Over the past years, the growth of coaching has exploded. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, people were beginning to engage with coaching in their private lives, and companies were starting to integrate coaching into their HR practices, but after the pandemic, it just exploded. An article from SHRM states, “Virtual Coaching Takes Off.” “A study by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) found that the number of coach practitioners around the world grew by 33 percent between 2015 and 2020. The number of leaders and managers in organizations who used coaching services rose by an estimated 46 percent over the same period.” This is a perfect example of how coaching is growing.
Some specific trends are emerging from this growth. Forbes states in their article “15 Professional Coaching Trends From Past Year Will Carry Into 2023” “ Many new trends in professional coaching emerged in 2022, thanks to new technology and changing industry standards. These exciting new developments came about as businesses explored alternative work models and the growing adoption of tools such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Now, they will help shape the coaching industry in the year ahead.”
Even with this growth and emerging trends, there are still some confusing factors around coaching. When I meet with someone for the first time, I often get, “Well, how are you going to fix me?”. Let’s talk about the difference between coaching vs mentoring. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) describes it like this:
“Coaching is…
Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
Coaching is not …
• Mentoring. A mentor advises a less experienced professional drawing from the mentor’s personal experience. Instead, coaching taps into the inner wisdom of the client to set their own path.
• Therapy. While therapy addresses mental illness or explores issues from a patient’s past, coaching is solutions-oriented with a focus on the future.
• Consulting. A consultant advises a person or organization on a strategic approach driven by expertise in a field, whereas a coach is a partner in heightening awareness and clarity to help a client find their own solutions.
As you can see, coaching has a very specific definition. My business name is “The Genuine Mentor.” I Coach in general and Mentor around specific subjects, but I am not a therapist or a consultant. In our first session, we will determine which method is right for your plans. Mentoring is a longer-term agreement, but coaching can be periodic sessions when you see fit.
From ICF “Inspiring Change”
I have 25 years of experience coaching managers while working for the same company over the past 35 years. Currently, I am in the process of getting my ICF accreditation to advance my skills. The process of getting a PCC accreditation designation takes almost a year of class work and 500 hours of coaching, independent of my current company. The ICF credentials show dedication to the coaching position and, hopefully, a sense of credibility with the clients. To get my 500 hours, I am offering a discounted rate. Once I gain the accreditation, my rates will go up.
To conclude the discussion of Coaching vs. Mentoring, there is a difference between the two processes. Both are a relationship between the coach and client, and there must be trust and openness. Either process is designed to help the client achieve something they desire. This partnership may include some hard conversations. I am “genuine” in my views and conversations. I will work to dig out the reality of what you may or may not want to hear. In my years of management, I have learned that being open and honest, regardless of how hard to hear, is the only way to help people grow.
Steve
Comments