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Grow Coaching

What is Coaching ?

ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership. We all have goals we want to reach, challenges we’re striving to overcome and times when we feel stuck. Partnering with a coach can change your life, setting you on a path to greater personal and professional fulfillment.

Experience Coaching

Bringing Coaching to Life Through Real Experiences

Experience Coaching is our key strategic focus area by which we seek to create Coaching Awareness and thereby GROW Coaching. Our Experience Coaching initiatives allow for people from all walks of life to experience the power of Coaching through a free of cost Coaching experience with a professional ICF coach.

Apart from public events to share the experience of coaching, we also welcome requests from individuals who wish to have a probono coaching session with one of our Chapter coaches. To avail of one, write to contact@icfchennai.com

You can also find Experience Coaching resources, read inspiring stories of clients who have experienced coaching, provided by ICF here

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Looking for a Credentialed Coach

Discover and Connect with Certified ICF Coaches

If you want to get started on Coaching, and seeking to work with a professional Coach from our Chapter who holds an ICF credential, look no further. Use our ICF Chennai Chapter Credentialed Coach Finder service below. ICF Credential-holders are part of a self-regulating group of elite coaches who provide accountability to clients and the coaching profession as a whole. They pursue and complete rigorous education and practice requirements that provide unquestioned legitimacy to their commitment to excellence in coaching.

Using the CCF service, you may identify and reach out directly to the coach(es) of your choice based on their information like credential level, coaching speciality, experience etc.

Note: The terms of engagement between the client & the coach is left to their mutual discretion, and the Chapter will not be involved with the same.

Consider Becoming a coach

Discover Pathways to Become a Professional Coach

For many, coaching is a life-changing experience that dramatically improves their outlook on work and life while improving leadership skills. Coaching helps people tap into their potential, unlocking sources of creativity and productivity. As a professional coach, you will have an opportunity to create positive change and achieve extraordinary results with your clients.

ICF is recognised globally as the gold standard in Coaching. Achieving a credential through ICF signifies a coach’s commitment to integrity & excellence.

To know more about the various pathways to becoming a coach.

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ICF Core Competencies

Explore ICF Core Competencies for Professional Coaches

The ICF Core Competencies were developed to support greater understanding about the skills and approaches used within today’s coaching profession as defined by ICF. These competencies and the ICF definition of coaching were used as the foundation for the development of the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA). The ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

The Core Competencies are grouped into four domains according to those that fit together logically based on common ways of looking at the competencies in each group. The groupings and individual competencies are not weighted – they do not represent any kind of hierarchy and are all core and critical for any competent coach to demonstrate.

The updated ICF Core Competencies were released in November 2019, marking its first update since the competencies’ creation in 1998. The updated Core Competencies will be integrated in ICF-Accredited Coach Training Programs curricula beginning in January 2021. Then, updated Credentialing assessments reflecting the revised Core Competencies will launch in the second half of 2021.

To learn more about the updated ICF Core Competencies, please watch the Updated Core Competency Video Series found here.

Current ICF Core Competencies :

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1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards

Understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations.

Understands and exhibits in own behaviors the ICF Code of Ethics (see Code, Part III of ICF Code of Ethics).

Understands and follows all ICF Ethical Guidelines.

Clearly communicates the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions.

Refers client to another support professional as needed, knowing when this is needed and the available resources.

2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement

Ability to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.

Understands and effectively discusses with the client the guidelines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship (e.g., logistics, fees, scheduling, inclusion of others if appropriate).

Reaches agreement about what is appropriate in the relationship and what is not, what is and is not being offered, and about the client’s and coach’s responsibilities.

Determines whether there is an effective match between his/her coaching method and the needs of the prospective client.

Edit Content

1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards

Understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations.

Understands and exhibits in own behaviors the ICF Code of Ethics (see Code, Part III of ICF Code of Ethics).

Understands and follows all ICF Ethical Guidelines.

Clearly communicates the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions.

Refers client to another support professional as needed, knowing when this is needed and the available resources.

2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement

Ability to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.

Understands and effectively discusses with the client the guidelines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship (e.g., logistics, fees, scheduling, inclusion of others if appropriate).

Reaches agreement about what is appropriate in the relationship and what is not, what is and is not being offered, and about the client’s and coach’s responsibilities.

