Why Hire an ICF Coach? - ICF Sacramento Charter Chapter

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Why Hire an ICF-Trained Coach?

You’ve probably heard the word “coach” used in many different ways, and that’s exactly why it matters who you choose to work with. Coaching is an unregulated profession, which means anyone can call themselves a coach without any formal training.

That’s where the International Coaching Federation (ICF) comes in. ICF is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession. Coaches who are certified or credentialed through the ICF meet the highest global standards for training, ethics, and professional practice.

Why ICF Training Matters

According to the 2022 ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study commissioned by ICF and undertaken by PricewaterhouseCooper’s International Survey Unit, almost 8 in 10 consumers (78%) believe that it’s important for coaches to be certified or credentialed.

That’s why, when you’re looking for a coach, it’s important to know whether they’ve been trained through an ICF-accredited program.

An ICF-trained coach brings a specific and powerful set of skills to the relationship. They are trained to:

Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards during coaching sessions so you can feel confident that your coaching relationship is grounded in integrity and confidentiality.

Set clear, collaborative agreements so you always know what to expect from the coaching relationship.

Co-create a relationship of trust and genuine partnership so you feel safe to explore and grow.

Listen actively and ask powerful questions to help you uncover your own answers.

Facilitate real learning and lasting results to support you in creating awareness, designing and actualizing meaningful actions, developing accountability, and creating real, lasting change.

ICF training is a signal that your coach has done the work — not just to help others grow, but to grow as a professional themselves.

Every coach listed in the ICF Sacramento Directory is an ICF member, has completed coach-specific training, and has agreed to abide by the ICF Code of Ethics.

Finding the Right Coach for You

Finding the right coach is about connection, trust, and fit. Coaching is a profound partnership, and you should feel genuinely comfortable with the person you’re working with.

The relationship matters just as much as the expertise. We recommend speaking with more than one coach before making your choice. When the right fit clicks, you’ll know.

Before reaching out to a coach for the first time, you may want to consider the points below.

1. Clarify Your Goals
Reflect on what you’re hoping to achieve or change. A few questions to sit with:

What do you want to change, and what’s driving that desire?
What have you already tried, what has or hasn’t worked, and what’s been missing?
What kind of support, tools, or accountability are you looking for from a coach?
What resources are you willing to commit to make your desired change happen?
What’s your timeframe?
What would success look and feel like for you?

2. Check Certification or Credentials and Specialization
Look for an ICF certification or credentials and verify that the coach’s focus or specialization aligns with your needs. ICF training is your assurance that you’ll be working with a true professional, not just someone with “coach” in their title.

3. Have a Conversation
When you first connect with a prospective coach, consider asking:

Do you offer a complimentary discovery session?
What coach-specific training have you completed, and how long have you been coaching?
What is your coaching philosophy or approach?
Have you worked with clients in situations similar to mine?
What are your fee options, availability, and timeframes?
What do you expect from your clients?

4. Reflect on Your Readiness and the “Fit”
After your conversations, check in with yourself and consider:

Which coach did you feel most connected to?
Who inspired you to think differently or take action, even in that first conversation? Did you take action already?
Would the coach challenge you enough?
Are you willing to commit the time and funds to achieve the results or goals you desire?
Who has the right combination of skills, experience, and style to help you create your desired change?

Browsing our coach directory is a great place to start. You can explore coaches by name, keyword, a focus on personal or business coaching, specialty area, or language. When you find someone who resonates, reach out to them.

Every coach listed in our directory is an ICF member, has completed coach-specific training, and has agreed to abide by the ICF Code of Ethics.

Your coach is out there. ICF Sacramento can help you make the connection.

Search the ICF Sacramento Directory