Personal coaching - any experience in the matter?

[shm]

I am going to an introductory meeting with a personal coach in about a week and would like to hear if anyone out there has ever tried it, and if so; how was the experience?
Positive or negative? Waste of time or well spent time?

I know the above is very individual, as it depends on how much you put into it and of course the qualities of the coach as well, but any info is appreciated.

 

[oakeshott]

Soren,

My oldest and best friend's company hired her a personal coach 8 or 9 years ago and she was very impressed and got quite a lot out of it. It's one of those fields, however, where it varies wildly from provider to provider.

 

[auk1124]

My personal coach benched me, and then traded me in the off-season.

 

[cb91710]

Soren,

My oldest and best friend's company hired her a personal coach 8 or 9 years ago and she was very impressed and got quite a lot out of it. It's one of those fields, however, where it varies wildly from provider to provider.

+1

What kind of "personal coach" are we talking about?
Physical fitness?
Financial?
Workplace?
Personal relationships?

I see a lot of value in fitness trainers. They have a lot of good insight that people don't think about, and they are a "kick in the butt" to get you moving in the right direction and to keep you moving in the right direction. How long you stick with them is up to you. I stuck with my trainers until I was solidly on my way to my goals and did not feel that I needed his partnership. Other people have to stick with their trainer until they reach their goals, and still others need to stick with them for maintenance.

Outside of physical fitness and into psychological areas, you are getting into a huge "YMMV" situation. Different people respond to different "treatment", and a "coach" who is not a PhD may not have the breadth of training and experience to offer the proper program.

If it's a workplace mentor, then it can be a very good thing, so long as the coach understands the politics of the company. I know in my position, outside coaching would not be welcomed by my supervisor. Even when things are done his way, he can't trust others to do things his way unless he is on top of them.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Remember that the barrier to entry in the personal coaching area is nil. Beware of those who talk a good game but perhaps could use a good coach themselves.

 

[Matt_Bloodletter]

I take it you're talking about a personal coach ie career coach. First, what are the credentials and success stories from the coach? I have read a decent number of motivational and business books (most recommended by Dave Ramsey) and I really question a large number of the "anecdotes" and the spectacular success they describe. Like the "the prior mailroom guy hosted a cocktail hour and now he's the CEO" stuff - so be carefeful with expectations. But what I think it really comes down to is seeing yourself as others see you and what your goals are and what it takes to get there. If you are reinventing yourself, find out what self you are reinventing. If the coach is decent, regardless of background, etc, you could still get a lot out of it.

How to tell if you are getting your money's worth: you will find out things about yourself which make you incredibly uncomfortable. And the coach will put you on an action plan to overcome and own it.

BTW, I'm speaking from having both coaches and mentors.

 

[smalltank]

personally..I find their advice in the opposite..if this is a life coach..their advice tends to be what THEY would want to give themselves...my friends wife is a life coach..her advice always seemed good but felt as if she should be doing the same thing

 

[shm]

Thanks gents

I didn't know there were so many definitions of a personal coach, so I should maybe have been more explicit; it is a life/career coach.

I know this is very much YMMV and highly dependable of the quality of the coach.
You have given me some useful feedback and a little to think about before I go to the first meeting.

@Rich: I have been considering getting a personal fitness trainer and spoken to a fitness centre. I haven't quite decided yet, but your comment is right down my alley - the motivational factor.
Although I must admit I have always considered fitness centres a place of torture

 

[dpmtherrien]

When I first got into working out I used a coach for a couple of months, mainly to learn the correct way of using the equipment, and to get my form down. After that though I've found that for the past couple of years I've been fine without one.

 

[Doc4]

... you just KNOW that everyone was thinking it ...

 

[shm]

... you just KNOW that everyone was thinking it ...

 

[The Knize]

Business-type coach, experience very good. Type of thing where I think I wish I have done that about two decades earlier.

Exercise coach, no experience: <Although I must admit I have always considered fitness centres a place of torture>

I am told you do not know torture until you get a good exercise coach! But I am told the difference one can make in having you make progress in this area is amazing.

 

[shm]

When I first got into working out I used a coach for a couple of months, mainly to learn the correct way of using the equipment, and to get my form down. After that though I've found that for the past couple of years I've been fine without one.

Apart from the motivational factor, this was exactly my thoughts of how to approach it. I don't think I will get enough out of a half to one hour introduction to the "machines".

Business-type coach, experience very good. Type of thing where I think I wish I have done that about two decades earlier.

Exercise coach, no experience: <Although I must admit I have always considered fitness centres a place of torture>

I am told you do not know torture until you get a good exercise coach! But I am told the difference one can make in having you make progress in this area is amazing.

I have no doubt the progress will be quite noticeable, I haven't made any physical training since I left the Air Force 15 years ago, so I will literally be starting from scratch (if I choose to go that way).

 

[Doc4]

When I first got into working out I used a coach for a couple of months, mainly to learn the correct way of using the equipment, and to get my form down. After that though I've found that for the past couple of years I've been fine without one.

Over the years I have moved away from "the machines" almost completely to free weights and body-weight exercises. I find I get better results if I follow an exercise plan that has been figured out by someone with more knowledge on the subject than me. (Shameless plug for the GSP "Rushfit" home videos ... not affiliated, just an exhausted customer).



That said, it's a lot easier to get advice than it is to get good advice.