Press ReleaseICF Dispels Common Misconceptions About
Professional Coaching04.16.10,
8:21 AM ET
LEXINGTON, Ky., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional coaching is
proven to be an effective method to help develop potential in
individuals, teams, and entire organizations. However, this fact is
often overshadowed by the misconceptions about professional coaches and
the services they provide.
"As with any young profession that has experienced rapid growth,
misconceptions have surfaced about coaching that discredit the work and
dedication of individuals who have chosen coaching as a career," said International
Coach Federation (ICF) President and Master Certified Coach
Giovanna D'Alessio. "Unfortunately, for many people, the only
experiences they have with a life or business coach are the parodies
they see on television or 'quick-fix' coaching offers they see
advertised online. The ICF wants to challenge those misrepresentations
and let people know of the great benefits our profession has to offer
based on documented return on investment and expectations."
Coaching generates a solid return on investment for clients and
creates positive changes in client goal areas for both individuals and
companies. According to the 2009 ICF Global Coaching Client Study, an
overwhelming majority, 83 percent, of individuals who have experienced
professional coaching report being "very satisfied" with their coaching
experience and 96 percent said they would repeat it given the same
circumstances.
The ICF would like to educate people about what coaching is, how it
works, and the great results they can experience through coaching by
addressing some of the most common misconceptions:
There is no training involved in becoming a coach. 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 and practice. Coaches have 135 ICF-accredited/approved
coach training programs to choose from - independent programs to those
associated with large universities and institutions.
Coaching is not regulated therefore there are no rules or standards
for coaches to follow. The ICF has established a Code of Ethics to which
ICF members and ICF Credential holders pledge commitment and
accountability to standards of professional conduct. The ICF Code of
Ethics is widely accepted as the industry's golden standard.
Consumers have no protection if a coaching partnership turns sour.
All coaches who are members of the ICF or hold an ICF Credential
subscribe to the ICF Code of Ethics and are subject to an Ethical
Conduct Review Process. This process includes a set of procedures that
provide for review, investigation and response to alleged unethical
practices or behavior deviating from the established ICF Code of Ethics.
Coaches are people who don't want to spend the time or expense needed
to earn a Ph.D. in therapy or related field. A majority of coaches are
highly educated and have chosen coaching as a second or additional
career. According to the 2007 ICF Global Coaching Study, 53 percent of
coaches have acquired an advanced level of education (i.e., master's,
doctorate). 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. Trained coaches are taught when to refer their
clients for therapeutic help.
Coaching is for "losers." Coaching is helpful to all types of people
from high-level executives to stay-at-home mothers who are ready to make
real changes in their careers or life in general. The coach's job is to
provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that
the coaching client already has. Coaching clients are well-educated: 81
percent hold a university degree and 41 percent hold a post-graduate
degree, according to the ICF Global Coaching Client Study.
Well-established entities such as IBM, NASA, and
the BBC are large supporters of coaching and have implemented
award-winning coaching programs that provide documented evidence of how
coaching creates extraordinary results for their business and employees
alike.
ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a
thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize
their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a distinct
service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or
training.
The International Coach Federation is the leading global
organization for coaches, with over 17,100 members in more than 90
countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting
high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and
building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. The ICF is the
only organization that awards a global credential which is currently
held by more than 6,100 coaches worldwide. For more information on how
to become or find an ICF Credentialed coach, please visit http://www.coachfederation.org.
Contact: Ann Jarvis, +1.859.226.4428, ann.jarvis@coachfederation.orgThis press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more
information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.SOURCE International Coach Federation. Copyright 2009 PR Newswire All rights reserved.