ICF Core Competency 5: Maintains Presence

Summary

In this video, Pamela Richard discusses the core competency of coaching presence, which is the ability to be fully engaged, open, and compassionate with a coachee, without rushing to solutions. She explains the difference between coaching levels (ACC, PCC, and MCC), emphasizing how higher-level coaches naturally embody curiosity, silence, and reflection in their practice. The video also clarifies the distinction between the new and old core competencies, revealing that while the concepts aren’t new, they’ve been better articulated for clearer application in coaching. Mastering coaching presence involves cultivating curiosity, comfort with uncertainty, and creating space for the coachee’s self-discovery.

Takeaways

• 😀 Coaching presence is the ability to be fully engaged and compassionate without attachment, offering a flexible, open, and confident way of being with the coachee.
• 😀 Maintaining presence is a foundational skill in coaching, distinguishing coaching from other professions that rely on communication.
• 😀 The transition from old to new core competencies is not a radical change but a clearer articulation of existing practices that have been in place for decades.
• 😀 Being comfortable with not knowing is a key aspect of coaching presence. Coaches must step into the unknown, allowing space for the coachee to explore and discover.
• 😀 A coach’s confidence and curiosity should manifest through powerful questioning, avoiding the urge to immediately offer solutions or advice.
• 😀 The space a coach holds should be one of quiet observation, noticing emotional or intellectual shifts in the coachee, and supporting them to explore further.
• 😀 Newer coaches may struggle with maintaining presence, often rushing to solutions without giving enough space for reflection or asking deeper, curious questions.
• 😀 ACC-level coaches might not give enough space for reflection, often feeling the need to solve problems quickly instead of fostering curiosity.
• 😀 At the PCC level, maintaining presence becomes more fluid and natural. Coaches are comfortable with silence and pause, allowing the coachee to take the lead in their process.
• 😀 MCC-level coaches fully embody maintaining presence, where it becomes second nature and is not even consciously noticed, allowing deep space for the coachee's self-expression.
• 😀 Silence and allowing space for the coachee to reflect is a critical part of maintaining presence at all levels, but especially for MCC-level coaches who have mastered this skill.

Q & A

What does it mean to 'maintain presence' as a coach?

Maintaining presence as a coach means being fully engaged and connected with a client in an open, flexible, and compassionate way, without attachment to outcomes. It involves staying grounded, being curious, and comfortable with not knowing, which allows the client to feel heard and supported.

How does coaching presence distinguish coaching from other professions?

Coaching presence distinguishes coaching from other professions by the way coaches engage with clients—through empathy, active listening, and holding space without an agenda. This is different from professions like therapy or consulting, where there may be more direction or problem-solving involved.

What is the relationship between the old and new core competencies?

The 'new' core competencies are essentially a clearer articulation of what has been practiced for years. While the core competencies have been reorganized and more logically structured, the underlying principles, such as coaching presence, have always been part of coaching but are now more explicitly defined.

What is the importance of curiosity in maintaining coaching presence?

Curiosity is crucial in maintaining coaching presence because it allows the coach to explore deeper with the client without rushing to solutions. It encourages the client to self-reflect and find their own answers, fostering an environment of discovery and growth.

How does a coach demonstrate presence during a session?

A coach demonstrates presence by actively listening, noticing emotional or intellectual shifts in the client, allowing space for silence, and not rushing to provide solutions. They also show comfort with uncertainty and create a safe, open space for the client to explore their thoughts.

What does it mean for a coach to be comfortable with 'not knowing'?

Being comfortable with 'not knowing' means that the coach is open to uncertainty and does not feel pressured to have all the answers. This allows the coach to remain fully present with the client, focusing on exploration rather than immediately jumping to solutions.

What are the most common challenges new coaches face when mastering coaching presence?

New coaches often struggle with rushing to solutions, lacking curiosity, and feeling uncomfortable with silence. They may also feel nervous about allowing space for the client to reflect, and instead feel the need to fill the silence with advice or questions.

How does coaching presence evolve from ACC to MCC levels?

At the ACC level, coaches often struggle with providing enough space and may rush to solutions. By the PCC level, coaches are more comfortable with silence, curiosity, and allowing the client to discover their own solutions. At the MCC level, coaching presence is natural and effortless, with the coach embodying curiosity and comfort with silence in a way that feels integrated into their personality.

Why is silence important in coaching presence?

Silence is important because it gives the client time to reflect, process, and uncover insights. It demonstrates to the client that the coach is truly listening and allows them to explore their own thoughts without feeling rushed or pressured.

What differentiates a PCC-level coach from an ACC-level coach in terms of presence?

A PCC-level coach demonstrates more fluidity and naturalness in their presence. They are more comfortable with curiosity, silence, and allowing the client to lead the conversation. In contrast, an ACC-level coach may rush to solutions or feel uncomfortable with pauses, missing opportunities for deeper reflection.