Recently, I have had several instances where individuals reached out to me, inquiring about the benefits of employing coaches who are members of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). It became evident that two factors have contributed to this trend. Firstly, there is a growing awareness of ICF and the quality of its membership within the coaching industry. Secondly, an increasing number of coaching companies and organisations are seeking to hire internal coaches, and they now prefer candidates with ICF membership. I have also noticed that ICF membership resonates strongly with a rising number of coaching service buyers. This attests to the value and credibility that being an ICF member brings to a coaching practice.
This has prompted me to explore the distinct advantages of being an ICF member, particularly focusing on how these benefits align with the needs and preferences of coaches in Australasia. From credibility and recognition to professional development and business opportunities, ICF membership offers a range of perks that can significantly enhance a coach’s career.
As a professional coach, joining ICF can be a transformative step in a coaching career. ICF membership offers a host of benefits that can enhance coaching practice, elevate reputation, and provide valuable resources for continuous growth.
Some of the advantages of being an ICF member, tailored specifically for coaches in ICF Australasia, are:
 
  • Credibility and Recognition: Being an ICF member adds credibility to your coaching practice, signifying your adherence to professional coaching standards and ethics. This commitment can enhance your reputation among clients and employers. Displaying the ICF logo and membership certificate on your social media profiles and website can set you apart and demonstrate your dedication to professional standards.
  • Networking Opportunities: ICF offers a valuable platform for coaches to connect with each other through local chapters and online communities. Networking can lead to fruitful collaborations, referrals, and opportunities for professional growth. The ICF Australasia Chapter fosters connections not only in metropolitan areas but also in non-metro regions, providing a support system for coaches who might otherwise feel isolated.
  • Professional Development: ICF members gain access to various learning resources, such as webinars, workshops, and conferences, to continually enhance their coaching skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Events organised by local voluntary leadership offer significant discounts and aim to assist members with their professional growth. These events may include supervision sessions and the PCC-MCC Forum, which seasoned coaches often utilise, as well as mentor coaching for coaches seeking ICF or ACC credentialing renewal. Additionally, members can earn Continuous Coach Education Units (CCEUs) necessary for credentialing renewal through various other events.
  • Credentialing: ICF provides several levels of coaching credentials (ACC, PCC, MCC) that validate a coach’s expertise and competency. By pursuing these credentials, ICF members can open doors to more clients and opportunities, as the credentials serve as a mark of quality and professionalism in the coaching industry.
  • Code of Ethics: ICF members are expected to adhere to a robust code of ethics, contributing to the maintenance of integrity and professionalism within the coaching profession. With ethics and standards becoming increasingly important to coaching service buyers, being an ICF member can give you a competitive edge in the market.
  • Research and Publications: As an ICF member, you gain access to a wealth of research papers, coaching studies, and industry publications, enriching your understanding of coaching techniques and methodologies. Emphasising evidence-based approaches is essential for coaching to be taken seriously as a profession, and there is now more research in the coaching space than ever before.
  • Recognition of Training Programs: ICF recognises and approves coach-specific training programs, which is beneficial for individuals seeking quality training to become a coach. The rigorous accreditation process for coach training providers ensures that future coaches receive relevant and evidence-based training, promoting the development of evidence-informed practitioners. This shift from belief-based coaching to evidence-based coaching benefits all parties involved, providing more assurance to coaching clients, increased confidence for coaches, and greater respect for the profession.
  • Business Development: While ICF, as a membership association, cannot directly grow business for individual coaches, it focuses on creating opportunities for its members to thrive. The ICF partner program offers discounted rates on various coaching-related products, including professional indemnity insurance, a free website, a membership toolkit, and Credentialed Coach Finder directory listings.
It is worth noting that ICF Australasia’s voluntary leadership has played a modest yet impactful role in lifting the profile of the organisation. Through their dedication and efforts, ICF’s presence in Australasia has grown, creating more networking opportunities and expanding the support system for coaches in both metro and non-metro regions. The commitment of the ICF Australasia Chapter to foster connections and provide relevant events has contributed significantly to the region’s coaching community. Additionally, the quality of work produced by ICF Australasia’s voluntary leadership is world-class, and among 140 ICF chapters worldwide, we have been recognised numerous times for our quality and performance.
I know life can be busy. I am in a similar boat. If, as a member, you ask yourself how to can support the ongoing professionalisation of the industry and voluntary leadership, there are several ways:
  • Attending the events and sharing the attendance on social media. It shows the general public personal investment in the industry. Imagine the impact if 50% of our members (currently just under 2000) post something 2-3 times a year.
  • Share your insight in the ICF Australasia survey. They help in lifting member offerings to the next level.
  • Join us for an ongoing discussion in the ICF Australasia Chapter LinkedIn group.
  • Reach out to your local branch and check how you can donate several hours of your time annually.