According to the ICF, the following are the core competencies of professional coaches:

• Setting the Foundation

• Co-Creating the Relationship

• Communicating Effectively

• Facilitating Learning and Results

Regardless of what type of coach you are, these core competencies ring true.  Without them, it would not be possible to support or guide clients toward an appropriate goal. But, do these competencies look the same in all types of coaching?  Are they applied the same by life coaches and executive coaches?  Or is it more about the individual coach rather than the type of coaching?  Every coach implements these competencies in one way or another, but depending on the coach, more focus may be given to one competency over another.

Members of the ICF are also listed in a directory on the website.  A potential client can enter in several pieces of qualifying information including geographic location and type of coaching desired, and then a list of ICF member coaches is displayed.

This added marketing benefit may be reason enough to join, the additional credentials notwithstanding.  For many potential clients, additional credentials can be a relief.  There has been some buzz over recent years regarding the regulation of the coaching industry.   As such, having additional credentials may put potential clients at ease.

They are in the process of updating and redesigning their website so we’ve found that a few of the links aren’t working but we’re sure they’ll be fixed once they get the kinks ironed out.

Lisa on behalf of Contemporary VA

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If the topic really interests you, I suggest you check out the article. It is not available to read on the magazine’s website, but subscriptions are inexpensive. For a one year subscription to the hard copy of the magazine, the cost is $39.95. If you wish to receive an electronic version, the cost is $19.95 for a one year subscription.  Of course, the longer you subscribe, the less you cost per year will be. The magazine releases issues quarterly.

Of course, whether to use individual, group, or team coaching is dependent entirely upon the type of coaching you do and the context. Each of the three types will be successful in any arena, if done properly.

There are coaches who prefer individual coaching regardless of the situation, and there are coaches who prefer the opposite.  It is best to take into consideration what may be best for the client, rather than what we personally prefer.

Either way, Choice Magazine is a good resource for coaches and worth taking a peek at.

Lisa on behalf of Contemporary VA

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No matter what the specialty, all coaches have clients with organizational or time management issues. This can be especially trying if you’re a new coach or if you are not particularly used to dealing with the issues. We can research methods, share our personal experiences with clients, and do any number of other things, but sometimes it takes something concrete, on paper, for a client to find it useful.

Someone recently shared with me an amazing resource, and I hope you’ll check it out. The site is a goldmine of resources, with articles, blog posts, and printable documents as well. The author is David Seah, who writes about “productivity and other methods of empowering ourselves.”

There are some amazing resources in Seah’s Printable CEO Series. The resources in this series would be perfect to give to clients with issues or concerns over time management and organization.

Take a look at the series and decide for yourself if it’s worth passing on to clients. As with many resources, it may not be perfect for every client, but it will likely be just right for others.

Lisa on behalf of Contemporary VA

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