- Training is unnecessary and doesn’t matter.
- Any coach can effectively coach any client.
- Coaches give advice and suggestions.
Okay – the first two claims are crazy and the third one is a common misunderstanding.
- Training is unnecessary and doesn’t matter.
What makes me say this is a crazy claim? Think about it – who hires a professional that claims training is unnecessary? That claim in and of itself screams a lack of professionalism. In addition to professional service providers being trained, they also have ongoing continuing education that is required. Think about it – attorneys, accountants, financial planners, counselors, therapists, psychologists, doctors, Human Resource leaders, professionals in talent development, project management, change management, and organizational development all have training. An untrained coach is someone who wants to help people without the expertise to serve in that role.
- Any coach can effectively coach any client.
What makes this a crazy claim? First is the reality that different clients prefer different personalities. Next is the fact that when a client seeks a coach, they want to know the coach understands their world and how to achieve what they want. The nuance to this is that the coach must be trained to use their knowledge to inform questions instead of to lead or tell.
- Coaches give advice and suggestions.
This is a common misunderstanding. It is founded in the reality that we are accustomed to sports coaches, or other skill-based coaches, who tell what to do, give advice, and make suggestions. Coaching is also, unfortunately, commonly mis-portrayed in the media. The truth is, that for professional coaches who are trained and follow the Code of Ethics, giving advice or suggestions is unethical.
The true value in coaching happens when a trained professional is appropriately matched with a client, then partners with that client so they discover their own answers.
