Coaching Misconceptions

Anybody can hang out their shingle and be a coach
Coaching is still quite new, and as of yet is not regulated so this is somewhat true. The International Coach Federation is the most prominent coaching body in North America. The organization has developed a set of professional and ethical standards for coaches, and it subscribes to a rigorous accreditation process. When looking for a coach, you want to see her individual credentials, and make sure that you are a good match. (Read more about Holt Communications expertise).

What makes the coach an expert in my life?
You, not your coach, are the expert on your life. It is the task of the coach to ask questions that will bring you closer to knowing who you are and what matters to you.

Doesn't a coach just sit, nod and sometimes throw a question in for good measure?
Well, partially true. A good coach is a good listener, and while she is sitting and nodding, she is listening for many things, not least of which is what is not being said. You would be amazed how a bit of reflection propels you to further action. And, yes, a coach asks questions. Powerful questions such as:

• What are you learning?
• How does this action fit with your values?
• What will you think about this decision five years from now?

Coaching is a fad: it’ll go as quickly as it came.
There is an increasing body of evidence regarding the growth of coaching as a profession as clients are recognizing the benefits of coaching, and promoting it further. For example, eighty percent of executives say they think they would benefit from coaching at work and dismiss the suggestion that coaching is just another fad (Chartered Management Institute and Campaign for Learning: Coaching at Work, 2002)

Coaching over the phone is not nearly as effective as coaching face-to-face.
Try it next time you are on the phone. Close your eyes and really listen to the person on the other end of the line. Don’t let yourself be distracted by what is happening around you, by the PC monitor or by the noise coming from the street. Focus and you’ll be surprised what you hear. As for the facts: research suggests that up to 38% of all information is derived from vocal intonation, and that only 7% of information is conveyed verbally.

More questions or doubts? We want to know and respond. Contact us for a no-obligation sample coaching session.