invite CHANGE

February 10, 2010

Professionalism & Life Coaching: Take Pride

Community of Coaching, Ethics & Professional Conduct, Life Coaching,  |  6 comments

I find myself paying close attention to my reactions when someone writes or speaks about a subject I feel passion for, in what I perceive as critical, incorrect or incomplete language. My first step is to remember my values of wholeness and consciousness and give myself time to reflect and consider the merit and benefit of different points of view. Sometimes this is easier said than done, and I always find with time I relax into fresh insight and I am better off by the investment of time and energy. 

A recent article about life coaching was published in Newsweek magazine [link to: http://www.newsweek.com/id/232583?GT1=43002] and it created a visceral reaction in me and for several of my colleagues. This experience amplified my commitment to communicate the impact, power and effectiveness of professional coaching, a fifteen year ‘young’ profession we are celebrating during this, the 15^thInternational Coaching Week [link about: http://www.invitechange.com/news/index.php]. 

Here are a few clarifications I offer to the Newsweek article along with some links to web sites that will provide expanded perspective and greater accuracy.

• Professional coaching is self-regulated and proud to hold a high standard for ethical, professional conduct that is globally recognized
• International Coach Federation Members (16,000+ in more than 90 countries) follow a globally adopted Code of Ethics and model standards of conduct [link to: http://www.coachfederation.org/about-icf/ethics-&-regulation/]. 
• The ICF also provides a system of credentials.  Our system assures the public that someone who has earned an ICF credential has completed rigorous, ICF accredited coach specific skills training, has received mentor coaching from an ICF credentialed professional coach, has successfully complete a written examination of knowledge and ethical conduct, has effectively demonstrated the behavioral skills that comprise the ICF core coaching competencies and is committed to continuous education in order to sustain credential status. [link to: http://www.coachfederation.org/research-education/icf-credentials/become-credentialed/]
• ACTO, the Association of Coach Training Organizations [ http://www.acto1.com] is a cooperative of educators dedicated to steward high quality coach training now and in the future.  Through ACTO member organizations, individuals acquire the knowledge, skills and practices to become ethical, professionals in the field of coaching regardless of market, e.g. life, leadership, executive, teams and business.  In addition to ACTO, there are dozens more organizations around the world dedicated to professional excellence in the coaching profession providing training, mentoring and supervision.

I am proud to be part of inviteCHANGE, an ICF, Accredited Coach Training Program training provider since 1997.  As one of the first accredited schools, we continue to pioneer effective, experiential education and have supported thousands of individuals to be professional coaches [link to: http://www.invitechange.com/coach-training/index.php].

My powerful request to professional coaches everywhere who have made the commitment to ethical, professional excellence as a coach is to spread the word, take pride in your commitment and achievements!  Here are a few suggestions:

1. Communicate the impact your clients experience and the results they manifest as result of your services to the public at large. 
2. Share another article about life coach that offers another point of view [link to: http://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/article_beaa370f-2ce6-558b-8351-0c623090d170.html].
3. Link this post to your own blog or online newsletter.
4. Use your direct communication skills with clients and clarify what distinguishes you as a professional.

In the words of the poet and philosopher, Goethe, "Whatever you can dream, begin it.  Boldness has power and magic in it."  Professional coaches everywhere, I salute your commitment to excellence.  Clients, past, current and future, I am grateful for the privilege to be of service.  To all journalists I extend my appreciation for your writing and probing to learn what is true so that our emerging profession thrives for a long, long time.