Despite the fact that in recent years coaching has been accepted by most organizations as a useful process for professional and organizational development, there is still ambiguity about the benefits of hiring a certified coach rather than a ‘certified’ coach. uncertified”. This article aims to clarify this important issue.
According to Wikipedia the word “certified coach” first appeared in 1830 when the University of Oxford used it as the colloquial term to describe “tutor”. The idea of coaching quickly gained popularity and was employed in non-college settings as well. As early as 1861 the term made its inroads into athletic development circles. Where it remained for the next several hundred years. It’s only in the last 25 years that the idea of coaching has evolved outside of the sports world. And found its way into corporate offices in the form of executive coaching and leadership coaching.
I believe that the emergence. And the growth of executive coaching as a legitimate vocation. And the credibility it enjoys in the corporate world could be directly linked to its founding. Of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) in 1995. Part of this credibility is the result of enunciating a clear code of ethics, identifying core competencies for a certified coach, and creating an accreditation process that ensures a high standard of professional excellence.
Despite the efforts to create high standards and oversee the coaching profession. There is no legal impediment, those who wish can call themselves a “coach”. As a result, in the current context, organizations and individuals who would like to obtain the services of a coach are left to their fate to choose between a “non-certified” coach and a certified coach, without knowing or fully understanding the benefits that hiring a certified coach could provide. In order to provide more clarity and help organizations and their managers make an informed decisions. This article will review what I believe to be the three most important benefits of hiring a “certified” coach.
High standards in training
Clearly defined policies and code of ethics
Coach accountability and professional governance
High standards in training
In order to receive a Basic Certification (ACC) coaches must complete. An academic path offered by an accredited program combines. The study of several coaching models as well as the development. And practical application of coaching techniques. In addition. Before receiving accreditation candidates who have completed. A coaching training program must accumulate 100 hours of practical coaching experience. (partly supervised by an experienced coach) and complete an assessment of their coaching knowledge.
Following their initial certification. The Certified Coach must recertify every two years. A process that requires the accumulation of additional educational credits. Additional coaching hours and passing a second assessment of their coaching knowledge.
All of these rigorous educational requirements ensure that all coaches. With accreditation have received high-level training corresponding to professional standards. And that they have accumulated significant coaching hours and experience.
Clearly defined policies and a code of ethics
When an organization or business leader hires a coach. They are engaging in a professional process of personal development. A process which by its nature will expose vulnerabilities. Identify areas of personal development and challenge leaders to consider new possibilities and approaches. In order to establish the trust that leaders. And organizations require to enter into this relationship willingly. It is essential that they are able to trust the coach and the coaching process. Answering the following questions will serve as a good foundation for establishing that trust.
What are the qualifications of the coach?
What are the coach’s ethical standards regarding issues such as confidentiality?
Is the coach’s experience sufficient for our challenges?
In choosing an Accredited Coach many of these questions. Will be answered so that the organization/leader’s emphasis can focus not on the qualifications of the coach. But on the similarities that exist between the potential coach and the vision and values of the organism.
Coach accountability and professional governance
ICF’s commitment to setting a high standard of professional excellence for the coaching profession demonstrates. That it governs the coaching industry and oversees the development and professionalism of all accredited coaches. It is a process that allows coaches to progress through the three levels of accreditation. Associate Accredited Coach (ACC). Certified Professional Coach (PPC) and Certified Master Coach (MCC). In order to obtain these professional qualifications. The brain coach must complete a prescribed number of coaching training units. Accumulate a predetermined number of hours as a coach and demonstrate their competence as a coach in a satisfactory manner.
In conclusion, I would like to raise one last consideration. To ensure sound management of their financial resources. Organizations place significant importance on the training and skills of the people they hire to manage and administer them. My hope is that this article on the benefits of hiring ICF-certified coaches. Will encourage organizations to apply the same diligence in managing and developing their human resources.
