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The purpose of this paper is to explain the hypercompetitive new reality in the global marketplace, discuss cultural changes in the United States leading to declining student performance and graduates who are unprepared for a competitive work environment, and provide helpful ideas to educators functioning as coaches and mentors. We found extensive support from many authors and sources expressing concern about the lack of preparation, complacency, and denial that interfere with the recognition of the new reality and the urgent need to properly coach and mentor students who will enter the workforce. Unless a country's culture and educational system prepares students to effectively compete in the workforce, the country's productivity will decline with unfortunate consequences for its economy and the standard of living of its citizens. There is evidence suggesting that this situation is already happening in the United States. Educators should coach and mentor students to understand the challenges they will face and motivate them to prepare for those challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]