10 Common Misconceptions About ICF Coaching

Author: Team xMonks | Published on: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 18:22:00 +0000

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world's largest organization dedicated to the progress of coaching as a profession and the promotion of coaching's position as an essential component of a healthy society. Founded in 1995, the organization has over 35,000 members in over 140 countries and territories. It strives to increase awareness of coaching and protect the profession's integrity through lifelong learning and upholding the highest ethical standards. ICF empowers professional coaches, coaching clients, organizations, communities, and the globe through coaching.

Despite its growing popularity, there are still a lot of misconceptions about ICF coaching, largely concerning the nature of the job and the expected outcomes. ICF President and Professional Certified Coach Ed Modell states, "Any profession that experiences significant growth in a short amount of time will face misconceptions. ICF sees it as a duty to correct these inconsistencies by educating the public about professional coaching and the documented benefits coaching can offer."

This blog post aims to dispel the most common of these myths and give you a better understanding of what executive coaching is and what it can accomplish for you or your company.

The Myths About Life Coaching and Coaches

1. Coaching is a type of therapy or counseling that is relatively new.

While it's true that many coaches are former therapists, coaching has evolved into the fastest-growing job description worldwide. Professional coaches are trained to differentiate between coaching and therapy, knowing when to refer a client to a therapist. Unlike consultants, coaches are educated to extract ideas and strategies from their clients, believing that their clients are naturally creative and resourceful. Professional coaching is a unique service that focuses on a person's life in terms of goal-setting, outcome creation, and personal change management.

2. Coaching is not regulated as there are no guidelines for coaches to follow.

This is completely false. The ICF established a Code of Ethics, which sets professional conduct standards that ICF members and credential holders agree to abide by. The ICF and the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) have filed a unified code of conduct with the European Union as the baseline for the coaching and mentoring industry. This is a combined effort aiming at self-regulation.

3. Coaching is New Age nonsense.

As coaching develops as a profession, research is proving the validity of various coaching techniques, some of which were previously disregarded by "experts." Focusing on the positive, the present, and the desired future, has long been recognized as effective tools for turning challenges into opportunities and pain into wisdom. These tools have also been embraced by many therapists. Meanwhile, any nonsense is being gently discarded.

4. Coaches do not require any training.

This depends on whether you desire to be a successful coach. The ICF has been polling thousands of coaches for years, and their research shows that coaches who have received coach-specific training are more successful and less likely to leave the profession. So, while you can call yourself a coach without training, if you want to be a good coach, get quality instruction as soon as possible. It's a fantastic investment.

5. Coaches know everything there is to know.

Some people believe that coaches have ideal lives and know everything. That description doesn't apply to anyone. Coaches are adept at asking crucial questions that clients rarely ask themselves. They are skilled at adapting to change and personalizing each conversation. Coaches are simply exceptional at bringing important information to light that aids in transformation.

6. Coaching is for those who aren't in control of their life.

A coach is for everyone who wants to grow and make meaningful changes in their careers or life. Coaching benefits a wide range of people, from CEOs to stay-at-home moms. Organizations like Amazon, Facebook, and Google have established award-winning coaching programs, providing proven evidence of how coaching produces amazing results for their business and employees.

7. A coach must be merciless and unemotional.

For the partnership to work, there must be a good rapport between the coach and the client. While accountability for actions is important in coaching, "bullying and badgering" have no place in coaching. If you don't feel comfortable working with your current coach, it might be time to choose a new one.

8. Coaching isn't a legitimate profession.

This was undoubtedly true thirty years ago, as it was in the early days of any profession. Remember when it was believed that the Sun moves around the Earth? It's important to remember that all professions evolve over time. They start with a small group of talented practitioners. Then, someone defines what they do and teaches others about it. Professional associations codify ethical procedures and establish certificates. Researchers start looking at the effectiveness of the field. Universities then begin to establish educational programs. All of this has happened in the coaching field. In 2020, it has become the second fastest-growing industry.

9. Coaches are not accountable, hence consumers have no protection.

All ICF members and ICF credential holders agree to follow the ICF Code of Ethics and are subject to an Ethical Conduct Review Process. This protocol contains a series of steps for reviewing, investigating, and responding to alleged unethical activities or behavior that violates the ICF Code of Ethics. ICF Credential holders are members of a self-regulatory association of elite coaches who hold themselves and the coaching industry accountable. They have pursued and passed demanding education and practice requirements, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to coaching excellence.

10. Coaching is only for high-potential individuals.

Coaching is for anyone who wants to improve their performance or needs assistance in achieving a specific goal. In reality, more people are seeking coaching, regardless of whether they have been identified as 'high-potentials' by senior management. Everyone faces obstacles, and coaching can help you identify and overcome them to reach your goals. An executive coach listens to you, inquires about your goals and challenges, and asks follow-up questions to help you come up with viable solutions.

Because coaching is an advanced technology that can help individuals successfully navigate hypercomplexity, even in the face of crises like climate change, spend time speaking with any potential coach, getting to know them a little, and learning how they will work with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is International Coaching Federation (ICF)?
  The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world's largest organization dedicated to the advancement of coaching as a profession and the promotion of coaching's role as an important part of a healthy society. The organization, which was created in 1995 and now has over 35,000 members from over 140 countries, is dedicated to raising awareness of coaching and defending the profession's integrity via lifelong learning and keeping the highest ethical standards.
• What is the importance of ICF Code of Ethics?
  Members and credential holders of the ICF commit to observe the ICF Code of Ethics and are subject to an Ethical Conduct Review Process. This protocol outlines a process for assessing, investigating, and responding to alleged unethical acts or behavior that are in violation of the ICF Code of Ethics.
• Does ICF empower professional coaches?
  ICF empowers professional coaches, coaching clients, organizations, communities, and the globe through coaching. It is dedicated to raising awareness of coaching and defending the profession's integrity via lifelong learning and keeping the highest ethical standards.
• What are some of the Myths about Life Coaching?
  Some myths about Life Coaching are as follows:
  • Coaching is a type of therapy or counseling that is relatively new.
  • Coaching is not regulated as there are no guidelines for coaches to follow.
  • Coaching is New Age nonsense.
  • Coaches do not require any training.
• Who are ICF Credential holders?
  ICF Credential holders are members of a self-regulatory organization of outstanding coaches who hold themselves and the coaching industry accountable. They've worked hard and passed rigorous education and practice standards, displaying their unshakable commitment to coaching excellence.