how to choose a mentor coach for ICF certification?

People interested in getting an ICF certification via portfolio, need to comply with a list of requisites http://www.coachfederation.org/ICF/For+Current+Members/Credentialing/


10 hours mentor coaching is a new ICF requisite - since beginning 2008.

How do you choose a mentor coach? what do you do during the 10 hours mentor coaching?
The ICF explanation of an ICF mentor coach is not very explicit and leaves to a lot of room for interpretation, both for the mentor coaches and for the applicant.

I have spoken to many people not knowing what to do or have not been very happy with their mentor coach.
The problem is that mentor coaches do not have guidelines and there is a difference between living in the USA and Canada and outside this region.

Outside the USA and Canada the mentor coach can be anybody who is a coach. This coach does not need to be a certified ICF coach - does not need to have credentials. This situation leads to people taking advantage of applicants.

ICF is working in defining the requisites but meanwhile when you are looking for a mentor coach look for the following:

1. make sure the coach has professional coach training and some years in coaching experience
   
2. if possible an ICF credential - even though this is not always possible and does not safeguard quality
3. ask questions that deal with the knowledge of the ICF codes of ethics and competencies. Do they know them? do they use them? and how do they plan to mentor you regarding this issues?
4. Find out how they will assess your progress and methods they use for training. Are they familiar with the ICF certification process?
   
5. Ask for references
6. interview more than one mentor coach
7. find a mentor coach with a different training than yours, this adds value to your development
   
8. Also important, find out how are they involved with the ICF and how do they support ICF's mission
   

Remember not every coach is a good trainer/mentor and not every trainer is a good coach.


I wish you success with your search, preparation and examinations.

Need information about finding "your mentor coach"? do not hesitate in contacting me

Edmée

Powerful Questions

Powerful questioning is one of the many tools we coaches and people managers use as an effective communication tool.

In the next couple of weeks I would like to start a dialog with you - the reader - on how important is powerful questioning? How effective are they? and how do you prepare yourself to be able to get the most powerful question during your coaching, your evaluations with staff and clients.

A powerful question:

• Is thought provoking
• Helps to clarify underlying assumptions
• Touches deep
• Stimulates reflective conversation
• Generates creativity
• Helps to excavate new information and
• Compare reality with our perception

What makes a question powerful?

“Questions can be live a lever to pry open the stuck lid on a can of paint… If we have a short lever, we can only just crack open the lid on the can. But if we have a longer lever, or a more dynamic question, we can open than up much wider and really stir things up… If the right question is applied, and it digs deeper enough, then we can stir up all the creative solutions”

Fran Peavey

How do you get prepared to pose powerful questions?. Do you have a list of powerful questions you use on an on? Or should you make the powerful questions every time up?

I find powerful questions to be a great tool for reflective thinking, to get my client out of the “dark place” or just to get the conversation going on. And you?

Have questions? Heb je vragen? tienes preguntas?

English text

If you have any questions regarding ICF, core competencies, Ethics code of conduct or how to choose a mentor coach please feel free to contact me by replying to this post.
I will answer your questions or put you in contact with a coach in your region.

See you

Edmée


Nederlandse tekst

Als je vragen hebt over ICF, kern competenties, gedrag's code of je zoekt een coach, laat het mij weten. Je kan dit via deze post doen. Ik zal snel antwoord geven

bedankt en tot ziens Edmée


Texto en Español

Si tienes preguntas sobre ICF, las 11 competencias, código ético o buscas un mentor coach, contactarme vía este mensaje y yo te contestare o te pondré en contacto con alguien que viva cerca de ti.

Hasta pronto

Edmée

What do I need to look for in a mentor coach?

This is a question I have been asked many times.
Don't be surprised: I have asked myself the same question.

For an ICF certification via a portfolio you need, for all 3 levels, 10 hours mentor coaching.

Why a mentor coach? and what are the qualities and what kind of programme do they offer?
In principle a mentor coach can be any coach who is active in the profession and is linked to a coaching organisation/association. It has been noted that this requirement is not a good one because the reason why a mentor coaching was added as a requisite is to support people who have not been working with an ICF accredited training school.
The 11 core competencies and codes of ethics are the corner stones of the ICF and are what makes coaching a profession. It also adds to the identify of ICF members.
Therefore new members and certified coaches need to know not only the codes of ethics and core competencies but need to understand the what I call the "building process". Each competency helps the coach create a coaching sphere and builds momentum. Only posing powerful questions is not enough. You need to active listen and know when to use direct communication before you start asking questions. But before you can start creating awareness you need to have a good trustful environment.

The good use of all core competencies will help the coach create a coaching process.

When you are in search of a good ICF mentor coach ask questions related to:

1. his/her own experience on credentialling
2. his/her understanding of the code of ethics
3. experience a coaching session and see how the 11 core competencies are applied
4. ask questions that need explanation, so you can experience how this person explains things
5. or is this person just training you?
6. ask to have a look at the written agreement and explore the different ways and levels of agreement you and the coach will be working on
7. if you have doubts ask others to help you
8. make sure the mentor coach tailor makes the programme for you!
   

I hope this helps you finding your perfect mentor coach. Please remember that the mentor coach is there to guide you and help you become a better coach, but to create good coaching sessions and or pass any of the examinations you will have to do it on your own. Discover your style and develop it using the core competencies and codes of ethics and I am sure you will be doing more than just fine!

Edmée

aNDE's mentor coach programme

I am the founder and president of the Dutch chapter of the ICF - www.icf-nl.org Its my mission to inform people about coaching, the benefits, the kind of coaches you can hire, make sure that coaching is accepted as a profession.

Professional people, are always seeking for improvement and growth. The certification of the ICF assures quality and professionalising of coaches.

I have developed a 12 hour mentor coach programme for coaches seeking ICF certification via portfolio - there is a requirement of a minimum of 10 hours mentor coaching.

During the 12 hour mentor coach programme, which is totally tailor made to meet the needs of the coachee, we work on:
- The coachee's coaching skills
- review the ICF core competencies and Ethical guidelines
- the cochee is coached on chosen subject
- work on the registration form and other ICF certification requirements

I have mentored coached about 10 coaches.

If you need more information feel free to contact me or the ICF offices

ICF certification info

The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the largest worldwide resource for business and personal coaches, and the source for those who are seeking a coach. The ICF is a nonprofit, individual membership organization formed by professionals worldwide who practice business and personal coaching.

The ICF exists to Build, Support and Preserve the integrity of the coaching profession through programs and standards supported by the individual membership.

Coaches are trained to listen, observe, and customize their approach to individual client needs. They seek to elicit solutions and strategies from the client; they believe the client is naturally creative and resourceful. The coach's job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity the client already has.

If you are interrested is an ICF certification have a look at the link: Road to credentialing

http://www.coachfederation.org/ICF/For+Current+Members/Credentialing/


If you decide to become an ICF credentialed coach and you need a mentor coach you can find more information on this blog or contact me.

Make sure you are well informed before you hire a mentor coach!

Edmée