What is Coaching?First slide

What is Coaching?

Professional coaching focuses on setting goals, creating outcomes and managing personal change. Sometimes it’s helpful to understand coaching by distinguishing it from other personal or organizational support professions.

ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a client-driven process.


The coach’s responsibility is to:

  • Discover, clarify and align with what the client wants to achieve
  • Encourage client self-discovery
  • Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies
  • Hold the client responsible and accountable

The coaching process helps clients improve their outlook on work and life, while improving their leadership skills and unlocking their potential

ICF Mentor Coach Registry Search
Verify a Coach

Ready to start your coaching journey?

Become a member today

ICF Membership opens up a world of opportunity for professional development, networking and leadership from the local to global level.

Join Today

All memberships are processed through ICF Headquarters in the USA.

built by mition