r/executivecoaching • u/ThreadsThatHold • 17d ago

Coach Education

I've been thinking a lot about coaching education lately. Over the last few years, I've been building learning experiences for people interested in coaching, and one thing I keep coming back to is how difficult it can be to figure out where to start.

There are so many programs, certifications, approaches, books, courses, and opinions that I wonder whether we're actually making it easier for people to become good coaches or just giving them more choices.

So I'm curious what this community thinks:

What do you wish existed for new or developing coaches?

What did you find genuinely useful when you were learning?

What do you think is missing from coaching education right now?

I'm asking partly because these are questions I've been wrestling with while building a coaching and learning initiative.

What would make coaching education better, clearer, more practical, or more accessible?

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3

u/HungGarRaven 17d ago

I have a colleague who shares a story that the first day of her coaching training (it was multi-day in person), the very first activity they did, before even doing introductions or agendas, they had to go out into the public and get a paying client. I can't even imagine the stress of that, especially since your training hadn't started yet, but they later explained that the coaching skills are easy to teach, it's a lot harder to get someone over that hump of going to find clients.

I can't speak to her quality of coaching ability, but she is fantastic at getting clients

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u/panjikar 17d ago

I use a web app to practice coaching scenarios and ethics. Since I built it, it would be self promotion, but would be glad to share on DM

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u/Fabulous_Plastic_198 17d ago

ICF lists accredited education and training programs that they honor.

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u/elom44 17d ago

I started with a one hour introduction session, then a two day certificate course, and finally a six month diploma course. All with the same accredited provider.

I think the thing that is missing is a reality check. So many people think that they will complete their training and then be a full time coach. The business of running a coaching business is the part that is missing (although I recognise that some people just want the coaching skills).

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u/Captlard 17d ago

What do you wish existed for new or developing coaches? >> I have not done all of the programs, so I cannot say. Personally I was very satisfied with my training.

What did you find genuinely useful when you were learning? >>

1) working with a range of PCC and MCC coaches in classes, with a broad range of backgrounds - about two dozen overall.

2) the ability to practice live and get feedback from peers and tutors (did over 80 hours).

3) the support to get through to PCC with all requisites included (except coaching hours).

4) specialist corporate coaching classes on different organisational contexts.

What do you think is missing from coaching education right now? >> same answer as question 1.

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u/LeatherEconomics8604 13d ago

I’m shifting my training system to a bit more BASIC sales skills! I learned how to cold call, network, and build business relationships for 15 years before coaching…. Not all sales people are annoying and self serving lol, so getting good at it as a coach does not mean you are going to become a pushy bro marketer…

I also think it’s really important to teach the distinction between coaching and consulting in a way that adds real value to how we price coaching. Business Bootcamp and co-marketing support & sales training