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Although I’m not technically a new coach, I have the joy of working with some, and there’s one observation I can make:
There is almost always a Eureka moment when a person identifies with this thing called coaching – it doesn’t matter if it happened yesterday or 10 years ago. As invigorating as that moment is, what often happens next can deflate even the most determined new coach.
What’s a new coach to do in the face of hundreds of coach training schools, and dozens of coaching success books being published each quarter? Let’s not even get into the thousands upon thousands of dollars that could be spent on memberships, CDs, workbooks and workshops. Then there’s the prerogative to – get a website – decide on a business name – print business cards, etc. And of course there’s the task of finding a coach for your own dear self. Call it the New Coach Overwhelm Zone, shall we?
I’m interested in peeling this scenario apart a little, the better to see if there’s a cure, or perhaps there’s a better goal or question.
(1) So first, as a new coach, would you share your experience in the Overwhelm Zone? What emotions did you go through as you discovered the magnitude of resources available? How did you navigate the choices: using logic, with checklists and criteria? or instinct, going with what felt right? or something else? Maybe it was divine timing that led you to decide to train with XYZ program…or not.
(2) Next, I’d love to hear the positives and negatives as you perceive them, of having all this choice.
(3) And lastly, what do you wish could be different about your experience becoming a successful coach by your own definition? If you could have (had) X, it would be….what? If only something like Y existed…how might that look?
Veteran coaches, not to be left out, if you can even remember back that far – kidding - put your thinking caps on too please. Are there improvements we could suggest making through The Coaching Commons to change the experience of a newer coach? Remember The Commons is not just a think-tank: it has follow through capacity too, for the right ideas.
Personally I’m a proponent of the idea that ‘too much information is not always a good thing.’ Given that there IS so much information though, what can we do about it – sort? rank? otherwise organize? how? or do we leave well enough alone?
Thanks in advance – I can’t wait for your thoughts!
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There are 6 Responses so far...
Hi Andrea, I came across a timely blog this morning while exploring the web for the Chronicle of Coaching. Titled “Clobberin Overwhelm,” I thought of your topic and that this would perhaps be a dandy read for all of us who are always spinning the plates of life and work.
You can read or listen to the Clobberin Overwhelm blog at this web address:(http://truebalancelifecoaching.blogspot.com/2008/03/clobbering-overwhelm.html)
And just for fun, if you are unfamiliar with the term “plate spinning” you can see some major plate spinners at:
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okvq7gSRw9E&feature=related)
Great topic! I would offer that many of us feel overwhelmed at times these days, no matter how much experience we have. I think that part of why coaching has come on the scene now and with such force is in response to the need to develop at so many levels and to adapt continuously. Given what we know about how people develop expertise, it may be important to make distinctions — hey, we are coaches after all! — between the sources and characteristics of overwhelm at each level of development.
For example, the beginner may feel overwhelmed in trying to remember all he was taught in his training program when dealing with his first actual clients. A veteran coach may feel overwhelmed in trying to sort through market trends, web 2.0 options, and increasingly complex client situations. If there are distinctions to be made, then perhaps there are at least some differences in the path to resolution.
My last thought comes from a conversation I had with Bill Bergquist about his chapter with Vikki Brock in our coaching anthology (The Philosophy and Practice of Coaching). I suggested that overwhelm could be thought of as a clash between two human drives: manage anxiety and seek meaning. What do you think?
Thanks David and Linda, for your additions. I agree overwhelm is impacting us all; just thinking about all the ways we are overwhelmed is a little stressful!
So in keeping with radical possibilities, I wonder what you all think of something like this:
What if there was an assessment-like website. Fairly thorough in the nature of the questions but not an onerous thing to fill out for newer coaches. Or old-timers for that matter. Questions include things like: (1) Rank the following 5 methods in the order you most prefer to learn. (2) In pursuing your coach training, is your priority to begin earning money quickly or take sure solid steps to build a foundation of knowledge? (3) As for your financial goals, what kind of coaching business would you like to build within your first year? (4) How much time do you have available each week for training? (5) Are you able to travel?
Etc. Obviously some most excellent thinking can go into this.
Then, as a result of the answers submitted, a recommendation or series of suggestions is generated. Top three suggestions for coach training organizations that match the person. The same could be done for certification or other pillars of a new coach’s life that typically cause overwhelm.
Thoughts?
Hmmm, Andrea and David, perhaps the idea of partnering newer coaches with veteran coaches in a mentoring capacity would be of benefit to both. With the exchange of veteran experience and newer trendsavvy, it could be a win-win for both sides. Each perspective offers intellectual wealth for the other. Is anyone doing this?
One goal in mind and one step at a time is how I am facing the New Coach Overwhelm Zone(NCOZ) and a dose of Beginner’s Mind have kept me focused and moving forward.
I’ve been coaching for about 2 years though this January enrolled in the Evidence Based Coaching program Fielding Graduate Institute…so yes, I’ve really relied on reflecting on the following questions: What feels right for me? What information can I use immediately? How can I leverage my experience and parlay that with the theory and practice I get with the program?
These queries and trusting my gut guide me during this Overwhelm Zone of “Yikes, how much more information can I take in!” mode.
A mentor would be most helpful particularly in thinking about the business development side…thanks for the opportunity to talk (this is my first post and first visit to the website–I feel like I’ve hit the Lotto! Best, Joann
I have been coaching for about 1.5 years. I took my coach training through the Coach Training Alliance. I have been working as a quality systems consultant for over ten years and have a background in adult education instructional development and design.
My long term plan is to transition my practice from it’s current 85% consulting/15% coaching to 80 coaching/20 consulting in the next five years. In my consulting practice I use formal process tools for problem solving/goal setting with groups and individuals.
Sometimes I get frustrated when I am coaching because I want to use these tools to attack the problem being discussed rather than let the group control the flow of the discussion. I am confident in my EQ, but have less confidence in my “Coaching Skills”.
Any suggestions of reading materials to help me better understand the coaching skill set?
Tom Arneson