Common
Misconceptions About Coaching
International Coach Federation dispels
common misconceptions about professional coaching. 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.
