The ICF lists Coaching Presence as one of Core Competencies. Developing this skill involves multiple components including: listening, recognizing personality and knowing how to flex accordingly, recognizing learning style and knowing how to adjust, and being confident. In the detail provided on this competency, the ICF notes that it includes ‘dancing in the moment’.
During the Certified Professional Coach program, the components for being present are taught and practiced. Participants practice specific listening techniques and discover how impactful applying them intentionally makes a difference. A tool is provided for recognizing personality in the moment and then knowing how to adjust accordingly. The difference between this tool and an assessment is that the assessment is a one-time assessment as compared to what is happening in the moment. The indicators of learning style are given so that it is recognized in the moment and the coach then uses wording and process that are most effective for the individual client. Confidence is developed with practice.
Coaching Presence benefits both the coach and the client because it supports a deeper awareness and expands the creative thinking when exploring possibilities. When a coach is aware of the tools and techniques for coaching and uses them intentionally, they are present to their client and confident dancing in the moment.
