New National Data Shows Importance of Coaching Credentials/Satisfaction

LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers worldwide agree certification/credentials are important for professional coaches and contribute to higher consumer satisfaction with coaching, according to a recent study by the International Coach Federation (ICF).

The ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study found that 84 percent of respondents who had been in a coaching relationship considered certification/credentials "important" or "very important." In fact, even for those who had no prior experience with coaching, the importance of credentials remained high at 83 percent.

Coaching credentials were viewed most important by respondents in the following countries: Mexico (97.5 percent considered credentials "important" or "very important"), Brazil (93.8 percent), Columbia (92.9 percent), Argentina (90.8 percent), and India (89.2 percent).

"As you'll see, four out of the five top countries that consider coaching credentials most important are in Latin America, which has been identified as an emerging region for ICF membership," said ICF President and Professional Certified Coach Ed Modell. "Our growth strategy there is clearly having an impact as more coaches join the ICF and the number of ICF-approved/accredited coach training programs increases."

In addition, the study found that consumer satisfaction with coaching is overall very high. Eighty-three percent of the general public, ages 25 and up, who have been involved in a coaching relationship were either "somewhat satisfied" or "very satisfied." The level of satisfaction rises even higher to 92 percent among those with an ICF Credentialed coach, 55 percent of which were "very satisfied."

Broken down nationally, individuals in the following countries reported the highest satisfaction levels with coaching: Japan (82.4 percent were "somewhat satisfied" or "very satisfied"), Germany (82.0 percent), Argentina (81.5 percent), Italy (75.6 percent), and Spain (75.7 percent).

"No matter where in the world a coaching relationship takes place, it is proven to be a rewarding experience, especially when an ICF Credentialed coach is involved," Modell said. "This study supports past ICF research which shows that coaching is satisfying because it helps people achieve their goals and desired outcomes for their careers and life and produces a solid return on investment. The bottom line is coaching works!"

The Global Consumer Awareness Study, which surveyed individuals from 20 countries, was conducted independently by the International Survey Unit of PwC. To download the Executive Summary and to learn more about this groundbreaking research visit http://Coachfederation.org/works.  

ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training. Individuals who engage in a coaching relationship can expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles.

The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 18,000 members in more than 100 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. The ICF is the only organization that awards a global credential, which is currently held by more than 7,000 coaches worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.coachfederation.org.

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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