5 Reasons Coaching is an “ick” word

I was reading some comments on a forum I participate in and someone commented that “Coaching is such an *ick* word” and that comment got me wondering.

When people ask me, “So Suellen, what do you do?” I NEVER say “I’m a Coach”, instead I say things like “I inspire people to make life changes” or “I offer wellness and lifestyle services for people wanting to kick start their best life” or something along those lines depending on who’s asking.

Why don’t I just say “I’m a Coach”? Well here’s just a few reasons:

1. It’s too vague


I'm a Coach

There are many different types of coaches. I could be a Sports Coach, Health Coach, Business Coach, Life Coach or even a bus or a handbag 😉

The definitions get blurry but here’s a rough guide:

• Business Coach – works with SMEs (usually) on improving business performance
• Executive Coach – works with managers on improving personal / team performance
• Career Coach – help people with their career or career problems
• Sports Coach – train sportspeople to become better at their game
• Health Coach – helps individuals manage health (especially chronic illness)
• Life Coach – also called Personal Coach, works with people on their personal development

Tip: Some coaches do a mix so just describe what change you’d like to make and don’t worry to much about the label.

2. It’s not clear what a Coach does

Unless you’ve worked with a Coach, then you probably don’t really know what they do. It’s open to interpretation and most people won’t ask for clarification.

In a nutshell, a Coach supports you through a change. It might be taking your business to the next level; achieving a personal best sporting performance; achieving personal or team objectives; losing weight; finding your way out of a rut.

Tip: A great coach, inspires you to achieve more than you believe possible.

3. It’s considered woowoo!

Some people lump coaches, counsellors, psychologists and witch doctors in the same category. They just think it’s all woowoo and don’t want to go there.

For some people, they think they need to work everything out for themselves and think it’s weak to get support. Other people prefer to keep things close and don’t like the idea of opening up to a stranger.

Tip: Enlightened people know that support is good and progress is made when we tackle the hard stuff.

4. Every man and his dog seems to be a Coach

Coaching is a growing profession even though it’s been around for at least 20 years. It may seem like there are lots of coaches, because there are, just like there are lots of consultants, builders, teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs…

If you were to engage the services of one of these other professions, you’d probably check them out first. Do the same with a coach. Check out their qualifications, experience, testimonials and expertise.

Tip: Make sure you feel comfortable from the first conversation. Trust your gut.

5. It’s soft and fluffy

Well, it can be but it doesn’t have to be. Coaches have different styles and some people like soft and fluffy. If you’re not one of them, find a coach who is hard and coarse 😉

If you can’t stand phrases like “I will guide you through your mystical transformation” or “empowering you to live a life of meaning and purpose” or “discover your inner harmony” (these are just a few I found doing a quick Google search) then don’t choose that person as your coach!

Tip: Engage a coach who talks your language because chances are you’ll be much more likely to listen.

What’s your experience of coaching?
Ever used a Coach? If so, what for? How was it?
What change would you consider engaging a coach to help you with?