LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 14, 2012 — Professional coaches from around the world identified that untrained individuals calling themselves coaches and marketplace confusion about the benefits of coaching to be the two biggest challenges facing the coaching industry, according to a recent study by the International Coach Federation (ICF).
The 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study found that more than two in five (43 percent) respondents viewed untrained individuals who called themselves coaches as the biggest obstacle facing professional coaching over the next 12 months. The continued use of the terms "coach" and "coaching" by untrained professionals is also seen as a significant threat facing the viability and credibility of the global coaching profession.
"Having untrained individuals promoting their services as professional coaching really misleads the public as to what coaching is, and what results and benefits professional coaching can provide," said ICF Global President and Master Certified Coach, Janet M. Harvey. "By calling themselves coaches while not having the proper knowledge, skills development and client experience of a professional coach, they could potentially provide a negative impact on the image of the profession."
Results also showed that 30 percent of coaches identified "marketplace confusion about the benefits of coaching" as another of the profession's largest challenges. Currently there is ambiguity regarding the ROI calculation of coaching, as well as how the services provided by coaches differ significantly from other professions such as mentoring or consulting.
"Clearly articulating the differences and benefits between coaching and other services is a significant opportunity all professional coaches face," explained Harvey. "Creating understanding for the benefits of coaching, educating the public about the positive impact and cost effectiveness of professional coaching and sharing the proven results clients report are essential steps to address the proliferation of untrained individuals and provide businesses and individuals peace of mind as they select professional coaches."
Additional challenges for the profession identified by coaches include: market saturation, underpricing of coaching services, and over regulation of the industry.
Over 12,000 coaches representing 117 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America participated in the study commissioned by ICF and conducted independently by the International Survey Unit of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2011.
To learn more about the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study, and download the Executive Summary, please visit http://www.coachfederation.org/coachingstudy2012.
The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 19,000 members in more than 100 countries worldwide. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring, or training. ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.coachfederation.org.
ICF HEADQUARTERS CONTACTS:
Sam Elliott, +1.859.219.3550
Email
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