AI, Coaching and the Human Touch

AI has already made its mark in various industries, from healthcare to finance, and now it’s poised to revolutionize the coaching field. But what does AI in coaching and coaching training actually mean? Is it a friend or a foe?

The Journey So Far

In the early 2000s, coaches began using the Internet to chat with their clients. Then, in 2012, an app called Noom kicked open the doors to digital health coaching. From then on, online coaching soared like a rocket, even more so during the pandemic. In the post-2021 period, 43% of coaches have said they expect to undertake 80% or more of their coaching online.

The pandemic not only kick started coaching online and working from home but studying online also peaked with the now possibility of being able to train as a coach and practise these skills in a safe space to the individual and also with the ability to connect with others on a global scale.  

Artificial intelligence (AI), currently known as the coaching sidekick first dipped its toes in coaching in 2015 when IBM Watson started analyzing personalities. It was like a super-smart detective who quickly sifted through tons of information to understand what makes clients tick.

The use of AI in education, including coaching, is zooming ahead like a race car. It was valued at $2.90 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow by 43.8% through 2023 to 2029. With such awesome technology, coaches can do all sorts of cool things, like using chatbots that talk to clients in a flash or creating tailor-made plans with algorithms.

Will AI Replace Coaches?

AI can support coaches in many ways; however, it can’t replace them fully. Imagine a world where robots are your teachers, pals, and coaches—sounds like a sci-fi movie, right? Well, some people think it could become real! But can it?

So, let’s break it down with some interesting statistics. A report from Accenture says that 76% of C-suite executives think AI is like the secret sauce for businesses to rock. AI in business coaching is riding the wave. AI coaching tools like butterfly.ai zoomed up by 120% in 2020. Tractica says that AI will shoot up to be a $118.6 billion industry by 2025, and coaching will get a piece of that pie. But guess what? In a survey, 67% of coaches said AI just couldn’t give the warm, fuzzy feeling humans can, it just can’t replace self, presence and all of those necessities needed when having a true conversation with someone.

AI is like a high-speed train: super-fast and impressive, but it can’t replace a coach’s ability to establish an emotional connection which is required to make any real transformational changes as a result of coaching.

However, this doesn’t mean that AI and coaching can’t go together. Put the two together, and you can create an unstoppable team, helping folks learn and grow like never before.

Coaching with AI: The Pros

Getting artificial intelligence to do the heavy lifting can save coaches a ton of time. Here are some ways it can incorporate into a coach’s workflow:

1.       Enhanced Data Analytics: AI has a remarkable ability to analyze data like a detective on a mission. Take IBM’s Watson, for instance. It can crunch numbers, spot patterns, and provide insights that would take humans ages to uncover.

2.       Personalized Plans: Algorithms can create tailor-made coaching plans based on individual needs. Whether it’s fitness, career, or personal development, AI can fine-tune recommendations.

3.       Chatbots for Instant Interaction: Imagine having a chatbot that engages with clients 24/7, answering questions, providing encouragement, and nudging them toward their goals.

4.       Predictive Insights: AI can predict trends and behaviors, helping coaches anticipate challenges and adjust their strategies accordingly.

5.       Efficient Scheduling: Let AI handle scheduling sessions, reminders, and follow-ups. No more calendar juggling!

The Verdict

Remember, AI is a powerful ally, but it’s the human touch that truly transforms lives. So, embrace the future, blend the best of both worlds. If given the opportunity to train future coaches using AI it can be useful and enhance the learning process but for real coaching transformation to take place coaches need to understand how to be present with a coachee and coachees need to know that they are speaking with someone who is actually listening.

People will always be the future and that’s something pretty special that AI can’t replace!

References:

1. Mindvalley

2. AIHR

3. International Coach Federation

4. Guider AI

5. Forbes