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Id come of age as a professional in the 1990sthe era of rightsizing, downsizing and reengineering. And Id personally handled the layoff or reorganization of over 1000 people. Id also done high level consulting, where again I was working on projects to streamline processes and improve profits while shuffling headcounts and impacting peoples livelihoods.
Now those are worthy efforts (streamlining, profitability, stability) especially in the automotive industry where the tide needed to be turned (and still does). But I was tired of HOW it was doneover focusing on the bottom line, and under focusing on the people. Were still seeing the impact of the damage done to worker confidence in the 80s and 90s.
When I found coaching as a small and burgeoning industry I was enamored! I found a way to do the kind of work I lovehelping people navigate the dark and murky waters of changebut in a whole new, more positive and contributing way. I finally felt like I had found a place where I could thrive.
But in the last couple of years Ive grown slightly disillusioned with my industry. I know many others from various industries share that feeling .from financial services to real estate to automotive.feeling like the industry you once loved isnt what it used to be.
In the coaching industry there has been growth, which is exciting. But there has also been a shifting tide which I believe is the result of trying to make it a legitimate industry and lucrative business. Not a bad goal at all. Its HOW its happening thats making me weary (just as before when I was a corporate change agent).
So many people have gotten over focused on the holy grail of becoming coaching millionaires. In and of itself, thats not a bad goal. We want growth in any industry, and need the creation of solid, stable coaching companies. However, what has happened is a loss of focus on the mission of coaching (the purpose for why we exist in the first place) and a shift toward over focusing on the bottom line. You dont have to look too far back in history to see the downstream impact of that.
I feel the quest for Millionaire status has become the holy grail of the industryat the expense of what got most of us started in the first placemaking a difference.
Theres talk of private jets, million dollar homes, spa trips, bling, big ticket packages that price many people right out of the market and lots of bragging about whos making what. In the age of social networking we get videos and pictures too boot! Weve definitely accomplished the goal of not looking like psychotherapistsand instead started looking like Hollywood celebrities branding lifestyles instead of our contributions. Is that what we want?
Personally, Im unimpressed. I care about the carbon footprint on this planet, so flying private just seems garish and egotistical. I dont know of very many industries where the leaders talk so openly about their balance sheetswith the exception of sports and entertainmentand Id prefer to be taken more seriously than that.
And worse, theres a subculture telling us that if we arent playing that game our mindset is a problem. Were not playing a big enough game. Hmmm. I know that you can make a great living at coaching. I know that coaching is a powerful force that dramatically changes lives. I also know that focusing on making money at all costs, forgetting your core mission, and overinflating the value of anything leads to a crash. Ive watched the housing market, the automotive market and the financial market go the same route. My mindset is just fine, thank you.
So whats a disillusioned coach to do?
I left corporate America to get away from the greed. Im not planning to leave coaching on the same terms. What I am ready to do is stay grounded in my values and to stay on mission. Im prepared to ride this wave, staying true to myself, my voice and my vision.
And, I know Im not alone. At least 3 times a month I hear a client or colleague struggle with what to call themselvesnot wanting to use the word Coach anymore. And theres a groundswell of support for a new, more realistic way of approaching our craft. The change leaders are emerging as I write this and I couldnt be more excited!
If you are disillusioned in your industry, heres a few strategies to keep grounded and focused when things around seem to be going in a direction you cant get behind.
1. Upgrade your environment as much as you can. Im removing myself from the kinds of people who arent on the same page as I am. In my own business I get to choose the culture I play in. Im only following people who are still on mission and are shining examples of the best of what coaching has to offer. If you work for a company, you can still, to a limited degree, choose who you spend time with. Limit time around those you find toxic, draining or derailing.
2. Trust that this too shall pass. Everything shifts with time. In my case, I know this is a product of the newness of the industry and that eventually the pendulum will swing back to a more moderate ground. In the meantime, I have to stay my course and not let the trends cast a shadow on what I am most excited to do and become.
3. Take the longer term view. I look ahead, to where I want to be and where I want my industry to be in the future. I look forward to the impact, growth and contribution that will come from coaching when making a million dollars is no longer worth talking about and were on to bigger and better innovations in this great industry.
4. Reconnect with your own voice. We become disillusioned when we cant find the leaders were excited to follow. That just tells you theres a leadership gap and you may have to go within to fill it. Yes, search for likeminded people who get you. And step up as the leader you are.
5. Be the change you wish to see. As Ghandi reminded us, change only comes when we take a stand and serve as an example of what we want the world to reflect back. Be a successful, clear, confident, mission-minded expert and do great work. The rest will take care of itself.
