Business coaching has gone from fad to fundamental. Any entrepreneur knows that the fastest way to learn any business and be successful is to study someone who has been successful first. Learn from their experiences.
Our whole lives have been about learning. Our parents taught us important lessons growing up, we attended school and if we ever played sports, we had a coach. Why should the learning process stop once we enter the world of business?
An executive coach can help you to see things differently, a clear perspective. But not all coaches are created equal, and investing energy (and money) into a coaching relationship shouldn’t be taken lightly if the benefits aren’t clear to you. Since there aren’t really any universally agreed-upon standards for executive coaching at this point, how do you know what “good” looks like? Most importantly, check what kind of training has the potential executive coach taken.
The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the world’s largest organization of professionally trained coaches. ICF accredits programs that deliver coach training. They do not offer coach training.
Coach training that is approved by ICF has gone through a rigorous review process and demonstrated that its curriculum aligns with the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies and Code of Ethics. By choosing ICF-approved coach training, you can be confident that you are getting high-quality training. For coaches to become an ICF Member, they must complete at least 60 hours of coach-specific training that meets ICF standards. As an ICF Member, they have access to local and global networking opportunities, cutting-edge business development and marketing education, and a variety of research and resources to help them become the best coach they can be.
More than 17,000 coaches hold an ICF Credential. The ICF Credential is the only globally recognized professional coaching certification. With an ICF Credential, coaches demonstrate their knowledge, skill, and commitment to high ethical and professional standards.
An ICF-approved or -accredited coach training program will count toward the training requirement for your ICF Credential.
ICF Credential-holders have fulfilled rigorous education and experience requirements and demonstrated their commitment to coaching excellence. To earn an ICF Credential, a coach must:
- Complete coach-specific training that meets ICF’s standards.
- Achieve a designated number of coaching experience hours.
- Partner with a Mentor Coach.
- Demonstrate appropriate understanding and mastery of the ICF definition of coaching, Code of Ethics and Core Competencies.
ICF Credential Coaches renew their credential every three years, requiring 40 hours of Continuing Coach Education (CCE). CCE programs include intermediate to advanced material intended as training for those wishing to acquire new learning and/or renew their coaching accreditation.
Professional coaching brings many wonderful benefits: fresh perspectives on personal challenges, enhanced decision-making skills, greater interpersonal effectiveness, increased confidence and help in management change. And, the list does not end there. Those who undertake coaching also can expect appreciable improvement in productivity, satisfaction with life and work, and the attainment of relevant goals.
By Lisa Patrick
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