The Knowledge Debate:
Exploring the Updated ICF Core Competencies
One small word
KNOWLEDGE
In the latest update to the ICF Core Competencies, one small word is creating a big conversation: knowledge. Under Evokes Awareness, the marker now reads: shares observations, knowledge, and feelings without attachment (replacing “insights”). Coaches are asking: does this blur the line between coaching and mentoring/advice?
In this Coaching Café, Natalie and Paula unpack what changed, why it matters, and how to keep practice clean, ethical, and effective.
What changed
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What changed?
In Evokes Awareness, the coach may share knowledge—alongside observations and feelings—without attachment, when it may help the client generate new insights. -
What “knowledge” means (ICF glossary):
Information or skills gained through study, observation, practice, or direct experience. -
What didn’t change:
Coaching still isn’t mentoring, advising, counselling, or directing. The boundary stands.
How to keep it coaching
Great coaching co-creates awareness that surfaces both the known-but-unsaid and the previously unknown.
How to share
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Make an offer: “I’ve got something that might be relevant—would you like to hear it?”
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Use curiosity, not direction: “I’m wondering how X might relate here, if at all.”
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Keep it brief and hand it back: “What lands for you? What would you like to do with that?”
Why you’d share
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To stimulate the client’s thinking, not to replace it.
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To illuminate blind spots the client wants to examine.
When to share
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After exploring the client’s view first.
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When the client’s goal would genuinely benefit from a short, neutral input.
Bottom line for practitioners
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Yes, you can bring your knowledge.
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No, you don’t take over.
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Keep it offered, brief, and non-attached—always in service of the client creating their own insight and way forward.
For a deeper dive you can catch up by watching our live recording.
Enjoy exploring these new competencies.
Missed the live session, catch up here
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