Last week got a call from a friend asking for a reference to some coaches from a particular industry background. He wanted one of his senior Manager who is having problem dealing with other colleagues to be coached by external person. He wanted the external person to coach the Manger and give him a report on the progress.
This made me think about the common Myths that exist in the industry about coaching as a process. In this article I have tried to debunk 5 most popular myths that I have come across.
Myth 1: Coaching is only for people with a Problem
“Coaching is all about carefully crafted conversations that offers insights to help us improve”.
These were the words of Roger Federer the most successful players of all time.
Coaching is a process of understanding ourselves through a series of conversations with a trained coach who can partner with the client in the journey of self realisation. The most successful people have to manage many time pressures and susceptible to stress. A coach can help them to understand the purpose and prioritise things.
Myth 2: You need to be a subject matter expert (domain knowledge) to coach
“Coaching goes by the premise that the solution lies in the origin of the Problem”
Coaching is more about who of the person and not as much about what they do. This is the point where coaching differs from Mentoring. Mentors need to be from the same domain as they have to tell the clients on what to do and how to do. Whereas a Coach ask some relevant questions to make the client realize what they want to do.
Myth 3: It is a Risk to open out fully to a coach
“Should never hide anything to a Doctor, Lawyer & a Coach”
Credentialed Coaches are governed by the “Ethics & Standards” of the International Coaching Federation. They start the coaching session with a commitment to maintain confidentiality of the issues being discussed in the coaching session. So it is perfectly fine to open out and share the concerns / issues during a coaching session. Even the sponsor will get to know the progress only from the client and not the coach.
Myth 4: Coaching is only for Senior Management personnel in an Organisation
“Every Human being has a need to develop themselves”
Coaching is a process of developing an individual for their optimal performance. It really doesn’t matter which level they are in the organisation, as long as they commit themselves for their development. Coaching at an early stage can help potential managers to realise themselves and take necessary developmental actions to be successful in their career.
Myth 5: Coaching is a Time Consuming process.
“ Lasting Transformation Takes time”
Of all the above myths this might be one that may look to be true. But we are talking about inner transformation of a person which lasts for a longer time. Is there any other process apart from a traumatic experience which can bring about lasting change in the behavior of a person. It takes time to create a habit and takes a longer time to overcome the habit. We need to persevere with the process if we want the changing to the transformational.
Coaching is a Life Transforming Event which needs to be Experienced to be understood
