Steven Benglas, in his article “The Very Real Dangers of Executive Coaching” (Berglas), makes many criticisms of executive coaches, including; that coaches “sell themselves a purveyors of simple answers & quick results”; that coaches only focus on behavioral solutions, ignoring or worsening possible significant psychological issues of the “coachee”; & that coaches “exploit the strong hold they develop over their clients” (Berglas, p. 88).
To ensure credibility & improve the professionalism of the coaching profession, the International Coach Federation (ICF) has identified core coaching competencies that are helpful in ensuring that criticisms like those of Benglas are reduced or eliminated. The competencies include:
1. Meeting ethical guidelines & professional standards.
2. Establishing the coaching agreement.
3. Establishing trust & intimacy.
4. Coaching presence.
5. Active listening.
6. Powerful questioning.
7. Direct communication.
8. Creating awareness.
9. Designing actions.
10. Planning & goal setting.
11. Managing process & accountability.
While each of the competencies is important, the first three deserve special attention. First, by setting & meeting a high ethical guidelines & professional standards, coaches ensure that clients understand “the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psycho-therapy & other professions” & refer clients “to another support professional as needed” coachfederation.org/ICF/. This will ensure that clients with serious psychological or other issues, which the coach is not qualified to handle, are directed to professionals who can get help. Reaching an understanding of what the coach can provide for the “coachee” & being clear about the expectations of what the coach can provide ensuring coach does not over promise what they can realistically accomplish. These two steps help to establish the relationship between the coach & “coachee” in a way that establishes trust & realistic expectations for the relationship.
The other key competencies are also essential for coaches to develop, especially if they are to be recognized as a professional with genuine skills & ability to help the “coachee” develop over time & not promise “fast results…employing techniques that reject out of hand any introspective process…” (Berglas, p. 88). An effective coach must demonstrate the ability to focus & understand the needs of the “coachee”, as well as help the “coachee” internally reflect in order to create an awareness of their strengths & weaknesses . This takes time & competence. Listening & questioning skills are vital for coaches to be able to do this effectively. In addition, it takes dedication, skill & commitment for the coach to turn this self awareness in to actions which the client is committed to take, & then time to follow through with the process long sufficient to demonstrate results which can be measured.
The ICF competency model is an excellent standard for all coaches to strive for in order to best meet the needs of their clients & to improve the image & reputation of their profession.
References:
Berglas, S., (2002). The very genuine dangers of executive coaching. Harvard Business Review. June 2002, Vol. 80 Issue 6, p86-93, 8p, 1c
International Coach Federation. (2006). Retrieved May 11, 2007, from coachfederation.org/ICF/
James Gehrke is the President of Magnify Leadership & Development.
After various promotions in Sales, Sales Operations, Training & Development, & Sales Management & Training, he headed Pfizer’s Learning & Development for all of Europe, Canada, Africa, & the Middle East where he was instrumental in the development of a global management curriculum & other training initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness for over 30,000 employees. He has worked on many high levels, cross functional teams addressing issues such as Field Force Effectiveness, Change Leadership, Leader Behavior Development, Executive Coaching & many others.
Since starting his own training company, James has developed & trained both public & private leadership, coaching, targeting & territory management sessions for hundreds of participants in various industries. James is bilingual & can teach in both English & Spanish http://www.magnifyleadership.com
Magnify Leadership & Development
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Email: info@magnifyleadership.com
Website: http://www.magnifyleadership.com