Determines whether there is an effective match between his/her coaching method and the needs of the prospective client.

Edit Content

1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards

Understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations.

Understands and exhibits in own behaviors the ICF Code of Ethics (see Code, Part III of ICF Code of Ethics).

Understands and follows all ICF Ethical Guidelines.

Clearly communicates the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions.

Refers client to another support professional as needed, knowing when this is needed and the available resources.

2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement

Ability to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.

Understands and effectively discusses with the client the guidelines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship (e.g., logistics, fees, scheduling, inclusion of others if appropriate).

Reaches agreement about what is appropriate in the relationship and what is not, what is and is not being offered, and about the client’s and coach’s responsibilities.

Determines whether there is an effective match between his/her coaching method and the needs of the prospective client.

Edit Content

1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards

Understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations.

Understands and exhibits in own behaviors the ICF Code of Ethics (see Code, Part III of ICF Code of Ethics).

Understands and follows all ICF Ethical Guidelines.

Clearly communicates the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions.

Refers client to another support professional as needed, knowing when this is needed and the available resources.

2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement

Ability to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.

Understands and effectively discusses with the client the guidelines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship (e.g., logistics, fees, scheduling, inclusion of others if appropriate).

Reaches agreement about what is appropriate in the relationship and what is not, what is and is not being offered, and about the client’s and coach’s responsibilities.

Determines whether there is an effective match between his/her coaching method and the needs of the prospective client.

Updated ICF Core Competencies :

Edit Content

1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards

Understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations.

Understands and exhibits in own behaviors the ICF Code of Ethics (see Code, Part III of ICF Code of Ethics).

Understands and follows all ICF Ethical Guidelines.

Clearly communicates the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions.

Refers client to another support professional as needed, knowing when this is needed and the available resources.

2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement

Ability to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.

Understands and effectively discusses with the client the guidelines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship (e.g., logistics, fees, scheduling, inclusion of others if appropriate).

Reaches agreement about what is appropriate in the relationship and what is not, what is and is not being offered, and about the client’s and coach’s responsibilities.

Determines whether there is an effective match between his/her coaching method and the needs of the prospective client.

Edit Content

1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards

Understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations.

Understands and exhibits in own behaviors the ICF Code of Ethics (see Code, Part III of ICF Code of Ethics).

Understands and follows all ICF Ethical Guidelines.

Clearly communicates the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions.

Refers client to another support professional as needed, knowing when this is needed and the available resources.

2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement

Ability to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.

Understands and effectively discusses with the client the guidelines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship (e.g., logistics, fees, scheduling, inclusion of others if appropriate).

Reaches agreement about what is appropriate in the relationship and what is not, what is and is not being offered, and about the client’s and coach’s responsibilities.

Determines whether there is an effective match between his/her coaching method and the needs of the prospective client.

Edit Content

1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards

Understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations.

Understands and exhibits in own behaviors the ICF Code of Ethics (see Code, Part III of ICF Code of Ethics).

Understands and follows all ICF Ethical Guidelines.

Clearly communicates the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions.

Refers client to another support professional as needed, knowing when this is needed and the available resources.

2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement

Ability to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.

Understands and effectively discusses with the client the guidelines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship (e.g., logistics, fees, scheduling, inclusion of others if appropriate).

Reaches agreement about what is appropriate in the relationship and what is not, what is and is not being offered, and about the client’s and coach’s responsibilities.

Determines whether there is an effective match between his/her coaching method and the needs of the prospective client.

Edit Content

1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards

Understanding of coaching ethics and standards and ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations.

Understands and exhibits in own behaviors the ICF Code of Ethics (see Code, Part III of ICF Code of Ethics).

Understands and follows all ICF Ethical Guidelines.

Clearly communicates the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions.

Refers client to another support professional as needed, knowing when this is needed and the available resources.

2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement

Ability to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.

Understands and effectively discusses with the client the guidelines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship (e.g., logistics, fees, scheduling, inclusion of others if appropriate).

Reaches agreement about what is appropriate in the relationship and what is not, what is and is not being offered, and about the client’s and coach’s responsibilities.

Determines whether there is an effective match between his/her coaching method and the needs of the prospective client.

