Learning how to coach isn’t quick or easy, but… is highly rewarding. It’s a process of deep reflection, rigorous training and support from a community that helps you develop your skills and the courage to coach in a way that fully serves your clients and yourself.
Although you can argue that there are capabilities or attributes that some individuals might have to be great coaches, at times we need a reminder that great coaches aren’t just born. Great coaches persist in creating and working on their development, they listen to themselves and to others, they acknowledge their blind spots and are flexible and kind towards them.
When people come to us, as an ICF coach-training provider, to find about a quick or easy way to become a coach we immediately think of a red flag. This is because the amount of personal development that is required to become a brilliant coach is huge BUT so are the rewards.
As coaches we don’t judge, we don’t cheerlead, we don’t give advice. We learn to leave our ego at the door (as one brilliant coach-trainee told us!), to be available physically, mentally and emotionally to someone else, whilst still giving our clients accountability and ownership of their situation.
Finally please don’t let that put you off if you’re thinking of embracing coaching as part of your new career or role. You’re probably here and read to this point because you also think the same and are encouraged and motivated by this prospect.
Becoming a coach is exciting!
So what can you do? Reflect on why you want to become a coach and how you would like to coach others. No two coaches are alike but coaching is all about building relationships, trust and support in others. If this is what excites you then you’re following the right path.
We regularly run ICF Coach Training programmes to help you become a brilliant coach. Our programme is evidence-based, grounded in psychological principles and embraces the ICF Competencies. Find our more about it here.
