Why the International Coaching Federation is right to ask coaches to clarify the topic (and how to do it)

Competency No. 5

I’ve often bristled with the International Coaching Federation’s rule to establish (clearly—and in multiple ways) the topic and hopes for the coachee (our client) in every coaching call. Why? Because when you’re locked in and connected, the coaching conversation (in the real world vs. the ICF world) unfolds. Even asking the coachee to establish the topic or confirm it can feel prosaic, inserted, or forced, especially as we’ve already been talking about it. But without that established topic, the ICF gets antsy and will likely fail any recorded submission of our coaching without it.
In this week’s episode and recorded mentoring session with my MCC Coach and mentor, Ben Dooley, I’m reminded that these rules become valid and worth following, not just so we can certify at that MCC level, but also to best serve our coachee.
Establishing what we’re coaching towards in this moment, why, and what outcome they seek sets us both up for a solid coaching conversation. Establishing what they want and don’t want (and how we can help with that) also helps us feel more confident on how to bring value, and with that stay more present.
In driving for specifics on what our coachee truly wants, we also ensure our coachee gains the outcome they seek. So while I still find it irksome, after this week’s training with Coach Ben, I’m really working to reframe how I think about the entire rule.
Reach out to me, your show host, for keynote speaking engagements, group coaching, and training via my website, or find me also on Linkedin. Reach out to MCC Coach Ben Dooley via his website, here. Find our earlier mentoring sessions here.