Team Coaching Competencies

Setting the standard for team coaching excellence

Team Coaching is one of the fastest growing disciplines in the coaching profession and is becoming increasingly important in organizations, including private corporations, government agencies and non-profits.

To define and guide this growing discipline, ICF Credentials and Standards has released the ICF Team Coaching Competencies model. This model will form the foundation for development of a specialty designation that will enable coach practitioners to set themselves apart in a crowded marketplace and demonstrate their value for organizational purchasers of coaching.

Team Coaching empowers teams to work toward continued high performance and ongoing development, requiring innovation, flexibility, adaptability and goal alignment – all traits that coaching helps support.

ICF’s Team Coaching Competencies model provides a clear, concise definition for Team Coaching – partnering in a co-creative and reflective process with a team on its dynamics and relationships in a way that inspires them to maximize their abilities and potential in order to reach their common purpose and shared goals. This model is designed to build upon and integrate with the ICF Core Competencies in team coaching contexts.

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ICF Code Of Ethics

Guided by ethics, driven by trust

Ethical coaching is the top priority for the ICF. The ICF Code of Ethics is designed to provide appropriate guidelines, accountability and enforceable standards of conduct for all ICF Members and ICF Credential-holders.

 

Ethics
ICF has taken the lead in developing a definition and philosophy of coaching and establishing ethical standards among its members. ICF sets professional coaching standards while also giving consumers a venue to file ethics complaints.

 

Code of Ethics
The ICF Code of Ethics describes the ICF core values, and ethical principles and ethical standards of behavior for all ICF Professionals. ICF implemented the current version of the Code in January 2020.

> Read Code of Ethics


> Additional resources on ICF CODE OF ETHICS

Credentials Updates

Pathways for ICF credentials - Stay informed with the latest requirements

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) has recently introduced important updates to its credentialing process. Whether you are starting your journey as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) or working toward the advanced levels of PCC and MCC, it is essential to stay informed about these changes to plan your credentialing path effectively.

The ICF Chennai Charter Chapter continues to strengthen its commitment to coaching excellence by supporting and celebrating coaches at all credentialing levels (ACC, PCC, MCC).

We’ve launched a “Credentialed Coach Finder” service on the Chapter’s website making it easy for potential clients, organizations, and partners to connect with credentialed coaches in the Chennai region.

Monthly features such as “Celebrating Credentials” highlight and recognize chapter members & associates who earned their ACC, PCC, or MCC in the previous month — fostering visibility and inspiring others on their credentialing journeys.

Member-benefits tied to credentialing: Chapter events, learning & development webinars, workshops, & mentor coaching opportunities are structured to support both those seeking credentials and those renewing them.

Enrollment options & associate/member status reflect credentialing status:
  • If you are a credential-holder, or you have begun your coach-specific training, you are eligible to join as a Member or Associate.
  • Membership grants access to a range of benefits including coach directories, visibility, voting rights, special events, etc.

Pro bono coaching

Sharing the power of coaching with everyone

Pro bono coaching is when a coach conducts a session with the client either free or at a much lower cost. Pro bono comes from the Latin term pro bono public, meaning ‘for the public good.’ All services that are provided by professionals at a lower cost or for free are considered pro bono. Many professionals offer their pro bono services to non-profit organizations, such as educational institutions, healthcare facilities, foundations, charities, etc. Some also provide pro bono services to individuals who are unable to pay for the same. While pro bono is mostly associated with legal services, the same approach in coaching is a practice common among new coaches.we also welcome requests from individuals who wish to have a probono coaching session with one of our Chapter coaches.
To avail of one, write to contact@icfchennai.com

 

Increasing Eligible Number of Pro Bono Hours

 

ICF now allows more Pro Bono coaching hours to be counted toward the total required client coaching experience for ACC, PCC, and MCC credential applications.We are increasing the proportion of eligible pro bono coaching hours by 20%.

Associate Certified Coach

Applicants can count 30 hours of pro bono coaching toward their experience requirement (up from 25 hours)

Professional Certified Coach

Applicants can count 60 hours of pro bono coaching toward their experience requirement (up from 50 hours)

Master Certified Coach

Applicants can count 300 hours of pro bono coaching toward their experience requirement (up from 250 hours)

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