Gail Boone: Mentor Coaching: developing quality, competence, and coaching capacity
The International Coaching Federation describes Mentor Coaching for as “coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching, in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies.”
Why would a trained coach seek mentoring?
The International Coaching Federation is committed to ensuring coaching quality and expects professional coaches to actively pursue development opportunities to help maintain coaching excellence. Mentor Coaching is required for first time credential applicants, ACC renewal and for progression on the PCC ad MCC paths. Joining with a mentor coach creates an opportunity to work with someone committed to helping you achieve the coaching competence required by the credential levels.
What happens when I sign up for mentor coaching?
When you engage a Mentor Coach you can expect to be asked about your strengths, perceived growth opportunities and how you would like to receive feedback. We know it is not everyone’s cup of tea to be observed when coaching. Mentor Coaches work hard to create a safe environment that minimizes the feeling of performance anxiety or nerves due to the process. We really do see ourselves as your partner. And we learn things too.
You will receive verbal and written feedback. While you do not have to submit the feedback documents, ICF does require details such as: the Mentor Coach(s) name and credential, email address, start and end dates of the mentoring relationship and number of hours of coaching provided. Your Mentor Coach will also keep a record in case they are asked to confirm the mentoring took place.
What’s the process?
Some mentor coaches offer both individual and group mentor coaching sessions. Some coaches choose the same mentor coach for the required 10 sessions. The best way to approach finding the right mentor coach is to talk with mentor coaches and with coaches they’ve served so you can get a feel for what might work best for you.
What do you need to know about the ICF requirements for mentor coaching?
More details can be found on the ICF Global site however – 10 hours of mentor coaching must take place over a minimum three-month period before the date of the application for credential or renewal.
If you are committed to being ICF credentialed serving your clients with quality coaching and increasing your level of coaching capacity check out https://coachfederation.org/mentor-coaching for the requirements specific to your path.
How do I find a mentor coach?
We are fortunate in the Atlantic Region to have five Mentor Coaches. Reach out to any one of us for an opportunity to explore how to continue to grow your excellence as a coach. You can also check the ICF Mentor Coach Registry for other mentor coaches.
Brian Duggan brian.duggan@marathonhrcg.com
Carol Gabanna cgabanna@hratlantic.ca
Wendy Jones wendy@wendyjonescoaching.ca
Jenn Wicks jenn@jennwicks.com
Gail Boone gailboone@ns.sympatico.ca