Coaches See Opportunities Ahead for the Profession

LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study conducted by the International Coach Federation (ICF), increased awareness of the benefits of coaching, and credible data on the Return on Investment (ROI)/Return on Expectations (ROE) from coaching, were identified as the two biggest opportunities for professional coaching over the next 12 months.

The benefits of professional coaching are very well documented; however, over one-third of coaches (36 percent) believed that increasing awareness of the benefits of coaching on individuals and corporations alike provides the profession with an opportunity for continued growth in the coming months.

"It is clear that awareness about the value and positive impact of professional coaching is growing around the globe and there is demand to move toward greater clarity for why coaching is effective as well as more specific understanding for how coaching generates beneficial results," said ICF Global President and Master Certified Coach Janet M. Harvey. "Research on efficacy of coaching clarifies the distinctions between coaching and other human potential and development methods, and purchasers of professional coaching are now seeking to know this information."

Results also showed that 28 percent of coaches identified credible data for documenting return on expectation (ROE) and return on investment (ROI) from a professional coaching relationship as another opportunity for the profession in the months ahead. As evidenced by winners of the ICF Annual International Prism Award, case studies clearly show positive ROI/ROE; yet purchasers and professional coaches alike still perceive ambiguity regarding the ROE/ROI calculation for professional coaching. This has led to misconceptions regarding the effectiveness of professional coaching and its proven positive impact on productivity, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness.

"Growth potential for the coaching profession is directly linked to our ability to provide clear, easy-to-understand evidence of positive return on expectation and investment," said Harvey. "Organizations are noticing the importance of engaging trained and certified coaches in order to achieve meaningful positive impact. Encouraging this trend will be supported by consistent use of ROE/ROI analysis and reporting in each coaching engagement." 

Additional opportunities for the profession identified by coaches include: improved general perception, increased demand of coaching services, and positive media attention of the industry.    

Over 12,000 coaches representing 117 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America participated in the study commissioned by ICF and conducted independently by the International Survey Unit of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2011.

To learn more about the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study, and download the Executive Summary, please visit http://coachfederation.org/coachingstudy2012.

The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 19,000 members in more than 100 countries worldwide. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring, or training. ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.coachfederation.org.

ICF HEADQUARTERS CONTACTS:       

Sam Elliott, +1.859.219.3550
[email protected]

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE International Coach Federation

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