The downfall of the coaching industry in the UK can be traced back to the Growth Accelerator program.
This government initiative injected a significant amount of money into local government, which, in turn, hired ‘mentors’ to provide coaching to businesses. Unfortunately, this program led to a flood of individuals, often executives or failed business owners, attempting to become coaches without the proper skills and experience.
They saw the Growth Accelerator from a distance and assumed coaching was an easy way to make a quick buck. The reality is, business coaching is far from easy.
Let me explain why…
I’ve heard stories of Growth Accelerator coaches falling asleep during coaching sessions, causing harm to businesses across the country because they lacked the expertise needed.
In contrast, today, we have dedicated professionals in the coaching industry. They are passionate about coaching as their full-time profession. Some even run their businesses alongside coaching, which is commendable. However, when choosing a coach, I recommend selecting someone who lives and breathes this field every day.
Opt for a coach who has put in the hard work, learned the intricacies of business, and fought to become the best coach they can be. They’ve invested blood, sweat, and tears into their profession, and it shows.
People often ask me about consultants and mentors and the differences between them. Let me break it down for you:
Consultants – These are professionals you should pay for specific expertise. For example, an IT consultant can help improve your technology systems, while an accountant serves as a tax consultant. The key is to see a clear return on investment (ROI).
Mentors – They are individuals who have been through the same challenges you’re facing and want to give back by sharing their experiences. You don’t need to pay them, as they may not provide tangible results, but their insights can be valuable. However, remember that their advice may only be relevant to your situation about 30% of the time because your circumstances differ from theirs.
Coaches – A coach’s primary trade is to guide you, teach you, and hold you accountable for your business’s growth. It’s a professional service, and you should expect a clear ROI.
Now, ask yourself: Would you rather be coached by someone who’s been successful in their own business once, or by someone who has a track record of guiding numerous businesses to success? Learning from other coaches and businesses can be incredibly valuable.
Lastly, let’s talk about the “Shit Filter” in business. As a business owner, you deal with a lot of challenges and problems, some easier to address than others. The tough, complex issues often land on your plate.
Imagine a filter system within your business, where the easy tasks and problems are handled by your team, while the hard stuff and the “shit” are left for you to deal with. If you work with a professional business coach like me, I’m here to tackle those super challenging issues with you.
Over the years, I’ve helped clients navigate these complex problems and supported them in finding better solutions. My role is to assist business owners in solving these intricate challenges and, eventually, to help them build teams that can handle the tough stuff without them.
The ultimate goal in business is to delegate responsibilities effectively, ensuring that you don’t have to deal with all the “shit” yourself. I’ve had the privilege of guiding many business owners through this process, helping them reach their goals and succeed in the long run.
