To embark on a successful coaching career, it’s imperative to possess certain skills and qualifications that will set you apart and guide you towards professional excellence. While a deep understanding of human behavior and the ability to communicate effectively are essential traits for a coach, there are additional skills and qualifications that will significantly enhance your coaching practice.
While technically, legally, there are no specific requirements to become a coach, completing a certification program or obtaining a coaching credential will boost your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Coach training includes comprehensive competency development, mentoring, and practical experience to equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel as a coach and directly impacts the quality of your services. It is fascinating that some say there is no call for coach training. This begs the question: if someone is going to pay for coaching, what is the message if the person offering services has no training in coaching competencies and ethics? When you care about the quality of your work and the impact you have, then you care to develop your coaching competencies with training and credentialing.
The International Coaching Federation did extensive research and has developed and continues to update the Core Competencies for coaches – the complete history and set of competencies is at https://coachingfederation.org/credentials-and-standards/core-competencies
In short, there are eight Core Competencies:
- Demonstrates Ethical Practice
- Embodies a Coaching Mindset
- Establishes and Maintains Agreements
- Cultivates Trust and Safety
- Maintains Presence
- Listens Actively
- Evokes Awareness
- Facilitates Client Growth
Chances are that looking at this list has you feeling like you have good skills for the work and chances are that you are correct. The key is transferring your current skills into coaching-specific skills. While you will have similar skills, the application in coaching is different.
For example, one important skill to develop is active listening. As a coach, you must be able to truly hear your clients and understand their interests, desires, and challenges. Active listening involves hearing the words being spoken with a focus on understanding the client’s meaning from their perspective, paying attention to non-verbal cues and the underlying emotions, succinctly summarizing for the client’s benefit, noticing and exploring patterns and themes, recognizing when two different things they talk about are either connected or in conflict, and listening cumulatively. Coach training will help take your listening skills to the next level.
Additionally, having excellent interpersonal and communication skills is crucial. You will be working closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of motivation. Being able to build trust, establish rapport, ask powerful questions, and explore deeply are vital components of effective coaching.
Now that you understand the importance of developing certain skills and qualifications as a coach, it’s time to explore how to choose the right coach training program. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to know which program will best serve you with quality of information, the learning experience, development of your competencies, and ongoing support.
First and foremost, consider the coaching approach and methodology taught in the program. Different coaching programs may emphasize different techniques, such as solution-focused coaching, cognitive-behavioral coaching, strengths-based coaching, somatic coaching, ontological coaching, and more. A quality program built on the coaching competencies will incorporate all the above. Research different approaches to training and determine which will serve you best.
Next, look at the program’s curriculum and course offerings. A well-rounded coaching program should cover a range of topics, including ethics and professional standards, coaching models and frameworks, goal setting and action planning, and business development. Ensure that the program aligns with your desired learning outcomes and provides a comprehensive education in the areas you wish to specialize in. It is worth noting that each program is completely different so putting the quality of the content, the learning experience, the resources, and the ongoing support after completion at the top of your criteria list is smart.
Furthermore, consider the program’s accreditation and recognition. Look for programs that are accredited by the International Coaching Federation, ICF. Accreditation ensures that the program meets industry standards and will enhance your credibility as a coach. As a bonus, accreditation from the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training, IACET, will demonstrate rigor in the program design, delivery, and continuous improvement as well as provide added value with continuing education that serves to maintain other professional designations too.
Lastly, evaluate the program’s delivery format. Some coaching programs are offered online, while others may require in-person attendance or a combination of both – ICF requires that at least 50% of the training hours be live. The advantage of live, online classes is the time and cost savings as well as being conducive to having a diverse group or participants. Be sure to consider your availability, preferred learning style, and any practical constraints when deciding which delivery format works best for you.
By carefully considering key criteria and conducting thorough research, you can choose a coaching program that lays a solid foundation for your career and equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive as a professional coach.
In the next blog you will discover insights for having a coaching business so come back next week!
