ICF: MINDSET

In the 2021 video Updated ICF Core Competency 2: Embodies a Coaching Mindset by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Colin Brett, Director at Coaching Development, explains the competency and its updates. Brett introduces the competency as one that is not about coaching behaviors–like the other competencies–rather, it focuses on the professional practice of coaching. 

According to Brett, the professional practice of an ICF coaching mindset includes the coach: having awareness of both self-as-coach and the client’s roles, culture, and memberships in a multitude of systems; “doing the right thing” as reflected in competency 1; managing one’s emotions; using our intuition for the benefit of the client; responding appropriately versus reacting; demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning; embracing a reflective practice; and referring clients to other services as necessary. 

A master of competency 2 is physically and emotionally prepared, employs opening and closing rituals in sessions, begins with permission seeking with the client, uses intuition phrasing instead of stating intuition as facts, requests confirmation of intuition, remains emotionally level, sets the tone within the first few minutes, asks follow up questions if there is confusion, allows time between clients for reflective practice to assess how the session was for the client, coach, and from an ICF perspective.

MINDSET — Open, Curious, Flexible, Client-Centered

• Tell me more about that.
• Why do you think that is?
• What may be the real challenge in this moment for you?
• If you say yes, then what are you saying no to?
• What did you learn from that experience?

REFLECTIONS
• Intuition is not fact.
• Don’t insert words into the client’s language.
• Invest in being mentally and physically prepared for every client session.
• Take the time to be reflective and embed into closing ritual practice.