People turn to ICF’s online search service to find qualified coaches
LEXINGTON, Ky., Nov. 26, 2008 — Are you looking to manage your time more effectively, set and achieve goals, foster healthy relationships, or achieve a work-life balance? Each year, thousands of people turn to the International Coach Federation (ICF) to find a personal or business coach who can help them achieve results in these areas and many more.
These individuals begin their search for a qualified coach online at the ICF’s free Coach Referral Service (CRS). The CRS helps match potential coaching clients with ICF Credentialed coaches based on specific search criteria.
“Many people are looking for help with setting and achieving goals in their personal lives as much as in their professional lives today, and the ICF is where they can get started,” says ICF President Diane Brennan, MBA, MCC(1). “Over the past few years, the ICF has seen a growing number of people looking to be coached in life or professional areas. More coaches are offering coaching in these areas and as a result, people are realizing the impact coaching can have on their relationships, work, health, family life, and more.”
CRS records show that more people are using the search service to look for a life or personal coach today than they were three years ago. For example, in October 2006 the top three areas people sought coaching in were 1) management skills, 2) leadership and 3) health and fitness, compared to 1) life coaching, 2) personal coaching and 3) relationship coaching one year later. In October 2008, the leading areas in which people sought coaching were 1) personal coaching, 2) business coaching and 3) life coaching.
Through the CRS, individuals may also choose to post a Request for Proposal (RFP), a request inviting all coaches who match their search criteria to provide them with a proposal for their need or project. To access the CRS, visit http://www.Coachfederation.org and click on the Find a Credentialed Coach link from the home page.
“Potential coaching clients are recognizing ICF’s CRS tool is an excellent place to start their search, with assurance that only coaches who’ve earned an ICF Credential will be referred. The benefit for the client is a shorter, simpler, focused search of coaches with a high level of training and a commitment to excellence,” Brennan says.
Coaches with an ICF Credential have undergone extensive coach-specific training, gained experience by serving clients, and demonstrated a working knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.
ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training. Individuals who engage in a coaching relationship can expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles.
The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with more than 15,000 members in over 90 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. The ICF is the only organization that awards a global credential which is currently held by over 4,400 coaches worldwide. For more information about the ICF, please visit our Web site at http://www.coachfederation.org.
(1) MCC: Master Certified Coach, highest credential awarded by the ICF.
ICF HEADQUARTERS:
Ann Belcher, +1.859.226.4428,
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