How to be a good coach? The 11 competencies of a coach

Basic points on which the coaching practice should revolve.

Various associations have tried to define the competencies of the coach that are necessary for the good performance of his or her work. The term competency is widely used in the workplace as it is a predictor of good performance. good performance in the job in which one works.

Although the concept of competency is used in the occupational fieldit is also used in other spheres such as personnel personnel development and education.

Coach competencies: what are they?

This article presents the 11 most widespread coach competencies, using the list of the International Coach Federation. International Coach Federation (ICF). These competencies have been established for different purposes: to provide a frame of reference for good professional performance or to compare and improve a coaching training program.

• To learn more about the concept of competencies, you can read our article: "How to face a competency-based interview: 4 keys to get the job".

How to be a good coach

After clarifying what are the competencies of the coach, here are the skills, abilities and attitudes necessary for a good professional work:

Respect ethical and deontological standards 2.

This competency refers to the This competency refers to the ability to understand the ethics and professional standards This competency refers to the ability to understand the ethics and professional standards of coaching, as well as to adhere to the code of ethics of the profession. Not only is it necessary to understand these standards and values, but it is also necessary to apply them for good professional practice. In addition, the code of ethics is specific and is an important aspect of coaching competencies, as it clearly communicates the differences between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions.

2. Establishing the coaching agreement

This is the ability to understand what is required in each particular coach-coachee interaction and to establish an agreement with the client on what is required. establishing an agreement with the client about the coaching process and relationship.. The coach who masters this competency, therefore, understands and effectively presents to the client the guidelines and concrete parameters of the coaching relationship (logistics, fees, schedule, third party involvement, etc.). He/she also reaches an agreement on what is and what is not appropriate in the relationship, on the service the coach will provide and the method he/she will use.

3. Establishing trust and intimacy with the client

This is the ability to create a supportive environment that contribute to the development of mutual respect and trust.. This competence is manifested by the coach showing genuine interest in the client, continually demonstrating professional and personal integrity, establishing clear agreements, showing respect for the client's opinions, supporting the client in his or her decisions and respecting the coachee's (coach's client) privacy at all times.

4. Being present in coaching

The ability to be fully aware of and create a spontaneous relationship with the client using an open, flexible and confident style. open, flexible and confident style. The coach uses his intuition and trusts his inner knowledge, is able to recognize that he does not know everything and demonstrates confidence when dealing with strong emotions. The coach has the self-control to guide the client without being overwhelmed.

5. Active listening

The coach knows how to focus completely on what the client says and what he does not say, and understands the meaning of his words in context. This is one of the competencies of the coach that has to do with the communication skillsThrough active listening, the coach pays more attention to what the client is saying, but also helps the coachee to express himself.

6. Strong questioning

This is one of the most representative competences of the coach's work, since he/she must ask powerful questionsThis means asking questions that reveal the information needed to get the most benefit for the coachee. Such questions make the coachee reflect, i.e. they encourage self-knowledge and self-reflection and help the client to commit to action. Socratic questions are used in coaching.

7. Direct communication

It is the ability to communicate effectively during coaching sessions and the ability to use language that is positive and efficient in the relationship with the coachee. The coach who masters this type of competency provides effective effective feedbackis clear and direct, clearly indicates the objectives of the coach-coachee relationship and uses appropriate and respectful language, fostering an excellent rapport.

8. Creating awareness

This is the ability to integrate and accurately evaluate different sources of information and make interpretations that help the client to be aware and thus meet the agreed goals. The coach creates awareness in different ways, for example, by proposing reflections for a better understanding of the coachee or by helping the coachee to identify limiting beliefs. identifying the limiting beliefs that do not allow him/her to grow.

9. Designing actions

Ability to create ongoing learning opportunities with the client during coaching and in work and life in general. This competency refers to the work of the coach who must facilitate the coachee's knowledge of new actions that will lead that lead in the most effective way to the agreed coaching results. In this way, the coach helps the coachee to define new actions that allow him/her to demonstrate, deepen and acquire new learning. It also engages the client in exploring new ideas and alternative situations, promoting opportunities for experiential learning.

10. Planning and setting goals and objectives

This is the ability to develop and maintain an effective coaching plan with the coachee. The coach consolidates the information gathered and establishes a coaching plan to achieve the objectives. Objectives are achievable, measurable, specific and time-bound.. The good coach has the ability to make adjustments to the plan and helps the client to access the necessary resources for the acquisition and fulfillment of goals.

11. Manage progress and accountability

Among the coach's competencies is the ability to maintain focus on what is important to the client and to shift the responsibility for action to the client. To do this, the coach poses and asks the client for actions, the coach sets and asks the client to take actions that lead to the desired and planned goal, promotes self-discipline and planned goal, promotes the coachee's self-discipline, gives efficient feedback and positively confronts the client when he/she does not comply with the agreed actions.