What does it mean to be a coach?

A woman is sitting at desk with her laptop computer
A woman is sitting at desk with her laptop computer
What does it mean to be a coach?

The journey to be a coach, like most professional careers, includes specialized training, certification, credentialing, and accountability to ethics.

Specialized training starts with selecting an accredited school known for the quality of the programs, learning the competencies of a coach, and developing skill with each, plus learning and embodying coaching ethics.  Most schools offer certification with their programs.

Earning a credential is done through the International Coaching Federation.  In addition to the accredited training, they require coaching experience, mentor coaching, assessment, and an exam.

Once qualified, doing coaching involves the technical application of the competencies.  Going deeper, evolving to being a coach means truly being present with a client, focusing completely on the client by listening to understand within their context, noticing themes and patterns over time, observing energy shifts, and holding the client as fully capable.

Becoming a certified coach is invaluable for all leaders because the coaching competencies provide the tools and techniques to engage and motivate, support, and empower, and develop people at an advanced level.

Becoming a credentialed coach is a reward career because coaches have the privilege of joining clients on their journey to create meaningful change and maximize their own personal and professional potential.

Learn more at https://www.coachcert.com/resources/faqs/how-to-become-a-coach.html

Cathy Liska

For content specific to coach training and coaching, guest blog posts are welcome.

Most blog posts here are written or curated by Cathy Liska, Guide from the Side®, CDP, MCC.

Cathy is CEO/Founder of the Center for Coaching Certification, CCC. As Guide from the Side®, she is a sought-after trainer and coach with over 30 years of experience in business management and ownership. Cathy built her diverse team at CCC that includes trainers, customer service, and coaches. She was Co-Leader for ICF’s Ethics Community of Practice, on the Leadership Team for the review and updating of the Code of Ethics in 2024, and active in the Ethics Water Cooler. To ensure she stays current in related areas of expertise, Cathy has earned the following: ICF’s Master Certified Coach (MCC), Certified Coach Trainer, Certified Consumer Credit Counselor, Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Grief Support Group Facilitator, Certified in the Drucker Self-Assessment Tool, Certified Apartment Manager, Certified Civil and Family Mediator, and Certified in DISC.

Cathy’s clients range from attorneys to corporate executives, government to nonprofit, entrepreneurs to children, under or unemployed to newly retired. She specializes in communication, management, conflict, and leadership. Her personal mission statement is “People.” Cathy is known for her passion to serve others so they achieve the results they want.

Podcast: https://www.coachcert.com/podcast.html

Publications: Coaching Perspectives (a series of books with chapters by coach training graduates) https://www.coachcert.com/resources/recommended-reading/coaching-perspectives-series-by-the-center-for-coaching-certification-and-more.html

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