Top 10 professional life coaching myths

(MoneyWatch) 

Life coaching is all the rage. Harvard Business Review reports that coaching is a $1 billion a year industry, but just what is a personal coach, professional coach, or life coach and why are so many executives and individuals using them to catapult their careers, break free from 9-5 jobs, and to create better, more fulfilling, richer lives?

First, what is a professional coach? The International Coach Federation (ICF) -- the leading global coaching organization and professional association for coaches -- defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential."

Second, who's using coaches? In a 2009 study of the professional coaching industry by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), they found that coaching was used by 90% of organizations surveyed and that even in the economic downturn, 70% report that they are increasing or maintaining their commitment to coaching. Coaching is clearly popular, but what does a professional coach do?

As with any growing profession, there can be a lot of confusion. To help distinguish fact from fiction, click through the pages to read the top 10 personal coaching myths...

Top 10 Professional Life Coaching Myths

Myth #1: Life coaches are professionals who can help you achieve your goals.

Fact: Some, but certainly not all coaches are professionals who can help you reach your goals. One of the problems in the coaching industry is that anyone can call themselves a professional coach, life coach, personal coach, etc. Jennifer Corbin, the president of Coach U, one of the largest and oldest coach training organizations in the world, has said, "Technically, anyone can hang up a shingle as coaching is not regulated. Many people 'coaching' have no idea what coaching is as they haven't been trained or haven't been coached by a professionally trained and credentialed coach. There are 'schools' that will offer a credential after three hours of training and people read a book or watch a TV program and decide 'I'm a coach!'" As a result, the quality of coaches vary dramatically. I strongly suggest working with a coach that has been accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF). The ICF provides independent certification that is the benchmark for the professional coaching industry.

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[24hourwealth]

Terrific article, well researched and filled out, although it seemed to end on a joke instead of a conclusion! It is good to see that Robert Pagliarini is a Certified Financial Planner with a background in hard numbers, data, ROI, business and investment. There's nothing wrong with the more "airy-fairy" coaches, but it can be hard to justify the investment when you cannot measure it. Like Robert, I started out in the left-brained areas of analytical financial planning and business, then later discovered the psychology of right-mindedness, happiness and fulfilment. Can you teach a mortgage broker, tax accountant, financial adviser or stock broker to meditate, seek peace and be happy in their relationships (both workplace and personal)? The answer seems to be a resounding YES, and it also seems to pay for itself financially as well as emotionally. More happiness, less stress, less sick days, more office cohesion: I am loving this!
Jeremy Britton

[TexasRICH6]

If the benefits associated with coaching are even half what the article suggests the investment in coach gives a great ROI and ROE...return on energy.

Do you know any pro sports team without a coach? Did you have a coach in high school and/or college? So when you need a coach the most i.e. running a business where do you get your game plan, hold yourself accountable to implementing what you know and remain motivated to do the small things today that gets you the big dreams tomorrow especially when the going gets tough?

We coach over 18,000 business owners a week globally through a 1000 offices through the boom/bust economic cycles, dozens of industry segments, various cultures & languages and all types of owner personalities. So we know coaching works...the question is whether it's right for the business owner? We know what it takes to get through the time, team and money challenges that get in the way of predictable profits and productivity. So if the business owner is committed to growth then determine whether coaching is right for them.

[lalipredebon]

Even though coaching has many successful cases, I am extremely concerned about the situation exposed in myth #1. All around, calling yourself a coach has become trendy and fashion in the business world. Coaching courses cost a LOT - not surprised many people start coaching without attending one. I live in Brazil and I could say there are many coaches here that aren't even aware of certain important psychology concepts; however, as psychologists, they deal with deep aspects of the human being. I'm afraid it may become more of self help - dare I question how far self help is from brainwashing.

[shawerlander]

As the co-founder of a leadership coaching and consulting firm, with a partner who is an ICF certified coach that completed his coaching education at Georgetown, I greatly appreciate this article. You did a wonderful job giving credibility to our young profession. I can understand how the myths form with so many people just calling themselves a coach because they think they know what to tell people to do. As the industry grows I look forward to changes prohibiting just anyone from assigning themselves the title to not only protect the industry, but also the consumers of coaching services. A good certified coach can produce amazing results. We encourage everyone to do their homework before hiring a coach and ask for a free session to ensure a good fit. Thank you. Sara Hawerlander, Lightbox Leadership