Thursday, May 10, 2012

Who's Who by Marggie Paris, LSW BCC

I recently read an April 20, 2012 Chicago Tribune article (Bills for Outside Help Stack Up at U. of I.) that cited a “coach” when referencing a firm that had worked with the recently resigned U of I president, Michael Hogan. The “tone” of the citing was truly negative. Not great press for our profession.  

Further into reading the article, I learned that the title of the firm in question has the word “coaching” in it….so the writer of this article assumed that the individual that was engaged by this U of I president was a coach….later in the article the “coach” is referred to as a management consultant…confusing.  Was it a professional coach or a professional consultant that was working with Michael Hogan? The answer is definitely not clear from this article.

Upon further investigation, a larger issue emerges. Who is a coach and who isn’t?
A good question that, if we are to continue to grow as a profession that has integrity, is taken seriously and has merit, needs an answer.

As much as the general confusion about what exactly constitutes “a coach” concerns me, I truly believe this question is being addressed by the ICF and the CCF in their efforts to standardize and legitimize our profession. This, in my humble opinion, is absolutely necessary to gain the respect of the general public.

Meanwhile, what can each one of us do to help with this effort?  We must make sure that our own coaching credentials are up-to date and clearly communicated in our marketing materials.  When we hear about other coaches and coaching firms, we must inquire as to their credentials, what are they specifically? Start a conversation. These are opportunities for discussion and education.

When we know that someone looking for a coach, we can educate them, one person at a time, that there are standards and ethical guidelines that must be adhered to in our profession. And finally, we can encourage coaches and coach seekers alike to contact the ICF /CCF and become more informed about coaching credentials and ethical standards.

If you read or have read the Tribune article referenced above, and have an opinion you would like to share please submit it to me at crosby.coach@yahoo.com and we will add it to the CCF Blog.