Ever since American television actor Charlie Sheen hired a “sobriety coach” after a front-page story in November (reportedly to assist in steering him away from drug and alcohol use), professional coaching has once again been pulled into the media limelight.
The real story is not about Sheen’s wild lifestyle but that people all over the world, from Hollywood playboys to stay-at-home moms and corporate executives to church-planters to college students, are working with professional coaches. Circumstances may vary but people of every age and race have utilized coaching over the last decade.
People hire coaches for an array of reasons, but according to the new ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study, the most common reasons people hire coaches are to:
- Improve work performance;
- Expand career opportunities; and
- Increase self-esteem.
Other reasons noted in the study were to improve business management strategies and manage work/life balance.
The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training.
Individuals who engage in a coaching relationship can expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles.
