By Mark Friedman (USA)
In a recent study conducted by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and PriceWaterhouse Coopers (2012), it was found that Coaching as a profession is growing by leaps and bounds. ICF is the largest and most well-known professional association for coaches. They report that from 2004 to 2011 the number of ICF members grew almost 700%. Professional coaches increased in number from 7000 members in 33 countries, to 47,500 in over 117 countries. These coaches will generate close to $2 billion in annual revenue/income. And according to the same study, many coaches are optimistic that their practices will be growing in 2012. Growth will be both in the number of people served, as well as in the number of hours spent in coaching.
At this stage of evolution in the profession, there is no regulation and no official certification to become a coach. While there is a huge amount of advice on how to become a coach, there is little advice on how to select a coach.
There is a growing body of independent research that shows that working with a coach can have a profound positive impact both on the person being coached, as well as the organization for which they work. So what should a person look for when hiring a coach?
Here are some things to consider.
Source: iCN Issue 5 (Leadership Coaching); pages 28-29
About Mark Friedman
Mark is a Principal in MJF Associates, Human Resource Development Consultancy, located in Houston, Texas. He has over 25 years of experience in Organization/ Management Development, Executive Coaching, Strategic Planning, Team Building, and Career Development. Mark has worked in a wide variety of industries, government and academia helping clients develop leadership skills and operate more effectively. He earned a Ph.D. in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1980
