Competent or Not yet Competent?

Competent or Not yet Competent? Coaching through the eyes of the Assessor

What does ‘competent’ coaching look like, sound like and feel like?
Alternatively, what do coaches do that would deem them to be ‘not yet competent’ from an ICF core competency point of view?
Would you be deemed as ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’ against the international standards?

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Competent coaching

Brigitte says that a ‘competent’ coach will establish the coaching agreement. Meaning there is clear goal for this conversation. In addition, the goal is linked to a broader goal or conversation. At the same time, the coach is building trust and rapport by maintaining 100% focus and presence with the client.

Furthermore, the coach will ‘stay out of the space’ – a concept that we talk a lot about on our Certificate IV in Workplace and Business Coaching program. And focus on listening in a non-judgmental way.

Importantly, the coach will ask questions with genuine curiosity and purpose. At the same time, allowing the coachee to find their answers. Along with ensuring we ask mostly open questions, and ask one question at a time.

You can hear a further explanation by watching the video or listening to the podcast.

Not Yet Competent coaching

Submitting a recording of your coaching to achieve your ICF credential is a part of the ICF credentialling process. Prior to making the submission, you need to ensure that you are submitting a competent recording. Without a doubt there are some things that you should watch out for.

Coaching is deemed ‘not yet competent’ if there is no goal established for the session. In addition, it’s an instant fail in the eyes of the ICF if the coach starts telling, mentoring or advising the coachee. This also includes being judgemental and giving your opinion unnecessarily.

By the same token, some coaches will get stuck in the story. Furthermore, ask leading questions because they think they know the answer. Consequently, they will jump into the space and tell the coachee what to do. No doubt the coach is talking – a lot!

Not to mention, stacking questions, closed questions and questions that do not respond to the coachee. In summary, there could be quite a few things that a coach needs to tidy up, so that they avoid being deemed ‘not yet competent’. You can hear more about this on the webinar or our podcast.

Continuous development

One way to ensure that we are continuously developing our coaching skills, is to listen to recordings. Even better, if you have a transcript of the recording. You can go back and listen to your coaching. Specifically, listening for closed questions, stacked questions, and where you might have used more pause or silence. Importantly, getting feedback on your coaching helps improve your coaching. Feedback from an expert like Brigitte is invaluable. So contact us if this is something you are interested in.

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