The Wrong Question
The question “Is coaching expensive?” is too abstract. Compared to what? In terms of what results? It cannot be evaluated without this context.
A better question is: “What does this coaching process offer me, and what value does it hold for me?”
The ICF’s 2020 study indicates that more than 80 percent of people who have experienced coaching feel they got a return on their investment. But this statistic alone isn’t enough. What they got in return is what matters.
What Is Gained from Coaching
Coaching produces tangible outcomes: a clarified career decision, a transition period successfully navigated, a changed pattern, or a question of meaning brought to light. Each of these has tangible value.
For example: avoiding a wrong career decision or making a decision now that had been postponed for another year—these outcomes can be weighed against the cost of coaching.
Manchester Consulting’s corporate coaching study found that coaching investments yielded an average return of 5.7x for executives (2001). While this applies to a corporate context—similar studies for an individual context are more limited but do exist.
Framework for Comparison
It’s helpful to compare the cost of coaching with: other professional development investments made during the same period (training, certifications), the cost of a wrong decision, and the costs associated with a prolonged transition period—such as lost opportunities, time, and energy.
Viewed through this lens, the fee looks different.
Accessibility Options
If coaching cannot be provided in an individual session format, there are alternatives: group coaching, coaching programs, accredited coaches seeking to gain experience (who typically work for lower fees), and short-format sessions.
Cevvela’s Perspective
- The question “Is it expensive?” is meaningless on its own; “What does it deliver, and what value does it hold for me?” is the correct framework.
- An ICF study shows that more than 80 percent of coaching clients see a return on their investment (2020).
- Comparison framework: the cost of a wrong decision, the cost of a prolonged transition, and other development investments.
- Group coaching and working with experienced coaches are viable options for accessibility.
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