International Coach Federation Dispels Common Misconceptions About Professional Coaching

International Coach Federation Dispels Common Misconceptions About
Professional Coaching

LEXINGTON, Ky., May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- If you have seen professional
coaches portrayed on TV or spotlighted in magazines, you may not always come
away with an accurate perception of coaching. Like with any young profession
that has experienced rapid growth, misconceptions have surfaced about the
nature and purpose of professional coaching. As part of its work to advance
the art, science, and practice of professional coaching, the International
Coach Federation (ICF) works to educate the public on what to expect from a
coaching partnership.
Because many countries do not call for licensure or regulation of coaches,
anyone may call him or herself a "coach" without receiving formal
coach-specific training. When these untrained individuals transfer skill sets
from other professions into their coaching, an inadequate or ineffective
coaching experience for clients often results. This may cause further
confusion about coaching in general.
"Unfortunately, there are misconceptions about the definition and purpose
of coaching," said ICF President Diane Brennan, MBA, MCC[1]. "It is the duty
of the ICF and its members to correct these inaccuracies by educating the
public about our distinct profession and stressing the importance of working
with a coach who has undergone formal coach-specific training and is
credentialed. ICF Credentialed coaches have completed stringent education and
experience requirements and have proven that they have a clear understanding
of the skills and approaches used within today's coaching profession."
Common misconceptions about coaching:
-- Consumers have no protection when selecting a coach. The ICF offers
the only globally recognized credentialing program. ICF Credentials protect
the public by identifying coaches who have met established standards of
knowledge, skills and practice. Today, over 3,700 coaches hold an ICF
Credential. Additionally, all ICF members subscribe to a code of ethics and
are subject to an ethical conduct review process.
-- A coach is like a therapist. Professional coaching is a distinct
service which focuses on an individual's life as it relates to goal-setting,
outcome creation and personal change management. Unlike a therapist, a coach
does not focus directly on relieving psychological pain or treating cognitive
or emotional disorders.
-- Coaching and consulting are the same. Coaches are experts in the
coaching process and are trained to listen, observe and customize their
approach to individual client needs. Whereas, consultants typically give
clients answers or solutions based on expertise or knowledge in a certain
area, coaches seek to elicit solutions and strategies from the client; they
believe the client is naturally creative and resourceful.
-- A coach is like a friend who gets paid to listen. A coach is a neutral
listener who offers an objective perspective unlike an opinionated friend or
family member. While friendship may last a lifetime, the length of a coaching
partnership depends on the client's needs and preferences.
ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and
creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and
professional potential. Individuals who engage in a coaching relationship can
expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and
opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced
interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their
chosen work and life roles.
The ICF is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 15,000
members in almost 90 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession
by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and
building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. For more information,
please visit our Web site at http://www.coachfederation.org.
[1] MCC: Master Certified Coach, highest credential awarded by the
International Coach Federation.
ICF HEADQUARTERS CONTACT:
Ann Belcher, +1.859.226.4428, ann.belcher@coachfederation.org

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SOURCE International Coach Federation

Ann Belcher of International Coach Federation, +1-859-226-4428,
ann.belcher@coachfederation.org