The Pro Bono Dilemma: Do We Value What Comes Free?
At Chameleon Skills, we have a deep commitment to giving back, often through pro bono work. Whether it’s supporting non-profits, startups, or under-resourced organisations, the intention is to make a meaningful impact.
We have developed some long-standing relationships with many of these organisations and some have resulted in paid engagements at a later stage, which demonstrates the value that these organisations have gained from coaching and their commitment to creating a coaching culture for the future.
However, not all the organisations or individuals have embraced the gift. A recurring challenge has surfaced: what feels like a lack of appreciation and commitment from some organisations benefiting from these free services.
Many coaches, including ourselves, have encountered situations where clients turn up late, cancel last minute, or, worse, don’t show up at all—often without any prior notice. While this might happen occasionally with paying clients, it seems more frequent in pro bono engagements. This pattern raises a question: does the absence of a price tag diminish the perceived value of coaching?
Why Does This Happen?
There could be several reasons for this behaviour.
- Perceived Value: When something is offered for free, it’s natural for some to undervalue it. The adage, “You get what you pay for,” might play a role in how pro bono services are perceived.
- Busy Schedules: Many organisations that receive pro bono coaching are often overwhelmed with day-to-day operations. While they may genuinely appreciate the offer, other urgent matters may take precedence. Sometimes the fact that they are overwhelmed is the very reason that coaching would be able to support them.
- Lack of Accountability: Without a financial commitment, there might be less motivation to honour appointments or prioritise the coaching process.
- Their Journey: Individuals who go on the journey of coaching come to it at different points in their lives. Not all individuals are ready to receive the gift when it comes to them.
How Can We Address This?
Here are a few of our ideas:
- Setting Expectations: We think we are communicating the value and importance of the coaching relationship from the start. This can include discussing the commitment required and the impact it can have. We facilitate briefing sessions for management and coachees. What are we missing?
- Contracts and Agreements: Even in pro bono work, we use a formal agreement that outlines expectations, including attendance and punctuality which the client signs. How can we strengthen the understanding?
- Partial Payment Models: Some coaches have experimented with a “pay what you can” model, which helps establish value while still offering flexibility to cash-strapped organisations. We have not tried this yet. How have you found this to work?
- Understanding and Empathy: Sometimes, life happens. Being flexible and understanding, while also maintaining professional boundaries, can help foster a positive coaching relationship. We always allow some grace and do not forfeit sessions for the first no-show. We also don’t take it personally and wonder if this behaviour is showing up elsewhere. Is there something in the system that causes it, like micromanaging or demanding managers, who do not respect other commitments? Is it an individual’s behaviour pattern?
Your Thoughts?
- Have you faced similar issues with pro bono work?
- How did you handle it?
- Or perhaps you’ve been on the receiving end of pro bono services—what was your experience like?
We are keen to hear different perspectives on this issue so that we can learn and improve the relationship and offerings in the future. We want to carry on giving 😊
If you are an organisation that would like to take up pro bono coaching, or you know one that would benefit from our support for their leaders/managers or teams, please get in touch with us.
We are not giving up on our commitment to extending the reach of coaching and adding value to organisations and communities. Contact us at info@chameleonskills.com or visit our website.