Reviewing the ICF Core Competencies

What are the ICF Core Competencies?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) core competencies are at the heart of great coaching. Coaching isn't just about asking questions and nodding along, nor is it a ‘conversation.’ It’s about holding space through each of the ICF Core Competencies in a way that allows the client to confidently arrive in a new place—a new mindset, a new plan of action, a new way of being.

Each ICF Core Competency, Broken Down

Setting the Foundation. Here, coaches establish trust and intimacy, create a safe space, and set clear agreements with their clients. It's like preparing the the soil so that plants can grow – essential and foundational.

Co-creating the Relationship. Coaching is a collaborative endeavor; it's about two minds coming together, exploring, and creating possibilities. Coaches harness the power of active listening, evoke awareness, and foster client growth. It's not about telling the client what to do—in fact, that’s a big no-no for coaching and the ICF Core Competencies. Instead, coaching is about guiding, supporting, and empowering.

Communicating Effectively. Here, coaches dive deep into the art of communication – not just with words, but with presence, empathy, and intuition. They ask powerful questions, courageously provide feedback that encourages their clients to consider alternatives and new possibilities (or help the client see where they are getting off-track), and communicate clearly and directly.

Facilitating Learning and Results. Coaching that is effective has tangible outcomes in our clients’ lives. Coaches help clients set goals, design actions, manage progress, and celebrate successes. It’s here where you really see the parallels between life coaching and athletic coaching. The coach is off the field—not the one actually making the plays—but because coaches and clients work together to facilitate learning and results, success is more likely.

Embracing a Coaching Mindset isn't just a competency; it's a way of being. Coaches embody curiosity, flexibility, and continuous learning. They maintain presence, stay open to possibilities, and honor the client's agenda. It's like dancing with the flow of life, embracing each moment with grace and authenticity.

Last but not least, we have Maintaining Ethical Standards. Integrity is the cornerstone of coaching excellence—as a coach, you are not a therapist and you must hold the client’s well-being as a first priority through the ICF Core Competency of maintaining ethical standards. Coaches uphold the highest ethical standards, honor confidentiality, and act responsibly. It's like holding a sacred oath, ensuring that every coaching interaction is grounded in trust, respect, and integrity.

How We Use the ICF Core Competencies

At TeamCLCC, we’re not only utilizing a curriculum backed by the ICF Core Competencies to train our coaches, we’re also giving our coaches the language of how to talk about those competencies and self-evaluate their coaching. You know you’re attaining mastery with the ICF Core Competencies when using them begins to feel natural and fluid in your coaching sessions.

We also integrate the ICF Core Competencies into personal coaching work. We believe that everyone who becomes a coach should also undertake personal work so that they can empathize with how hard the process of change can be, and see themselves where people get stuck and how to get unstuck. This unique perspective means that not only will you become a life-changing coach—the first life you change will be your own.