ICF Establishing the Coaching Agreement: A Key Skill for Every Coach

As a coach, your primary goal is to help your clients achieve their goals and reach their full potential. To effectively do this, you need to establish a coaching agreement with them. The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching agreement as an “understanding between the coach and the client about the coaching engagement that includes the roles and responsibilities of each party, logistics, and an agreement about how coaching will be conducted.”

Establishing a coaching agreement sets the foundation for a successful coaching relationship and can help avoid misunderstandings and conflict down the line. Here are some key skills every coach should have when establishing a coaching agreement.

Active Listening

To establish a coaching agreement, coaches must first listen actively to their clients. This means paying attention to what the clients say and asking probing questions to clarify their needs and expectations.

Clear Communication

Once coaches understand what their clients need and expect from coaching, they should communicate clearly about what they can offer, how they will deliver it, and what will be expected of the client. This includes establishing boundaries and expectations for communication, logistics (like scheduling and location), payment, and the coaching process itself.

Flexibility

While it is essential to establish clear boundaries and expectations in the coaching agreement, coaches should also be flexible and adaptable as circumstances change. They may need to adjust their approach to meet the client`s needs or modify their coaching plan when unexpected challenges arise.

Ethics and Professionalism

As members of the coaching profession, coaches must adhere to the ICF`s code of ethics and conduct themselves with professionalism. This includes treating their clients with respect, maintaining confidentiality, and providing honest and accurate information about their qualifications and experience.

In conclusion, establishing a coaching agreement is a crucial skill for coaches to master. By actively listening, communicating clearly, being flexible, and upholding ethical and professional standards, coaches can set the foundation for a strong coaching relationship that will help their clients achieve their goals.