Working with a coach can benefit people at all stages of their personal and professional life. Because coaching is focused on the individual coachee’s needs and desires, which a good coach will work with you to identify.
After that, they’ll help you develop strategies to achieve them, as well as address challenges you might face.
Over time your goals will change but the process remains the same regardless of your expertise, skill level or circumstance.
Myth 2: Coaching is for people with problems
Okay, so sometimes people with ‘problems’ turn to a coach but usually, it’s successful people that seek out a coach. Because a coach provides an effective guide to help them produce the results they want, faster and with more ease.
Importantly, what is common across all people working with a coach is that they have a growth mindset. They recognise they have the ability to change, even if they’re struggling or lacking self-confidence. This belief, when accompanied by effort and action, is what allows them to create the outcomes they desire.
Myth 3: It takes a long time to get results from coaching
False. One of the best things about coaching is that you can create meaningful results quickly, often in a single session.
Coaching also teaches you the tools to create outcomes and you can continue to use these tools over your lifetime in different circumstances as needed.
Myth 4: Coaching is expensive
As with anything, pricing varies but you’ll be pleased to know that coaching is more affordable than you might think.
Now I wouldn’t advise just going with the cheapest coach. Instead, I’d look at their experience, qualifications and style and see if they feel like the right fit. Look at their offerings – is a one-off program or ongoing coaching? From there consider the value that working with a coach will bring to your life.
Think about what tools you’ll gain and the value to your career and life if you had that guidance and support.
Would you be happier? More productive? Have the confidence to seek a payrise or promotion?
Myth 5: Working with a coach is the same as therapy
Therapy and coaching are two distinct and different fields. And while there is some overlap such as the use of questioning techniques, tackling challenging personal situations and focus on individual behaviours, they are not the same thing.
Perhaps the two key distinctions are:
- Coaching is future-focused. It is about what is possible, rather than dealing with issues from the past, which therapists do.
- Coaching is adaptable in terms of approaches and methodologies. Coaches come from a range of backgrounds and have varying training, which means that different coaches draw on different skill sets and experience. For this reason, finding the right coach that resonates with you is important. On the other hand, therapists have set qualifications and draw on defined protocols. This means they are better placed to deal with mental health issues.
Both coaching and therapy have a place but it depends on what you are trying to achieve, as to what professional is best suited to your needs. If you’re unsure this is a good article to help you.
Myth 6: I need to have specific goals to work with a coach
Some people start coaching with a clear goal or objective, but it is by no means a prerequisite.
For many people, coaching is a way to explore why they aren’t feeling fulfilled and the coaching process helps them to determine a path forward to more joy and alignment.
And for others yet, coaching is a way of ensuring their ongoing personal and/or professional development by regularly seeking ways to improve or tweak their life to have more success and happiness in their work and life.
So whatever stage of life you are in, coaching can benefit you!
I work as a coach helping women find happiness, success and alignment in work and life. If you’d like to find out how working with a coach might benefit you, click here to schedule a free call to find out more.