As we approach the festive season, a time filled with cheerful decorations, mince pies, and the inevitable annual debates over the best Christmas films, you might find yourself in the market for a coach. Perhaps you’re looking to elevate your leadership skills, navigate complex challenges, or simply find someone who can help you make sense of it all when you return in the New Year.
Before you dive into the world of coaching, let’s navigate this merry maze together with some tongue-in-cheek guidance. Here’s your festive checklist of what to avoid when selecting a coach. It’s all about ensuring that your coaching experience is as fulfilling as your favourite Christmas feast—no undercooked turkeys allowed!
1. The Interrogator
Beware of coaches who make you feel like you’re undergoing a police interview. If someone starts firing probing questions like, “Why did you make that choice?” instead of gently guiding you to reflect, it’s time to move on. You want a collaboration, not a courtroom drama!
2. The Self-Proclaimed Expert
Keep an eye out for the coach who uses every session to regale you with their own tales of triumph. If you hear “I did it this way” more times than a festive radio jingle, consider that a red flag—unless, of course, you enjoy hearing about their business successes more than your own development.
3. The Blame Game Lover
A good coach will help you focus on what you can control. If they start pointing fingers at external circumstances—your team’s performance, the economy, or even the weather—then they’re missing the point. Look for someone who empowers you rather than enabling excuses.
4. The Jargon Junkie
If your potential coach begins weaving a tapestry of incomprehensible jargon, run for the hills! Your sessions should be as clear as a crisp winter morning, not laced with buzzwords that make you feel like you’re lost in a corporate snowstorm.
5. The Commitment Demander
Watch out for coaches who insist on an excessive number of sessions over a prolonged period. A good coach should be able to create significant impact in just a handful of sessions—think around six! If they’re pushing for endless meetings with no clear end in sight, it’s a sign they might be more interested in locking you into dependency rather than helping you achieve your goals.
6. The Harsh Critic
If you prefer constructive feedback that leaves you feeling motivated, steer clear of coaches who lead with their criticisms. A skilled coach will guide you gently, helping you improve without making you feel like you’ve just unwrapped the most disappointing gift at the office party.
7. The Rhetorical Question Machine
Avoid those who lean on rhetorical questions as a coaching tactic. Questions like “Why can’t you see this is a bad idea?” serve no purpose other than to make you feel defeated. You want someone who asks the right questions to help you unlock your own potential.
8. The Advice Monster
When someone leaps at the chance to dispense advice, remember that great coaching is about helping you find your own answers. If your coach isn’t encouraging you to discover solutions independently, they’re not the partner you want by your side.
9. The Over-Talker
Silence can be golden in coaching. If you find a coach who fills every pause with chatter, it’s like someone blaring holiday tunes at a quiet gathering; it can be distracting and prevent you from thinking deeply. Seek a coach who knows when to allow a moment of quiet reflection.
10. The Accountability Avoider
A good coach should challenge you to follow through on your commitments. If they seem hesitant to hold you accountable or let you off the hook too easily, you might end up as lost as a modern Santa’s sleigh!
11. The Leaky Bucket
Confidentiality is paramount in coaching. If your potential coach hints at recording conversations or sharing your coaching discussions with your boss or anyone else, it’s a major breach of trust. Look for someone who respects your privacy and treats your sessions as a safe space.
12. The Confused Therapist
Finally, be cautious of coaches who stray into therapeutic terrain. If they start addressing deep-rooted emotional struggles instead of focusing on professional growth, it might be time for you to suggest they are not right for you. Straying into therapy without being properly qualified is dangerous and unethical.
In conclusion, as you navigate the festive season and consider bringing a coach into your leadership journey, keep this list handy. With a little awareness, you can ensure that your coaching experience is more uplifting than a Christmas cracker joke—and may your new partnership lead to insights as satisfying as a perfectly baked mince pie! Happy hunting, and may your coaching journey be merry and bright!
PS: And unless you need coaching around your Santa performance or business plan, maybe you should avoid coaches in Santa outfits 🙂
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