The Importance of Certified Coaching

Executive coaching is quickly becoming the standard in leadership development. One-third of Fortune 500 companies utilize executive coaching for their elite executives and new talent (The Hay Group). 

What makes coaching a good investment? According to ICF Research, nearly 50% of companies who invest in coaching make at least a 10X return on that investment. This investment will improve performance in the individual, your team, and your organization. The statistics are pretty impressive:

• 70% increase in individual performance (goal attainment, clearer communication) 
• 50% increase in team performance (Improved collaboration) 
• 48% increase in organizational performance (increase in revenue and employee retention).

A quick look on LinkedIn will show you that coaches and mentors are everywhere. In fact, anyone can call themselves a coach, but how do you know if someone is actually qualified? The first place to start is by looking at their credentials.

The Gallup Organization and Coach Approach Ministries provided most of my ICF-approved education. In both cases, I was taught by highly-experienced, ICF-certified coaches. Instructors such as Jeremy Pietrocini, Chad Hall, and David Cooke taught not just the content of coaching but the nuance. They also exhibited a very high standard of what world-class executive coaching looks like. Their instruction and mentorship significantly elevated my capacity as a coach.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is an organization of trained professional coaches. In fact, this organization is the gold standard in coaching. In this growing industry, it is important to know that your coach has met a level of standards to even call themselves a coach. ICF coaches have met stringent education and experience requirements and adhere to strict ethical guidelines. ICF’s mission is to protect coaching consumers.

If your coach has been trained through ICF, here is what their credentials mean:



• Associate Certified Coach (ACC) – Someone who holds this certification has completed 60 hours of coach specific education and 100 hours of client coaching experience.
• Professional Certified Coach (PCC) – Someone who holds this certification has completed 125 hours of coach specific education and 500 hours of client coaching experience.
• Master Certified Coach (MCC) – A master coach has held or holds a PCC Credential and has completed 200 hours of coach specific education and 2,500 hours of client coaching experience.

Executive coaching empowers clients by asking questions, drawing out their expertise, and helping them find their own solutions. Rather than providing answers, a good coach will help the client trust their own expertise.

Hiring an executive coach is one of the best investments you can make. Just make sure your coach is certified. Join the growing movement in leadership development. Talk to us about coaching at www.vibrancyunlocked.com.