Coaching is partnering with Coachees in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
Coaching is a client-driven process that’s distinct from other service professions, such as counseling, mentoring, consulting and training. The coaching process helps individuals improve their outlook on work and life, while improving their leadership skills and unlocking their potential.
An Executive Coach is a qualified professional that works with individuals (usually executives, but often high potential employees) to help them gain self-awareness, clarify goals, achieve their development objectives, unleash their potential, and act as a sounding board. Coaches are not consultants or therapists (although many have consulting or therapist backgrounds) and usually refrain from giving advice or solving individuals’ problems. Instead, they ask questions to help individuals clarify and solve their own problems.
The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.
As the world’s largest organization of professionally trained coaches, ICF confers instant creditability upon its members. ICF is also committed to connecting member coaches with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers.
History of ICF
Professional Coach Thomas Leonard started the International Coach Federation (ICF) in 1995 as a non-profit organization for fellow coaches to support each other and grow the profession. The following year, a president was appointed and a board of directors established. The first ICF Chapter was established, and by May 1996, there were more than 60 ICF Chapters worldwide.
In 2017 there are more than 130 Chapters in 70 countries with 30,578 members in 138 countries.
ICF Credential
ICF Credential-holders are part of a self-regulating group of elite coaches who provide accountability to clients and the coaching profession as a whole. They pursue and complete rigorous education and practice requirements that provide unquestioned legitimacy to their commitment to excellence in coaching.
ICF offers three credentials: Associate, Professional and Master Certified Coach.
