Competency #1
Demonstrates Ethical Practice
1 Demonstrates Ethical Practice Definition
- Demonstrating personal integrity & honesty, sensitivity toward experiences, values & beliefs, and respectful language towards clients, sponsors, and stakeholders.
- Abides by the Code of Ethics and maintains confidentiality
- Maintains distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and refers clients as needed
1 Case Example: A client shares confidential information about a personal dispute with their employer and requests that you keep it private. Later, the employer contacts you for insight into the coaching session.
Application:
* Uphold confidentiality as outlined in the ICF Code of Ethics.
* Politely decline to share any details, explaining the boundaries of the coaching relationship.
Competency #2
Embodies a Coaching Mindset
2 Embodies a Coaching Mindset Definition
- A mindset that is open, curious, flexible, and client-centered
- Is a process that requires ongoing learning and development, establishing a reflective practice, and preparing for sessions
2 Case Example: A client becomes frustrated when progress in their goals seems slow. They express doubts about their abilities.
Application:
* Curiosity over judgment: Instead of agreeing, disagreeing, or offering a quick solution, the coach remains curious about the client’s perspective and internal experience.
* Acknowledging growth opportunities: The coach views this moment of frustration as an opportunity for self-awareness and growth.
Competency #3
Establishes and Maintains Agreements
3 Establishes and Maintains Agreements Definition
- Partnering with client/stakeholders to create agreements on the coaching relationship, process, plans, and goals.
- Establishing agreements for the overall coaching engagement and for each session - TGOAL
3 Case Example:
During the initial session, a client sets a vague goal: “I want to improve at work.”
Application:
* Collaborate with the client to define specific, measurable outcomes, such as “improve communication with my team by holding weekly check-ins.”
* Confirm their understanding and agreement on the goals for the coaching engagement.
Competency #4
Cultivates Trust and Safety
4 Cultivates Trust and Safety Definition
- Partners with the client to create a safe and supportive environment that allows the client to share freely
- Maintains a relationship of mutual respect and trust
4 Case Example:
A client hesitates to share details about a failed project, fearing judgment.
Application:
* Create a safe space by expressing empathy and acknowledging their feelings.
* Use open-ended questions like, “What lessons emerged for you from this experience?” to encourage them to share.
Competency #5
Maintains Presence
5 Maintains Presence Definition
- Partners with the client to create a safe and supportive environment that allows the client to share freely
- Coach acts in response to the whole person of the client (the WHO) and to what the client wants to accomplish throughout this session (the WHAT).
5 Case Example:
A client becomes emotional during a session, recalling a difficult career decision.
Application:
* Stay fully present, allowing silence to hold space for their emotions.
* Use reflective listening, such as “I hear how much this decision has impacted you,” to validate their experience.
Competency #6
Listens Actively
6 Listens Actively Definition
- Focuses on what the client is and is not saying to fully understand what the client is communicating.
- Noticing and exploring the client’s emotions, energy shifts, and non-verbal behaviors.
6 Case Example:
A client says they want to “take on more leadership roles” but later mentions feeling overwhelmed by current responsibilities.
Application:
* Pick up on this tension and reflect it back: “I notice you’re expressing both a desire to lead and concerns about workload. Can you tell me more about how these fit together?”
Competency #7
Evokes Awareness
7 Evokes Awareness Definition
- Facilitates client insights and learning by questioning, challenging to support them in reframing perspectives
- Asks questions that help the client explore beyond current thinking
7 Case Example:
A client struggles to identify why they are not achieving their career goals.
Application:
* Ask powerful questions like, “What recurring patterns do you notice in how you approach challenges?” or “If success were guaranteed, what would you do differently today?”
* Encourage them to explore new perspectives.
Competency #8
Facilitates Client Growth
8 Facilitates Client Growth Definition
- Partners with the client to turn insights and learning into actions.
- Supports the client in identifying potential results or learning from identified action.
8 Case Example:
A client identifies a lack of delegation as a barrier to their team’s efficiency.
Application:
* Co-create a strategy for improvement, such as setting specific tasks to delegate and a timeline for implementation.
* Follow up with accountability questions like, “How will you measure the impact of this change on your team?”
