The ego trip: a mistake to avoid in coaching
By Ludovic Rérolle · Founder, Follow Lab
The role of coach naturally places you in an important position: or with relative authority: over the person you support.
We often get to play the "good part": the wise one, the expert, the reasonable voice, or conversely the bold, creative one.
The list is endless, but in every case, we are not the ones who "do it" afterward.
So watch out for blatant ego tripping!
The temptation is strong!
Ego tripping comes so naturally in coaching if you are not careful. And for me it is one of the most important mistakes you can make in professional coaching. It is hard not to be tempted, but our role is precisely not to give in!
The top 5 thoughts to watch for: and better leave behind
- "If they are progressing so well, it is thanks to my good advice."
- "They could thank me or mention me, at least!"
- "As soon as coaching ends, I am already forgotten. How ungrateful!"
- "Why did they not ask me about that? I could have helped perfectly well."
- "That idea: I am the one who gave it to them during a session."
Being a coach means knowing how to set your ego aside to celebrate the other person's success.