HOW NOT TO COACH
Coaching someone is a privilege, a joy, and extremely rewarding. Understandably, as a coach you want to be the best and feel you are really helping your clients. To be a committed, successful coach takes training, time and the ability to meet others where they are. It also takes courage to be able to explore areas that you and your clients find challenging.
But, in coaching there are pitfalls that are easy to get stuck in. We’ve put together some examples of coaching pitfalls in the short films below - each one followed by an explanation at the end of each film.
COACHING PITFALL: “It’s all your responsibility”
One of the most pervasive pitfalls for coaches at all levels. It’s helpful to see coaching as a partnership rather than a service you are providing, but that can feel a little radical, especially when you are being paid to support someone. Glyn Fussell and Corinna Powlesland demonstrate how NOT to coach in this short film.
COACHING PITFALL: “Please don’t cry - I don’t do emotions”
As a coach, understanding what your own relationship with emotion is and recognising that emotions are all part of what it means to be a human being - a whole person - is key. If you are uncomfortable with expressing emotion, acknowledge that, but don’t let that mean that your clients can not express theirs. Glyn Fussell and Corinna Powlesland demonstrate now NOT to coach in this short film.
COACHING PITFALL: “Ta-daaaaaaaaa” - over-reliance on clever exercises and tools
Whilst coaching models, tools and techniques can be very helpful on our coaching journey to ground practice and give confidence when coaching. Over-use though can dominate time spent with clients and lead to confusion. What is key is not allowing tools and techniques to take over, and with experience this becomes easier. Glyn Fussell and Corinna Powlesland demonstrate now NOT to coach in this short film.
COACHING PITFALL: “Shut up! - talking about yourself too much”
If you’ve been a CEO or senior leader, you may feel you need to impart your experience and wisdom to your clients, but if you are doing more than 20% of the talking in your client sessions, it’s too much and learning to just not talk will serve you well. There are other ways of using your skill, and remembering that coaching is different from mentoring. Glyn Fussell and Corinna Powlesland demonstrate now NOT to coach in this short film.
