Do you possess strong leadership and communication skills? Would you like to help other people? If yes, then consider a career as a professional certified coach.
But where do you start?
Here’s how to become a professional coach. Equip yourself with the necessary resources for your coaching journey.
Top Reasons to Be a Coach
The demand for professional coaches has skyrocketed today. Here’s why you might want to become a professional coach:
- You want to become an expert in your own life
- You wish to listen in an innovative way
- You want to be your own boss
- Be in touch with the abundance in your life and help others increase abundance in their lives as well
- Expand your cultural awareness by mingling with people anywhere in the world
- You imagine yourself becoming a professional coach
1. Identify Your Motivations and Goals
Knowing your motivations and goals before diving into the executive coaching industry is important.
Your desires, aspirations, and goals will shape your coaching approach. These factors will also determine the clients you are best suited to serve.
When clarifying your coaching goals, here are tips to help you:
- List down your personal and professional experiences. Reflect on them if they have shaped your desire to become an executive or career coach.
- Assess the areas where you excel most.
- Explore your passion for specific niches or client demographics.
- Think about the values and principles you want to uphold.
2. Get Trained and Certified
Coaching does not require formal licensure. But, obtaining proper training and certifications is highly recommended. This enhances your credibility and equips you with the skills and techniques to effectively coach other people.
Anyone can call themselves coaches. But remember that many organizations prefer to work with coaches who are properly trained and certified.
How to get the necessary certifications
1) Research ICF-approved coach training programs
Coaching may come naturally to some. Still, it is essential to undergo proper training to become a professional coach. Look for programs that align with your coaching goals.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the most respected organization. It sets industry standards, provides accreditation, and offers credentialing for coaches.
Different training programs are available for aspiring professional coaches. These include:
Vocational (76 hours for 9 or 12 months)
This program is perfect for those who want to add coaching to their career, set up their private practices, or apply a coach approach in the office. It focuses on core knowledge, skills, and practice.
Professional (125 hours for 12-18 months)
This program is ideal for those who want to establish a coaching business. It is also for those individuals who want to incorporate coaching in their profession or become corporate coaches. It includes core competencies and practicum that will allow you to coach anyone.
Advanced (150 hours for 12 to 24 months)
This program is for coaches who want to deliver coaching in an individual or group setting. It can also be for those who wish to become change leaders. It includes core competencies and the latest theories about change and change management.
2) Complete the required training hours and gain coaching experience
The International Coach Federation requires specific training hours for each certification level. Fulfill all the training requirements of your chosen program.
Alongside the right coach training program, you must accumulate coaching experience. The ICF has specific requirements for the number of coaching hours and the types of clients you work with.
In some cases, you may be asked to put theory into practice. That means you should try new coaching techniques to refine your coaching expertise. Also, make sure to learn from the experience of other coaches.
Becoming a member of the ICF adds prestige to your coaching practice. It also opens doors to a global network of like-minded professionals.
3) Seek mentor coaching
Mentor coaching is a valuable step in your development as an executive coach. This refers to working with an experienced coach who will provide feedback and guidance on your coaching skills.
Engaging in mentor coaching provides valuable insights. It will also help refine your leadership coaching skills and enhance your overall effectiveness as a coach.
Schools like the International Coach Academy, through their online learning platform, offer an opportunity for aspiring coaches to learn from the best. You can tap into their network of professional coaches and learn from them first-hand.
3. Develop Your Coaching Methodology
Developing your own coaching methodology or approach is important as a professional coach. This will be your framework for your coaching sessions.
You may incorporate established coaching models or those used by known leadership coaches. But it’s recommended that you create your own based on your unique style and your clients’ needs.
The International Coach Academy can teach you to create your own coaching structure and set up your coaching practice. Take advantage of the tools they provide, such as free live online classes. And with online coaching programs available today, you can equip yourself with all the know-how at your own convenient time. If you’re busy, you may choose the times and days you want to study.
Key Elements
Consider the following elements when developing your coaching methodology:
Desired Coaching Model(s)
There is no “one size fits all” coaching approach. So in creating your coaching model or framework, develop one that resonates with you and aligns with your coaching philosophy. It should also reflect your personality and values.
Most importantly, it should showcase who you are as a professional coach, including the problems you can solve. Your coaching model will shape the flow and structure of your sessions.
Means of communication
Would you be doing the coaching sessions through face-to-face sessions or virtual meetings, or both?
You should also incorporate additional resources. You can add pre-recorded lessons and online courses to your methodology.
Personalization
Tailor your coaching approach to each client’s unique goals and needs. Develop personalized coaching plans that outline specific objectives and strategies for growth.
4. Build a Strong Professional Network
A strong network will help ensure the success of your coaching business. Connect with other professional coaches and thought leaders in your field. For instance, you can join coaching associations. Also, consider attending networking events and actively participating in online communities.
Building relationships with executive coaches and other professionals in your industry expands your knowledge and resources. It also opens doors for collaboration and referral opportunities.
Online learning platforms offer a great way for aspiring coaches to learn, connect, and form lifelong friendships with other coaches. Become a part of a thriving community with hundreds of professional coaches worldwide.
5. Continuously Invest in Your Professional Development
If you want to stand out, getting trained and certified might not be enough. You must invest in your own professional coaching career development. That means you should stay updated on the latest coaching techniques and industry trends. Also, be aware of the best practices to enhance your coaching skills.
Feedback is another valuable tool for professional growth and improvement. Getting feedback from your clients is a great way to understand their experience working with you. By doing so, you can identify the practices to retain and areas to improve.
Moreover, make it a habit to conduct a regular thorough self-evaluation. The key is to embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning from your clients and fellow coaches.
6. Cultivate Strong Client Relationships
The coach-client relationship forms the foundation for growth, trust, and effective coaching. Here are the key behaviors and strategies that professional coaches can employ to cultivate and maintain successful relationships with their clients.
Be authentic and true to yourself
While maintaining professionalism, let your personality shine through. Clients feel more comfortable when they perceive the “real” and authentic you. This authenticity encourages them to open up and show vulnerability in return.
Practice active presence
Being fully present during coaching sessions is crucial. Eliminate any distractions and ensure your focus is solely on your client.
Before each session, review notes from previous sessions to get in the right mindset. Arrive on time, keep your phone silent, and actively listen to your client.
Embrace non-judgmental attitude
As a coach, be aware of these biases and work on letting go of personal judgments.
Treat your clients as equals. Actively listen to their stories and show respect and empathy for their individual journeys.
Show genuine concern and interest
To show genuine concern, consider the following practices:
- Seek information about the client’s perspectives and priorities.
- Ask about their intentions and goals.
- Coach around topics chosen by the client.
- Champion their behaviors and actions.
Demonstrate integrity and professionalism
As a coach, commit to personal integrity and honesty throughout the coaching process. Avoid making unrealistic promises to keep clients happy. Instead, focus on setting clear agreements, realistic goals and aligning yourself with your client’s motivations.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a professional coach can be a rewarding endeavor. However, it comes with certain challenges. To overcome such, you must allocate enough time and resources to obtain the proper knowledge and experience.
Remember also that coaching is not just about helping others reach their goals. It is also about professional growth and development. Make it a habit to check any latest updates in the industry and adapt to any changes.
Embrace the journey, invest in continuous learning, and make a positive impact in the lives of others as a certified coach.
