ICF Challenges Common Coaching Perceptions

Lexington, Ky. — July 25

In recent years, coaching as portrayed on TV, in magazines, and utilized by celebrities has not always created an accurate perception of professional coaching, according to the International Coach Federation (ICF). “Any profession that experiences significant growth in a short amount of time will face misconceptions,” said Ed Modell, ICF president and professional certified coach. “It’s unfortunate that the only experiences many have with coaching are the parodies they see on TV or ‘quick fix’ coaching they see advertised. ICF sees it as a duty to correct these inconsistencies by educating the public about professional coaching and the documented benefits coaching can offer.”

According to the ICF, common misconceptions on professional coaching include:

Coaching is not regulated; therefore, there are no standards for coaches to follow. The ICF established a code of ethics, creating standards of professional conduct which ICF members and ICF credential-holders pledge to uphold. Recently, in a joint initiative aimed at self-regulation, the ICF and EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) have filed with the European Union a common code of conduct as the benchmark for the coaching and mentoring industry.

Coaches do not need training. The ICF established core competencies that define the required skill set of a professional coach and establish the foundation for the professional credentialing examination and accreditation for coach training programs. ICF credentials identify coaches who have met established standards of knowledge, skills, as well as practice.

Coaching is like therapy or consulting. 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 on relieving past psychological pain or treating cognitive or emotional disorders. Trained coaches are taught when to refer clients for therapeutic help. Unlike a consultant, a coach does not provide clients answers or solutions based on expertise or knowledge in a certain area. Trained coaches seek to elicit solutions and strategies from their client.