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The Red Flags of Bad Coaching (And How to Avoid Them)

  • Writer: Atlas
    Atlas
  • Jan 1
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 14

Coaching can be genuinely helpful. It can also be absolute bullshit.


Because for every skilled, ethical coach out there, there’s someone:

  • selling confidence, they don’t have

  • recycling Instagram quotes

  • or promising to “change your life” in 30 days


If you’ve ever felt uneasy about coaching, this is probably why.


Let’s talk about the red flags, so you can avoid wasting time, money, and energy.

Red Flag #1: Guaranteed Results


If a coach promises:

  • “Six figures in six weeks”

  • “Total mindset shift”

  • “I’ll fix your life”


Run.


Human growth isn’t predictable, linear, or controllable. Anyone guaranteeing outcomes is either lying or doesn’t understand people.


Good coaching supports process, not promises miracles.

Red Flag #2: One-Size-Fits-All Programs


If the solution is:

  • the same framework for everyone

  • a generic course repackaged as “personal coaching”


That’s content. Not coaching.


People have different backgrounds, values, nervous systems, and constraints.


Real coaching adapts… it doesn’t copy-paste.

Red Flag #3: Shame-Based Motivation


Be wary of coaches who rely on:

  • guilt

  • fear

  • “you’re just not committed enough”


Shame might create short-term action, but it destroys long-term growth.

Support should make you feel capable, not small.

Red Flag #4: Blurred Boundaries


A coach should not:

  • diagnose mental health conditions

  • discourage therapy or medication

  • position themselves as the only support you need


When coaching crosses into therapy without the training, people get hurt.

Clear boundaries are a sign of professionalism, not weakness.

Red Flag #5: Pressure to Commit Immediately


Tactics like:

  • “Spots closing tonight”

  • “If you really wanted this, you’d say yes”

  • fake urgency


are sales tricks… not care.

Ethical coaches don’t rush you into decisions. They respect autonomy.

Red Flag #6: The Coach Is the Product


If everything revolves around:

  • the coach’s lifestyle

  • their personality

  • their personal “journey”


and not you… that’s a problem.


Good coaching is client-centred.The focus should be on your goals, not their brand.

What Good Coaching Actually Looks Like


Green flags matter too.


Good coaching usually includes:

  • listening more than talking

  • asking thoughtful questions

  • realistic goal-setting

  • accountability without judgement

  • transparency about scope and limits


You should leave sessions feeling:

  • clearer

  • steadier

  • supported

  • not sold to

How Proach Filters the Bullshit


Proach exists because too many people got burned.

We’re serious about:

  • transparency

  • clear coaching niches

  • ethical boundaries

  • no fake urgency or guru energy


Coaches on Proach don’t need to perform or manipulate to get clients. They just need to show up, stay in their lane, and do the work.


That’s it.

If You’ve Had a Bad Coaching Experience


That doesn’t mean coaching doesn’t work.


It means you experienced bad coaching.


Support should feel grounding, not stressful. Empowering, not culty.


You’re allowed to walk away. You’re allowed to ask questions. You’re allowed to expect better.

Trust Your Gut, And Ask for Support


If something feels off, it probably is.


Good coaching doesn’t rely on pressure, promises, or shame. It relies on trust, clarity, and consistency.


Great coaches do exist.

 
 
 

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