Cathy Liska In the previous blog we looked at the first of three common mistakes made by coaches in recordings they submit to the ICF for their credential application. The first common mistake was failing to get a clear agreement on what a client wants from a coaching session. That leads into the second of three common mistakes: the coach leads. During coach training, the significance of recognizing the client as capable, have the choice, and being in charge of their own plan is explored in terms of being ethical as a coach. 
When Jim Smith presented to the ICF Ethics Community of Practice, he explored what a coach leading means. Here is an example: Imagine a client saying they want to address points 1, 2, and 3. If the coach then chooses which of the three to talk about, then the coach is leading. If the coach chooses an approach, such as brainstorming, role-playing, or listing pros and cons, instead of asking the client how they want to have the conversation, the coach is leading. In summary, if the coach decides independently what to talk about, when to talk about it, or how to talk about it, the coach is leading.
Coaching certification teaches us that it is the coach’s responsibility is to ensure the client is in the driver’s seat. That means in addition to the client choosing what they want from the coaching session and their measure of success, they also choose where to start and how to move forward.
In the next blog, the third common mistake is covered so come on back!
