As the popularity of coaching rises, both personally and professionally, so do the myths surrounding this resource.
All Personal coaches are professionals.
While many coaches are trained professionals, the rise in popularity of coaching has led to a flood of coaches entering the landscape. As a result, not all coaches are created equal. In fact, there is a credentialing and accreditation process for coaches provided by the International Coach Federation and other professional coach organizations.
It’s a nice employment perk.
It’s becoming more of a great way to achieve the results an organization desires rather than a perk. There is a difference between a mentor in an organization and a coach. We all need mentors, but they are not a coach. Mentors develop their mentee to become better employees for the organization, often pushing the company agenda. Coaches help the person being coached become a better version of themselves, allowing the person being coached to determine the agenda.
Personal coaches are for personal challenges; professional coaches are for business challenges.
A good coach will help you in a holistic way, that is, addressing the whole person. While they will help you address your needs and challenges at work, they will also help you process the impact of personal challenges at work and the impact of work challenges on your personal life.
Coaching is for “problem” employees.
In fact, problem employees are often the worst people to invest your coaching resources into, instead let the organizational leaders address issues with the employee. Employees who are on the emerging front are often the easiest to coach and see the most results. Coaching works when you are committed to the process.
It takes too much time.
It’s true that coaching is a process that takes time, often years, to create maximum impact. However, HGC coaches typically meet with the person being coached 2x/month. This is a small investment in becoming a better version of yourself.
Do you have a coach? Are you interested in exploring how coaching can help you increase your impact?
Post contributed by Dave Vogelpohl, HGC Coaching Catalyst.
