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Explore the ICF Core Competencies: Listens Actively

In the field of professional coaching, the International Coach Federation (ICF) Core Competencies guide coaches in their practice and professional development. 

These core competencies are not just a theoretical framework, but an honest reflection of the collective understanding and commitment of ICF coaches worldwide towards upholding the highest standards in their work.

ICF Core Competency: Listens Actively

Active listening as defined by the International Coaching Federation means that a coach "focuses on what the client is and is not saying to fully understand what is being communicated in the context of the client systems and to support client self-expression."

This competency is made up of six sub-competencies:

1. Considers the client's context, identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs to enhance understanding of what the client is communicating

Mastering this aspect of active listening requires coaches to engage in a verbal scavenger hunt, seeking to understand the client's:

• Context
• Identity
• Environment
• Experiences
• Values
• Beliefs

This deep understanding allows you to see beyond surface-level communication and truly grasp your client's worldview. It's about recognizing that each client brings a unique set of experiences and perspectives that shape their communication and goals.

2. Reflects or summarizes what the client communicated to ensure clarity and understanding

When we speak, there's no guarantee that the listener fully understands our meaning. As coaches, it's important to reflect back what we've heard to ensure we've interpreted the client's meaning correctly.

This practice serves two purposes:

1. It allows the client to hear their own thoughts reflected back, potentially leading to new insights.
2. It gives the client an opportunity to clarify if the coach has misunderstood anything.

This reflection process can be powerful, and can sometimes feel like magic for a client to hear their innermost thoughts mirrored back to them.

3. Recognizes and inquires when there is more to what the client is communicating

Active listening in coaching goes beyond just hearing words. It involves recognizing both verbal and non-verbal cues that might indicate there's more beneath the surface. This skill combines practice and intuition, allowing coaches to pick up on:

• Held-back information
• Painful or difficult topics
• Shy or reserved communication
• Blocked details from the client's own story
  

By noticing these subtle cues, coaches can help clients expand their thinking and explore areas they might not have considered on their own.

4. Notices, acknowledges and explores the client's emotions, energy shifts, non-verbal cues or other behaviors

Emotions play a significant role in the coaching process. They signal that something important is happening beneath the surface, worthy of exploration.

As coaches, it's essential to:

• Notice energy shifts
• Acknowledge emotions
• Explore non-verbal cues
• Investigate behavioral changes
  

When strong emotions surface, approach them with curiosity and permission. A simple question like, "I think I'm picking up on something here. What's going on for you?" can open the door to deeper understanding.

5. Integrates the client's words, tone of voice and body language to determine the full meaning of what is being communicated

Building trust and intimacy in coaching involves more than just listening to words. It requires integrating the client's tone of voice and body language.

By mirroring the language and cadence of the client, coaches can quickly build trust and generate deeper understanding. This mirroring technique helps ensure that the coach truly grasps the full meaning of what the client is communicating.

6. Notices trends in the client's behaviors and emotions across sessions to discern themes and patterns

All of us have themes and patterns that compose our lives. Part of the work of coaching is being able to discern these themes and patterns so that clients can make conscious decisions about what they want to do differently moving forward.

By noticing trends across sessions, coaches can:

• Report observations back to the client for awareness
• Help clients identify recurring patterns
• Support clients in making strategic decisions for change

This level of discernment allows coach and client to move together in strategic partnership, using their combined awareness to inform decision-making and goal setting.

The Power of Listening Actively in Coaching

Active listening is more than just a skill—it's a fundamental aspect of creating belonging and validating a client's experiences. When we truly listen to understand, we touch a deep aspect of our shared humanity that allows us to harness motivation and create change.

As coaches, our ability to listen deeply:

• Lets clients know they matter
• Validates that their hopes and dreams are important
• Acknowledges that their way of seeing and experiencing the world is real
• Provides vital information to help chart a path forward

By mastering the art of active listening, coaches create a powerful space for clients to explore, grow, and transform.

Interested in expanding your coaching toolkit? 

Coaching is a rapidly growing field that is continuously evolving. Even for seasoned coaches, there's always more to discover. If you've not already earned your ICF accredited coach certification, there's no better time than now to get started!

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