What is professional coaching?

The ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching honors the client as the expert in his/her life and work and believes that every client is creative, resourceful, and whole. Standing on this foundation, the coach's responsibility is to:

• Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve;
  
• Encourage client self-discovery;
  
• Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies; and
  
• Hold the client responsible and accountable.

Coaches are trained to listen, to observe and to customize their approach to individual client needs. They seek to elicit solutions and strategies from the client; they believe the client is naturally creative and resourceful. The coach's job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the client already has.

Tips on Hiring a Coach

Before you hire a coach, here are some important factors you may wish to consider:

• How well does the coach’s specialty area(s) match my needs and goals?

• What is the coach’s background, including education and training, professional experience, and certifications?

• Is the coach’s location convenient for me? Do they work in person, by phone, or both?

• And finally, is this a person with whom I can form an effective and rewarding partnership?

When you have narrowed your search, consider interviewing two or three coaches before making a final selection.

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