Coaching Competenties

The team at ‘Look Beyond‘ strictly adheres to the Core competencies defined by the ICF, for their Coaching Engagements. These competencies are the foundation for the ICF Credentialing process examination. These will also support you in calibrating the level of alignment between the coach-specific training expected and the training you have experienced. The core competencies are grouped into four clusters; the groupings and individual competencies do not represent any kind of priority in that they are all core / critical for competent Coaches to demonstrate in their practice/assignments. The following eleven core coaching competencies were developed to support greater understanding about the skills and approaches used within today’s coaching profession as defined by the International Coach Federation.

SETTING THE FOUNDATION

Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards –Understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations.

Establishing the Coaching Agreement – Ability to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to an agreement with the perspective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.

CO-CREATING THE RELATIONSHIP

Establishing Trust and Intimacy with the Client – Ability to create a safe, supportive environment that produces ongoing mutual respect and trust.

Coaching Presence – Ability to be fully conscious and create spontaneous relationship with the client, employing a style that is open, flexible and confident.

COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY

Active Listening – Ability to focus completely on what the client is saying and is not saying, to understand the meaning of what is said in the context of the client’s desires, and to support client self-expression.

Powerful Questioning – Ability to ask questions that reveal the information needed for maximum benefit to the coaching relationship and the client.

Direct Communication – Ability to communicate effectively during coaching sessions, and to use language that has the greatest positive impact on the client.

FACILITATING LEARNING AND RESULTS

Creating Awareness – Ability to integrate and accurately evaluate multiple sources of information, and to make interpretations that help the client to gain awareness and thereby achieve agreed-upon results.

Designing Actions – Ability to create with the client opportunities for ongoing learning, during coaching and in work/life situations, and for taking new actions that will most effectively lead to agreed-upon coaching results.

Planning and Goal Setting – Ability to develop and maintain an effective coaching plan with the client.

Managing Progress and Accountability – Ability to hold attention on what is important for the client, and to leave responsibility with the client to take action.