The End of Coaching As We Know It…

I just came across a story on the BBC News website where the idea of being coached by what is termed a “virtual human” is discussed.

I know, I know, it sounds crazy but what can I say? The world sometimes feels like it genuinely has gone crazy. If you really don’t believe me then check out the brief video Click Here.

Obviously, I don’t feel threatened by this development and why should I?

The reason is of course, there is zero authenticity involved in an exchange with a ‘virtual human’ or robot, or whatever you choose to call something that is attempting to replace the very unique exchange that takes place between two or more human beings.

Whether it is a long-standing, even childhood friendship that has stood the test of time, a marriage where as Robin Williams beautifully said of his deceased wife in Good Will Hunting, “She had the goods on me”, or a purely business-like relationship between coach and client but one that has the undeniable hallmark of trust and understanding, encouragement and commitment; none of this can ever be replicated or replaced by the world of virtual reality or artificial intelligence.

It is what we humans do best.

Look after one another. Encourage one another. Help one another. Love one another.

And the more you do it, somehow, the more you want to do it some more.

How about that for a viral phenomena?