When is a Coach not a Coach?

I threw a bit of a hissy fit the other day!

Whilst perusing one of the local business publications, I came across a company promoting its services, amongst which it listed 'business coaching'. Now, I know this particular organisation well, therefore I know that they are not 'business coaches' by any stretch of the imagination. This set me thinking about all the other companies I've come across lately who appear to be jumping on the same bandwagon and who, frankly, would struggle to coach a business out of a paper bag!!

I'm not one for maligning the competition, so I'm not going to name names. However, life is tough out there at the moment, whether you're a business looking for support to get through the current economic crisis, or whether you're a REAL coach looking to provide that support.


So, I'd like to offer a few thoughts as to what a good coach will and won't do for you, your people, or your business - so you can make an informed decision before handing over your hard-earned money to a wrong 'un!



The Won'ts

• A coach won't come into your business, spend a day interrogating you and your team, then come back at you with a glossy report telling you where you're going wrong and what they want you to do about it.
• A coach won't tell you where you should be with your business, or how to get there.
• Nor will they spend significant chunks of time floating around in your business on a regular and ongoing basis, ensuring your ship is in order and that you don't make any critical decisions without them.

There are lots of names for people who offer this type of service - some of them perfectly legitimate. BUT, they are NOT coaches!



The Wills

• A coach will work with you to help you identify your strengths, goals and objectives.
• A coach will help you design your own action plans, that fit with your timescales and commitments.
• A coach will hold a series of review meetings, lasting 1-2 hours, the purpose of which is to help you monitor your own progress, support you in identifying obstacles and creating your own solutions, whilst encouraging you to stretch your boundaries.

Ask yourself a simple question before engaging in any ‘coaching’ contract: Is this person telling me how to run my own business? Or am I being encouraged to retain ownership, accountability and responsibility, whilst being supported in finding the best way forward for my business?

In short, it’s do it their way versus finding your own way… Simples!!