What training and credentials exist for executive coaches?
Most leading Executive Coaches are trained psychotherapists are who are more rigorously trained in normal human behavior, interpersonal relationships, psychopathology, organizational development and psychopathology as well as psychometry than are non clinicians. Non-psychologically trained Executive Coaches are experienced executives who decide to coach others.
Persons who are trained in coaching through for-profit Coaching Programs are limited in ability to equip their trainees in the core competencies for Executive Coaching.
When you are looking for an Executive Coach, the key things to look for would be training, affiliations and background. As mentioned above, the International Coaches Federation is a good starting point, as is the International Association of Coaches. ICF certifies training programs as well as Coaches who have successfully completed one of these programs.
I would then look at what the Coaches background is. Who have they worked for prior to becoming a Coach? What was their education? What were their achievements? Who is their target Client? What industry are they most familiar with? Does this background compliment what the Client is trying to acheive?
In some cases, Executive Coaches are both former Executives who are ICF trained. Many aren’t and are actually simply handing out advise. As well, many psychotherapists who have decided to become Coaches are really practicing psychology, not Coaching. Coaching and Psychotherapy are two very distinct models which have some over lap and similarities. My personal experience is that both are powerful, but have different applications and can be very complimentary. It is up to the Client to decide which will best suit their needs.
Industry-leading organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) have instituted a credentialing program to establish industry regulations and minimum standards for professional coaches; assure the public that participating coaches meet or exceed industry standards; and ensure that the professional coaching industry is clearly established as a distinct and self-regulating profession. This program provides credentials for Certified Coach Training Agency (CCTA), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC). Re-certification is required every three years. Katharine Halpin is a Master Certified Coach and a former instructor for Coach U., one of several ICF Certified Coach Training Agencies.
