# I Collaborate with Coaches and Others Who Are Too Knowledgeable: Common Coaching Errors and Solutions

Kate Solovieva is not only a Precision Nutrition (PN) Master Coach but also the Director of Community Engagement at PN and a former psychology professor. With extensive experience in coaching—particularly in guiding other coaches—she has developed a distinct insight into the obstacles faced by health and fitness professionals.

One of her favorite sayings?
**”I collaborate with coaches and others who are excessively knowledgeable.”**

Numerous coaches enter the field with a deep reservoir of knowledge, yet they often find it challenging to establish prosperous businesses or assist clients in achieving enduring transformations. Through her involvement in PN’s **[Level 2 Master Health Coaching Certification](https://www.precisionnutrition.com/nutrition-certification-level-2-presale-list)**, PN’s exclusive coaching communities, and her individual coaching practice, Kate has pinpointed **three significant errors** frequently made by coaches—errors that can hinder their potential for success.

In this article, we will examine these prevalent pitfalls and offer practical remedies to support coaches:
✔ Conquer self-doubt and expand their business
✔ View their clients more objectively and effectively customize coaching strategies
✔ Clearly articulate their role as a coach to enhance outcomes
✔ Maintain enthusiasm while avoiding burnout

Let’s get started.

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## Coaching Error #1: Prioritizing Coaching Over Selling

Kate characterizes a coaching business as a **three-legged stool** consisting of:
✅ **Coaching expertise and knowledge**
✅ **Sales and marketing to draw in clients**
✅ **Administrative tasks** (scheduling, payments, systems)

Most coaches **exclusively concentrate on the coaching leg** due to their passion for learning and perfecting their skills. However, Kate contends that possessing knowledge alone does not automatically make one a great coach.

**Without sales, you won’t gain coaching experience—thus, your skills won’t advance.**

Some coaches spend years acquiring certifications before reaching out to clients. In contrast, others who *begin selling right away*—even if they feel unqualified—quickly accumulate valuable real-world experience and develop their business.

### ✅ Solution: Step Forward as a Coach, Not an Expert

Numerous aspiring coaches hesitate to begin coaching until they feel “ready.” They are apprehensive about client inquiries they cannot answer or think they *must* master every aspect of nutrition and fitness.

Kate provides this perspective shift:
💡 **Your purpose isn’t to be a nutrition encyclopedia—it’s to coach.**

For instance, if a client poses the question, *“Are seed oils harmful for you?”*, rather than presenting extensive research, a coach might respond:
*”That’s an excellent question. I can gather some information for you if you’d like, but I’m curious—why is that important to you?”*

This reply **redirects the focus to the client’s underlying issues**. Perhaps they want to shed weight because they noticed a friend who cut out seed oils lost 10 pounds. By delving into their motivations, coaches can assist clients in achieving their goals more effectively than merely dispensing *nutrition facts*.

### 🔥 Key Insight
While coaches should possess a solid grounding in nutrition and fitness, clients require **coaching**—the support necessary for them to instigate meaningful, sustainable changes.

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## Coaching Error #2: Presuming Clients Are Just Like You

Many coaches mistakenly assume their clients have the same habits, values, and objectives. It’s easy to think that if tracking macros, engaging in resistance training, or consuming meal-prepped chicken and rice works for *you*, it should be effective for *everyone*.

But what if:

❌ Your client finds macro tracking *overwhelming* instead of beneficial?
❌ They have difficulty accessing specific foods due to expense or availability?
❌ A busy professional client declines lunchtime workouts because they want to maintain their hair and makeup before meetings?

Kate emphasizes a crucial reality:
➡ **“There’s nothing inherently superior in prioritizing health and fitness. Some individuals place higher value on spontaneity, adventure, or other pursuits.”**

If coaches do not take into account a client’s **individual background, environment, and preferences**, they will struggle to offer recommendations that are genuinely effective.

### ✅ Solution: Inquire Rather Than Assume

Engage each client **with an open mind** and pose significant questions such as:
🟢 **“What motivated you to begin coaching?”**
🟢 **“Why does this goal matter to you?”**
🟢 **“What abilities do you already possess that could contribute to your success?”**
🟢 **“What challenges do you face with this goal?”**

Even if a client appears to have a similar lifestyle or background to you, **avoid imposing your own assumptions** onto them. Instead, encourage them to