Donna Howes, Membership Chair
I rarely hand out business cards these days, however, the other day it seemed appropriate to offer one to a first-time client. She took a moment to look at it, and then said, “that’s great….you’re a PCC and a CHRP. We want our suppliers to have these credentials.”
In that moment, I saw the client relax… and I believe, feel more confident and trusting about working with me.
Would that have happened regardless? It’s a great question, right?!
A quick check of why the International Coaching Federation says having a credential matters is that “the value of an ICF Credential is as an industry-wide marker of an individual’s commitment to ongoing professional development and outstanding professional practice”.
Based on my new client’s feedback above, they are in good company with more than 18,810 respondents from 25 countries who participated in the ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study (2014) examining what clients think about coaching and what drives them to seek out a coach.
ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study (2014)
- How aware of professional coaching is the general public?
- What do people think of coaching?
- What drives consumers to seek out a coach?
The 2014 ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study tapped into the minds of individuals from around the world for answers to those questions.
A majority of respondents (58%) surveyed who participated in a coaching relationship confirmed that their coach had a certification/credential, a professional membership or both.
Only 14% said their coach held neither a certification/credential nor a membership. The remaining 28% were unsure.
Key Findings
- 85% of respondents said they were very or somewhat satisfied with their coaching experience
- Satisfaction levels varied sharply according to whether the respondent recalled that their coach had a certification/credential and/or membership
- By contrast, those who said their coach did not hold a certification/ credential were significantly less likely to say they were very satisfied (29%).
- Those who were unsure about their coach’s qualifications and membership status were least likely to say that they were very satisfied (23%).
Source: 2014 ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study
Got questions about the value of becoming an ICF credentialed coach? Here’s a good place to start.
