A professional coach is more than just a description on a business card. For those who have invested in the process it represents a reputation and a set of standards that clients can expect. Not everyone who claims the moniker of coach will go through the process to earn a credential. As a consumer, you should know what to expect. With or without the credential, here are the standards and where the bar has been set.
Expect a professional coach to demonstrate competency in the areas described below. The International Coach Federation (ICF) developed these eleven core coaching competencies to support greater understanding about the skills and approaches used within today’s coaching profession. They are the foundation for the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) and are the backbone of any accredited coach-training program. Use these to help you understand the coaching relationship and to select your coaching partner, credentialed or not.
Setting the Foundation
1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards
2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement
Co-creating the Relationship
3. Establishing Trust and Intimacy with the Client
4. Coaching Presence
Communicating Effectively
5. Active Listening
6. Powerful Questioning
7. Direct Communication
Facilitating Learning and Results
8. Creating Awareness
9. Designing Actions
10. Planning and Goal Setting
11. Managing Progress and Accountability
I would encourage you to explore the meanings of each of these in-depth on the ICF website. There is more to these abbreviated descriptions than meets the eye. How do these competencies impact you as a consumer of coaching services, either individually or as an organization?
One of the most powerful aspects of coach training under an ICF-accredited program is the mentor coaching requirement. It applies to every ICF credential, meaning a coach must be mentored and effectively demonstrate their coaching skills over the many years it takes to earn the credentials.
Mentoring requires that a mentor coach at a credential level higher than yours, listen to and provide feedback on your coaching sessions with multiple clients. Willing clients must agree to have a coaching session recorded for the specific purpose of mentoring and feedback.
While daunting to ask of clients, each that I asked was more than willing to have the session recorded and delighted to help in my professional development. These mentoring reviews and coaching sessions with my mentor coach were, in my humble view, the most valuable aspect of the coach training. Where else and how else do you get feedback on the effectiveness of your coaching skills? How many other professions provide such direct mentoring?
The book and classroom learning allowed me to know and understand the competencies. Mentor coaching let me apply and learn the competencies, for the benefit of my client and me. Wouldn’t you want this level of experience and training in your coach? Use the Credentialed Coach Finder on the ICF Global website to find your coach.