Social media is the new age where everyone struts their stuff like a Soviet Union general.
Twitter is changing our lives. In a 140-character mincemeat message, you can create a following – no big deal – and even become a star. Fake it till you make it has never been easier.
I’ve been around for 59 years and at this stage in my life I have seen every conceivable deception or at least read about many of them.
Everyone wants to be a star and some mortals will go to illegal or unethical extremes to get the spotlight, especially in the Internet age.
The categories that have become ubiquitous on Twitter and other social media stages are “coaching ” and “consulting.” Stretching those terms to the breaking point, we are all consultants and coaches-in-the-making. As a parent, we coach. As a worker, we coach. Even as a spouse, we coach. And with friends and peers, we coach.
I played tennis well when I was younger. Does that put me in coaching class for the nearby high school? Hmm? Let me give it some thought.
Social networking is all about putting your best foot forward and branding yourself. But from my treasure trove of life experience, only a select few people are good coaches and teachers. And a 24-year-old lad or lassie with sexual urges and scents dripping from their pores can easily be confused for a coach because of our conscious and not-so-conscious desire to be around testosterone- and estrogen (my word) -driven individuals with charisma and looks.
But while these young people may brand themselves as the real-deal coach/consultant and reel off a dozen questionable qualifications, they are – by and large – frauds and ripoff artists.
A man or a woman who has never been through a major life trauma has not lived. He or she is usually full of hot air, wardrobe, and the drippings of success. Yet they should be steered clear of (on a coaching basis) 99 percent of the time.
Where is this all leading? It’s leading to the conclusion that the Internet has become bloated with would-be leaders tooting their shallow horns. Many are pretenders who have never taken the time to learn their trade from the inside out. They come from the instant gratification era and they often want something for very little or nothing…NOW!
Coaching and teaching are very important professions. People are putting their time, money and soul in the hands of a stranger. They are hoping against hope that the coach is wise, diplomatic, and results oriented. Just because a person is a maven in SEO or in Law of Attraction methodology, for example, does not in the least qualify them to be a coach.
There are many asshole, know-it-alls who can’t teach and lick…and shouldn’t! Yet people, in their quest for riches and fame, will follow the shallow to the gallows. Next time a person of dubious background does his coaching shtick, ask him for several references.
A good friend or speaking companion must not be confused for coaching on the professional level. On the professional level it must be that near perfect blend of wisdom and ability to get results for YOU.
Those who crow about their level of financial achievement and are under 30, are probably standing on very shaky ground. Life does (and will!) bonk you along the way. If it hasn’t yet, step aside and stop pretending it has.
The character of a fighter is developed when he eventually goes down for the eight count. Until he/she does, they can only teach us empirically in a classroom setting.
Don’t welcome them into your spiritual living room, no matter how slick or how thick they lay it on you.
Yet remember that everyone has a message worth sharing. The key is to develop your message through the slings and arrows of a life fully lived. Then consider teaching/coaching from what you know, not just what you theorize.
