Over the the past few years we have witnessed a hijacking. A robbery in broad day light. The offender didn’t move slowly in the night. The “crime” happened right before our very eyes, right under our noses. The Life Coaching industry has well and truly been hijacked by a mix of get rich quick marketeers, charlatans and inexperienced amateurs filled with hyperbole. The sound of cash registers (Ka-ching) has attracted a mercurial band of individuals and organisations who now disguise themselves as industry “experts”, just so they can make a fast buck.

This has resulted in a very skewed perception by potential clients, customers and commissioners of both coaching and coaching courses. Cynicism is at a all time high and the danger is that people who could really benefit from the services of a skilled Coach are being denied the opportunity. When I “entered” the field in 2001 the most common response to the question “Have you considered Life Coaching training?” was either a blank face or an inquisitive “What’s that?”. Now you’re more likely to get a slap in the face than a blank face. How have things become so horribly wrong?

In my opinion at least some of the blame rests with the multitude of coach training providers. Hyped up claims about how becoming a Life Coach will bring you a life of easy income from a home based business. Turned into a nightmare of more and more courses as well intentioned people spiralled down well lubricated sales funnels. We’ve all seen the all too familiar “FREE one day introduction to coaching course. Followed by the full paid course and “now that you’re a coach you’re going to need our “How to get clients course”. What about our new course on “using social media to promote your coaching practice” course and don’t forget our specialist Read more »