The following six core Coaching competency categories were developed to promote an understanding of the skills and approaches that the IIC has determined as being desirable in a competent Coach.

The competencies listed under each heading are essential for any competent Coach to demonstrate and form the basis of the criteria used in The IIC’s accreditation process.

The points listed under each competency in regular font should be demonstrated in any Coaching interaction.

Points in italics are those used in certain Coaching situations but may not be used in all Coaching interactions. These therefore are not required to be present in the recording of a Coaching session for accreditation purposes.

1. Creates an environment in which both the Coach and Client build trust and respect for the coaching relationship.


2. Shows genuine concern for the Client's well being and future.


3. Responds to a Client's emotions with empathy without personally becoming involved.


4. Shows respect for the Client by not judging their thoughts, words and actions.


5. Removes any judgments of the Client when they surface in order to be completely objective and compassionate in the coaching process.


6. Holds only positive thoughts, words and actions of the Client during the entire relationship.


7. During most of the session remains neutral showing neither approval nor disapproval of the Client's thoughts, words and actions. This neutrality establishes trust and prevents the Client from trying to please the Coach or avoid their disapproval. In addition, it allows the Client to freely explore unhindered by the ideas and thoughts of the Coach.


8. Creates a positive enjoyable experience for the Client.


9. Has no agenda for the Client and is not attached to the outcomes.


10. Treats the Client as an equal partner in the Coaching journey.


11. Allows the Client to choose their own pace of accomplishment.

1. Active listening (focuses completely on what the Client is saying as well as listening for what is not being said).


2. Demonstrates use of silence allowing the Client space to think and to finish what they are saying i.e. not interrupting the Client.


3. Pays attention to the Client's words, tone of voice, and body language (where possible).


4. Accurately summarizes, paraphrases and/or mirrors back what the Client has said to ensure clarity and understanding.


5. Acknowledges the Client's concerns, goals, values and beliefs as their perception of the world.


6. Understands and accurately evaluates information, and reflects back interpretations that help the Client to gain awareness.

1. Helps the Client to discover their beliefs, personal strengths and abilities.


2. Increases awareness for the Client e.g. their own perceptions, the differences between fact and their interpretation of events.


3. Helps the Client to discover where there are interrelated factors that affect their actions and their behaviours.


4. Challenges the Client to promote clarification, gain understanding, provoke new ideas and improve their performance.


5. Invites the Client to acknowledge and recognise their own successes and realisations/learnings.


6. Encourages the Client to come up with his or her own options and solutions.


7. For liability and accountability purposes, if necessary the Coach may ask the Client if they require additional input from the Coach.


8. Encourages the Client to stretch and challenge him/herself to a level that is appropriate for them at any given point in time.


9. Invites the Client to use their strengths and internal and external resources to achieve their desired goals.

1. Supports during the planning stage by encouraging the Client to "do it now".


2. Provides the Client with the opportunity to plan without interference from the Coach.


3. Where appropriate, reminds the Client about major insights, patterns, solutions and ideas that were generated throughout the session.


4. Where appropriate, helps the Client to create and implement a plan with results that are specific, measurable, attainable and time framed and adjust this where necessary.


5. Encourages a Client's self-discipline, responsibility and accountability for what they say they are going to do.


6. Keeps the Client focused and on track by reviewing progress, holding attention on the goal for the session and the desired outcome, as well as agreed-upon courses of action.


7. When appropriate, asks the Client to articulate what results they have noticed and/or to state how far they have come with the completion of their plan.


8. Encourages the Client to stay focused on previously generated goals and their commitment to those goals.


9. In order to ensure forward movement, works with the Client to address and overcome any obstacles that are in the way of previously set goals and plans.


10. Positively challenges the Client when he/she did not take agreed-upon actions.


11. Acknowledges the Client's successes and their realisations / learning.