What is a coach?

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions summarizes frequently asked questions about ICF Quebec.

What is a coach?
The coach accompanies a person or a group in a dynamic and creative process of research and development of their own solutions in order to enable them to effectively achieve their goals. A professional coach has taken specific training in coaching and has obtained recognition from a world-renowned organization.

The values ​​of respect and trust are at the heart of the coach's practice to allow the establishment of a full partnership. This approach engenders reflection, awareness and action, while promoting the client's achievement of lasting results, autonomy and fulfillment.


What is coaching?
Coaching is a partnership that emphasizes the action our clients intend to take to achieve their vision, goals and desires. Coaching raises questions that lead clients to discover themselves, which increases their level of perception and responsibility. They benefit from a structure of accompaniment, support and a valuable source of feedback. The coaching process helps clients define and achieve their professional and personal goals faster and easier than would be possible without the involvement of a coach. It is easier to understand what a coach is if you distinguish coaching from other professions that offer personal or professional support.

Coaches who are members of ICF Quebec respect the code of ethics of the International Coaches Federation (ICF) and act according to its standards.

What are the benefits of coaching?
People who enter into a coaching relationship learn to see the challenges they face and the opportunities available to them from new perspectives.

They can improve their thinking and decision-making skills, increase the efficiency of their interpersonal relationships and lead their private and / or professional life with greater confidence. With this commitment to improving their personal effectiveness, they can also expect positive results in the areas of productivity, satisfaction in both personal and work life and the achievement of meaningful goals.



How long does a coaching partnership last?
The duration of a coaching partnership varies depending on the needs and preferences of the person or team being coached. For some very targeted types of coaching, a work of three to six months with a coach may be sufficient.

For other types of coaching, it may be beneficial to collaborate longer. Various factors can affect the duration of the partnership: the types of objectives to be achieved, the way the person or team works, the frequency of coaching sessions and the financial resources that can be committed.


What are the main reasons that can encourage a person to work with a coach?
Coaching can be used for many reasons, each equally valid, depending on the specific needs of the person. Here are a number of examples where a coach can help a client:

Prepare to take on a new role in an organization;
Facilitate their integration into a new organization or a new role; Develop more effective leadership;
Face an important issue (challenge, ambitious objective, an opportunity to be seized, etc.);
Develop specific skills: political skills, communication or presentation skills, delegation, priority management, team management, performance management, etc.
Fill a gap in terms of skills, self-confidence or creative resources;
Develop a presence with impact in the leadership role;
Orient your career in a new direction or reflect on your current career; Reflect on your current life and consider new avenues for personal growth; Provide a significant effort in a short time;
Adjust the course in his professional or private life following an important event;
Develop a more effective relational style in order to contribute to the achievement of one's goals;
Correct excessive behavior or reduce a strong desire for success that has negative repercussions on those around him;
Restore work-life balance to avoid unwanted consequences;
Identify your main strengths and learn to use them for better success.