ICF Competency Indicators (Ethics, Agreement, Trust, Presence)

Assessing the Core Competencies

For each of the core competencies that a coach needs to master, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) has established a series of observable indicators.

These indicators describe specific behaviors that demonstrate the effective application of each competency in practice.

Below are the indicators for the first four core competencies: Adherence to the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, Establishing the Coaching Agreement, Establishing Trust and Intimacy, and Coaching Presence.

Using these indicators will allow you to assess the extent to which you possess or need to improve each of these crucial areas.

Adherence to Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Indicators

Demonstrates understanding of the ICF standards of conduct and applies them in his/her behavior. Understands and respects the Code of Ethics in its entirety.

Clearly communicates to the client the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy, and other supportive professions.

Refers the client to another support professional when the situation requires it, recognizing the limits of coaching.

Coaching Agreement Establishment Indicators

Understands and effectively discusses with the client the broad outlines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship.

This includes logistics, fees, appointment scheduling and possible third party involvement.

Reaches clear agreements about what is and is not appropriate within the relationship, what is and is not offered, and the respective responsibilities of the coach and client.

Determines whether his or her coaching method and style are appropriately suited to the client's particular needs.

Indicators of Establishing Trust and Intimacy with the Client

Shows genuine interest in the client's well-being and future. Continually demonstrates personal integrity, honesty and sincerity in interaction.

Establishes clear agreements and fulfills promises made to the client. Demonstrates respect for the client's perceptions, learning style and unique way of being.

Consistently supports and encourages the client to explore new behaviors and actions, including those that involve taking risks or facing fear of failure.

Asks explicit permission from the client before delving into topics that may be sensitive or new to the client.

Indicators of Coaching Presence

Is present and demonstrates flexibility during the coaching process, acting spontaneously and adapting to the moment.

He uses his intuition and trusts his inner knowledge, applying it to the service of the client. Openly acknowledges that he/she does not know everything and is willing to explore with the client.

He is willing to take calculated risks in conversation and to experiment. He sees different ways of working with the client and chooses at any given moment the one he considers most effective.

Changes perspective confidently when necessary and experiments with new alternatives to his or her own actions.

Demonstrates confidence in dealing with strong emotions and maintains self-control, without being overwhelmed or overpowered by the client's emotions.

Powerful Questioning (Powerful Questions): The ability to ask questions that reveal the information needed for the maximum benefit of the coaching relationship and the client.

Direct Communication: The ability to communicate effectively during coaching sessions and use language that has the greatest positive impact on the client.

Creating Awareness: The ability to accurately integrate and eva luate multiple sources of information and make interpretations that help the client gain awareness and, therefore, achieve agreed-upon outcomes.

Design Actions: The ability to create with the client opportunities for ongoing learning, during coaching and in work/life situations, and to undertake new actions that will most effectively lead to the agreed-upon coaching outcomes.

Plan and Define Objectives: The ability to develop and maintain an effectiv