7 myths about coaching (and why they couldn’t be further from the truth)
Every single coach we know, including everyone on our team, came to coaching because they’ve seen the impact coaching can have on someone, both personally and professionally.
If you haven’t been through a coaching programme before, you might have your doubts about its impact. And you might even have heard (or shared) some of these reservations about coaching:
Myth 1: Coaching is only for those struggling
Coaching is not a last resort or reserved only for those struggling or feeling stuck. It’s a proactive choice for those seeking continuous growth and wanting to better themselves so they don’t get to a point where they’re stalling. From high-performing executives to ambitious entrepreneurs, coaching provides a confidential space for individuals to refine their skills, expand their perspectives, and achieve even greater success.
Myth 2: Coaching is a Quick Fix
Coaching is not a magic wand that instantly solves all of your problems. It is a journey of self-discovery and development that requires time and commitment. We have worked with clients who weren’t ready for coaching, or weren’t really prepared for the commitment it takes to see results, and that is never a good match. Coaches facilitate introspection, provide guidance, and support individuals in implementing sustainable changes over the long term - and clients need to put in the work to see proper results.
Myth 3: Coaches Have All the Answers
Coaches are not all-knowing gurus who provide ready-made solutions. Instead, they serve as skilled facilitators, asking powerful questions, and guiding clients to uncover their own answers. Coaches leverage their expertise to challenge assumptions, offer fresh perspectives, and empower individuals to find their unique path to success. Quite often, our job as coaches is to highlight the issue, as that in itself can be enough for our clients to want to make a change.
Myth 4: Coaching is Expensive
Coaching is an investment, for sure. But the industry has evolved to offer various options, including group coaching, on demand coaching, and flexible pricing structures. The long-term benefits and personal growth achieved through coaching often outweigh the initial financial investment. We will soon be offering courses for clients to consume at their own pace, which will make the investment even more affordable.
Myth 5: Coaching is Therapy in Disguise
Coaching and therapy are very different. Coaching primarily focuses on the future, setting goals, and taking action, while therapy delves into past traumas and emotional healing. Coaches help individuals gain clarity, develop strategies, and hold them accountable, without addressing deep-rooted psychological issues. Coaches aren’t trained to deal with deep trauma, and while we help clients acknowledge how that trauma manifests itself in their day to day lives, we are not the right people to help them resolve the root cause of that trauma.
Myth 6: Coaching is for Weak Leaders
Coaching is not a sign of weakness but a testament to a leader's commitment to growth and self-improvement. Even the most accomplished leaders can benefit from coaching to enhance their skills, expand their leadership toolkit, and tackle new challenges with confidence and resilience. In fact, most strong leaders shoulder so much responsibility and are constantly figuring out way to shield their teams from every day stresses which leads to them taking on way too much responsibility. Having a coach can lessen the impact of leading on their mental health, and boost their performance in the long run.
Myth 7: Coaching is One-Size-Fits-All
Coaching is a highly personalised process tailored to individual needs and goals. Coaches adapt their approaches and methodologies to align with the unique circumstances and aspirations of each client. Customised coaching ensures relevance, effectiveness, and tangible results. That’s why 1:1 coaching is so sought after and despite the rise in group coaching.
In short, we think having a coach is like having your own hidden superpower. Coaches are there to troubleshoot, cheerlead, and creatively problem solve whatever comes up for you on a day to day basis. They’re there behind the scenes making sure you have what you need to be at your peak performance wise.
If you’d like a confidential conversation about bringing coaching to your organisation, let’s chat.
6. Real-life success stories showcasing the transformative power of leadership coaching
To give you a flavour of the impact of leadership coaching, here are some real life examples that showcase the improvement in critical KPIs across multiple businesses:
Increased Employee Engagement: A global manufacturing company implemented leadership coaching programs for its mid-level managers. After a year of coaching, employee engagement scores increased by 20%. The coaching helped managers develop stronger leadership skills, leading to improved communication, trust, and motivation within their teams.
Enhanced Productivity and Performance: A technology startup invested in leadership coaching for its executive team. Over the course of six months, the company experienced a 30% increase in productivity and a significant improvement in key performance indicators. The coaching helped executives streamline processes, optimize team dynamics, and enhance decision-making capabilities.
Higher Retention Rates: A healthcare organization introduced leadership coaching for its department heads. Within a year, the turnover rate decreased by 25%. Coaching enabled the leaders to strengthen their management skills, build stronger relationships with their teams, and create a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention.
Improved Sales Results: A sales team in a retail company underwent leadership coaching to enhance their sales skills and effectiveness. The team saw a 15% increase in sales revenue within six months of coaching implementation. The coaching helped the sales representatives refine their techniques, overcome obstacles, and build stronger customer relationships.
Organizational Growth and Expansion: A professional services firm provided leadership coaching to its senior executives during a period of expansion. As a result, the company successfully expanded into new markets, increasing its revenue by 40% in two years. The coaching enabled executives to develop strategic thinking, adaptability, and effective leadership to navigate the challenges of growth
