International Coaching Federation (ICF)
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world’s most recognized and respected organization in the field of professional coaching. It sets the global standards, ethical guidelines, and credentialing requirements that define high-quality, professional coaching worldwide.
According to the official ICF definition:
“Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
In simple terms, coaching is a collaborative and empowering conversation that helps clients gain clarity, expand self-awareness, and take meaningful action toward their goals.
A professional coach does not give advice or offer solutions; instead, they guide the client through deep listening, powerful questioning, and reflective dialogue—supporting them to unlock their own potential.
What Is Coaching?
Defining coaching can be both simple and complex. There are many approaches and definitions, which can sometimes be confusing. However, despite these differences, the essence of coaching remains the same—just like ice cream: it comes in many colors and flavors, but its core texture is always recognizable.
Practical Definition
Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance. It helps individuals learn rather than simply teaching them.
(Whitmore, 2017)
ICF Definition
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
(ICF, 2019)
Academic Definition
A future-focused, Socratic-style dialogue between a coach and a client, where the coach uses open-ended questions, active listening, reflection, and summaries to stimulate self-awareness and personal responsibility.
(Passmore & Fillery-Travis, 2011)
Neuroscience Perspective
Facilitating behavioral change and personal growth by aligning coaching techniques with brain function and its capacity for change.
(Amy Brann)
What Is Coaching?
Defining coaching can be both simple and complex. There are many approaches and definitions, which can sometimes be confusing. However, despite these differences, the essence of coaching remains the same—just like ice cream: it comes in many colors and flavors, but its core texture is always recognizable.
Practical Definition
Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance. It helps individuals learn rather than simply teaching them.
(Whitmore, 2017)
ICF Definition
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
(ICF, 2019)
Academic Definition
A future-focused, Socratic-style dialogue between a coach and a client, where the coach uses open-ended questions, active listening, reflection, and summaries to stimulate self-awareness and personal responsibility.
(Passmore & Fillery-Travis, 2011)
Neuroscience Perspective
Facilitating behavioral change and personal growth by aligning coaching techniques with brain function and its capacity for change.
(Amy Brann)
ICF Core Coaching Competencies
The ICF Core Coaching Competencies outline the essential skills and ethical standards professional coaches use to support clients effectively. They emphasize ethical practice and a strong coaching mindset, clear agreements, and the ability to build trust and safety. Coaches are expected to remain fully present, listen actively, and evoke awareness through powerful questioning and reflection. Together, these competencies enable coaches to help clients transform insight into meaningful action, learning, and lasting growth.
Demonstrates Ethical Practice
Acts with integrity, confidentiality, and professional responsibility in alignment with the ICF Code of Ethics.
Embodies a Coaching Mindset
Maintains self-awareness, curiosity, openness, and commitment to continuous learning.
Establishes and Maintains Agreements
Clearly defines the coaching relationship, goals, roles, and session outcomes with the client.
Cultivates Trust and Safety
Creates a respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe space for open exploration.
Maintains Presence
Remains fully attentive, flexible, and responsive in the moment with the client.
Listens Actively
Focuses on what the client says and does not say to understand meaning, emotions, and values.
Evokes Awareness
Uses powerful questions and reflections to generate insight and new perspectives.
Facilitates Client Growth
Supports clients in turning awareness into action, learning, and sustainable change.
ICF Core Coaching Competencies
The ICF Core Coaching Competencies outline the essential skills and ethical standards professional coaches use to support clients effectively. They emphasize ethical practice and a strong coaching mindset, clear agreements, and the ability to build trust and safety. Coaches are expected to remain fully present, listen actively, and evoke awareness through powerful questioning and reflection. Together, these competencies enable coaches to help clients transform insight into meaningful action, learning, and lasting growth.
Demonstrates Ethical Practice
Acts with integrity, confidentiality, and professional responsibility in alignment with the ICF Code of Ethics.
Embodies a Coaching Mindset
Maintains self-awareness, curiosity, openness, and commitment to continuous learning.
Establishes and Maintains Agreements
Clearly defines the coaching relationship, goals, roles, and session outcomes with the client.
Cultivates Trust and Safety
Creates a respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe space for open exploration.
Maintains Presence
Remains fully attentive, flexible, and responsive in the moment with the client.
Listens Actively
Focuses on what the client says and does not say to understand meaning, emotions, and values.
Evokes Awareness
Uses powerful questions and reflections to generate insight and new perspectives.
Facilitates Client Growth
Supports clients in turning awareness into action, learning, and sustainable change.
Who is Coaching for?
Coaching is suitable for anyone seeking growth, development, or transformation, including:
- Individuals pursuing personal growth and self-development
- Professionals aiming for career advancement or transition
- Leaders and managers seeking to enhance their leadership skills
- Teams looking to improve collaboration and performance
- Anyone facing significant life changes or decisions
- Those aiming to achieve better work-life balance
- Individuals with specific goals or challenges they want to overcome
- Entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to grow their business
Who Can Benefit from Coaching?
- Individuals pursuing self-development and personal growth
- Professionals aiming for career advancement or career transitions
- Leaders and managers looking to enhance their leadership skills
- Teams seeking to improve collaboration and performance
- Anyone facing a significant life change or important decision
- Individuals striving for better work-life balance
- Those with specific goals or challenges they want to overcome
- Entrepreneurs and business owners looking to grow their business
Coaching vs. Mentoring vs. Consulting
Although all three support growth, they work differently:
Coaching
Helps you unlock your potential and find your own solutions through guidance, reflection, and goal-setting.
Mentoring
Shares experience and advice to help you learn and grow.
Consulting
Provides expert solutions to solve specific problems or implement strategies.
In short:
Coaching empowers. Mentoring guides. Consulting solves.
How can I become an official ICF-certified coach?
- Complete your training through an ICF-accredited coaching education provider
- Follow the step-by-step certification pathway
- Start with Level 1: ICF foundational training to develop core coaching skills, ethical practice, and professional presence
- Continue with advanced levels, mentor coaching, practical coaching hours, and performance evaluations
At TYME Coaching Academy, all training pathways are fully aligned with the ICF Core Competencies (2025). We guide you from the foundational level onward, ensuring you are not only meeting international certification standards but also developing true mastery, confidence, and excellence in real-world coaching practice. Our programs are designed to support your professional growth, credential readiness, and long-term success as a globally recognized coach.