In our current information landscape, it’s remarkably easy for misinformation to spread, even among professionals with good intentions. As coaches, our clients and colleagues look to us as leaders, paying attention to what we share and amplify. This responsibility extends beyond social media to all forms of resource sharing.
I recently received two new book recommendations that I’m excited about. However, it’s my common practice to read the books myself before passing them along to clients. While a complete read-through isn’t always necessary—sometimes a thoughtful skim through the content, examining headings and key sections, can provide enough understanding—personal familiarity with the material is essential.
In my previous post, I discussed how sharing thoughtfully chosen resources can deepen our coaching relationships and support our clients’ growth. But with that opportunity comes responsibility. We sometimes fall into the same trap with recommending books as we do with social media—sharing things we haven’t thoroughly vetted just because “everyone’s talking about them.”
I’ve seen instances where well-meaning professionals shared unverified information that turned out to be completely fabricated. It’s a reminder that even content that sounds authoritative and convincing can be misleading.
When sharing resources with clients, let these considerations guide your approach:
- How much are you sharing? Might you be overwhelming the client with multiple recommendations at once?
- What is this client’s preferred learning style and available time?
- Might any of this content be potentially triggering or sensitive for this client?
- Have you verified the credibility and accuracy of what you’re sharing?
Our role as coaches includes being thoughtful curators of information. This careful approach helps maintain trust and demonstrates our commitment to professional integrity. When we take time to verify sources and understand content thoroughly, we ensure that what we share truly serves our clients’ growth and development.
How and When to Share Resources with Your Coaching Clients