During our Christmas coffee morning, one of my students from my coaching course said something that stopped me in my tracks. We were discussing algorithms and social media—particularly how platforms influence our perceptions. I shared my own musings, wondering aloud:
Am I being manipulated into believing coaching is more amazing than it really is?
He listened thoughtfully and then, with the warmest matter-of-factness, said: “If coaching were just a fad, what’s the worst it could do? The worst that would happen is people would talk to each other.”
This simple truth resonated deeply. For me, that’s exactly what coaching should be about—creating space for conversations, fostering non-judgmental listening, and being truly present. This term, my students and I have been practising non-judgmental listening as a cornerstone of coaching. His comment reminded me why this work matters, regardless of how the industry is sometimes perceived.
Recently, I watched a German documentary that painted a damning picture of the coaching world—portraying coaches as exploitative, preying on vulnerabilities to sell false promises. It left me questioning: Have I misunderstood coaching? Is it misrepresented? Or, in some cases, misused?
As with many things, the truth is more complicated.
I believe there’s real value in what professional bodies like the ICF bring to the table: ethical frameworks and professional standards. It can be overwhelming at first, and while these frameworks aren’t foolproof, they are incredibly useful. Still, the real litmus test, in my view, lies in how coaching feels to the individual—whether it genuinely helps them move forward.
So, what does being more coach-like actually mean? For me, a lot of it is about being present. Listening. Responding with care. And yes, creating the kind of space where people can reflect and grow without fear of judgment.
Sometimes we do this alone, through a reflective practice. Other times, we walk with someone by our side.
What stands out most is the power of creating a space where people can talk—freely and without judgment. Because when people feel heard, real connection happens. Isn’t that, at its heart, something we could all use more of?
I’m a coach and run training sessions for adult learners looking to develop their coaching skills. If you’d like to explore how coaching or training can support you, feel free to get in touch https://candidajavaid.co.uk/contact/
Candida Javaid Coaching & Mentoring 