You didn't have to go too far in the coaching world during these past weeks to run into the ruckus around the International Coach Federation's proposed move to a single professional credential, intended to comply with ISO standards.
Whether a long-time coach who has already earned ICF credentials, a member of the ICF assessor team, or a newer coach getting started on a professional path, everyone has questions, opinions, concerns. Much of the more thoughtful dialog is posted at Coaching Commons.
For me it's a reminder of the importance of the second and foundational ICF coaching competency: Establishing the Coaching Agreement ... the ability to first explore fully what is wanted, establishing measures of success, and ensuring both coach and client are clear about the purpose ... fully understanding WHAT before running off to figure out HOW.
I'm still not clear about the importance of this proposal ...for me, the coaching profession, or clients. Am hoping this becomes clearer in the upcoming weeks. But it's easy to imagine just how differently this would be playing out if the ICF had paid more attention to first building an understanding around the purpose. Ah, well ... that's the beauty of this profession. Every situation is an opportunity to learn.
Meanwhile, you might want to stop by the site www.ICFCoachesTakeaStand.org and join with 600+ coaches in a call for a do-over.
