Fake news seems to be plaguing every industry today – and business coaching is no different. “Fake news” is basically stories that appear to be real news but which are actually false. It is an evolution from negative rumours and idle gossip that has been given a huge platform by the invention, and spread of, the internet. Unfortunately, all too often, fake news is accepted as the truth – this post is designed to expose five of the biggest fake news features about business coaching.
Coaching is for sports teams
There’s no doubt that coaching works in a sporting environment, whether for teams or individual athletes. However, it’s also an incredibly powerful tool across many other sectors too. Almost anyone in any role can benefit from the support of a specialist, an objective perspective and having someone on your side who simply won’t let you give up. Whether you’re aiming to row at the Olympics or grow your business to the next stage, coaching can help you to do it.
Coaching is costly and difficult to quantify
In fact, the impact of business coaching is often difficult not to notice – it can be terrifically transformative. Estimates of the return on investment you will see from business coaching can be anywhere, from 750% to 1500% – often within just six months. Quantifying the impact of business coaching relies on two key metrics: the quality of the relationship between coach and client and the impact on business results. A quick look at either will usually show why the idea that coaching is costly and unquantifiable is seriously fake news.
Only execs benefit from coaching
Coaching delivers benefits at all levels and there has been a significant increase in investment in coaching for more junior employees, such as line mangers. This may be designed to help managers learn how to handle teams, or give individuals more perspective when it comes to where to add value – the overall impact is that both the employee and the business feel the benefit as a result.
Coaches deal in questions, not solutions
Although asking the right questions is a key component in providing a great coaching service, the specialist knowledge a business coach has can also be essential to impart. The key is to achieve the balance between giving the client the tools required to make progress themselves and recognising when expert input is going to deliver the most desirable outcome.
This type of support isn’t required by high achievers
In fact, the opposite is true. High achievers who receive coaching can go on to achieve even more spectacular results. Both under performers and those who are already exceeding expectations can benefit significantly from the support of a coach, whether that’s to help overcome specific obstacles and performance issues or to define new goals to reach for.
Business coaching can deliver incredible results for enterprises and individuals alike – from achieving improvement to reaching new goals, the potential is considerable. Get in touch today to find out if we’d be a good fit to work together.
