A while back, back to much simpler times, when Halloween ghost costumes were made of old sheets or we dressed as hobos or kids became fairy princesses or firefighters, the holiday (if you could call it that) was simple and usually forgotten the day after. Some of us wound up with tummy aches, it is true, but mostly the pranks were innocent and the memories woven into the reminiscences of children.
At some point, corporations saw one heck of an opportunity in Halloween, and along with helicopter parents, chocolatiers and more than a few media hypsters, Halloween became big business, HUGE business. According to the National Retail Federation, this past year Americans spent in excess of $4.4 billion on costumes alone and about the same amount on candy.
Not all that surprising, kids don’t universally love the holiday. A few years ago, child psychologist Michelle P. Maidenberg, Ph.D. writing for Psychology Today reflected that Halloween gives a lot of kid’s anxiety rather than joy:
“What makes this holiday distinct is that it is the only holiday where socializing with peers, as opposed to family, is so formative. It makes for some complicated social dynamics among peers. There is an investment by kids, parents, and vendors in keeping this holiday important, prevalent, and opportunistic.”
“Fun” is in the eye of the beholder. When Halloween parties and events are force-fed and some kids (even adults) are admonished for not getting with the fun-times, it can result in avoidance rather than fun at over-loud parties and scheduling several events around (let’s face it) an artificial celebration of monsters, skeletons and goblins.
An Easy Leap
Halloween got us to thinking about career coaching. Like it or not, a huge percentage of those who elect career coaching walk away dissatisfied and frustrated.
Studies done by the Association Resource Centre and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) found that “between 14% and 32% of clients experience dissatisfaction, fail to see a financial return, or express disappointment with their coaching experiences.”
If as high as one-third of career coaching clients walk-away from the experience, determined to not be coached again, we’ve got to think there’s a problem with the coaching.
How many kids, feet dragging, were yelled at to “go to the Halloween party and like it?” A great many. In fact, data shows that only about 15% of kids and adults say Halloween is their favorite time of the year. Many would rather be out playing softball or doing something quieter and rewarding.
In recent surveys, only about 23% of those who flock to hear motivational speakers urging them to bigger and better careers actually enjoy being there. Numerous reports indicate the balance of the audience essentially glazes over.
While some speakers and career coaching seminar leaders are rehearsed and polished in their slick deliveries and “costuming,” many in the audience privately feel them to be unqualified to teach, or lack real-world business experience or are relying on personal anecdotes rather than bringing forth solid credentials. In other words, there is a disconnect.
Career coaching cannot be about disconnection. The coach and client must be connected, mindful and authentic with one another. Whether the career coaching is one-on-one or in a team setting, there must be interaction and compassion. Costumes may be great on Halloween, but a coach and client who wear masks will accomplish little and disappoint.
