Last year at this time, I vowed to read more books in 2024.
I am happy to report that I did. Having all of my coaching books out on my credenza helped. The whole exercise was a wonderful reminder of how much I love coaching.
One of my favorite re-reads was Edgar Shein’s Humble Inquiry – The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling. This one really got me thinking. I’ve highlighted and underlined most of the book! Here are a couple of quotes that resonated:
“If part of the goal of conversation is to improve communication and build a relationship, then telling is more risky than asking.”
“Don’t we all know how to ask questions? Of course, we think we know how to ask, but we fail to notice how often even our questions are just another form of telling – rhetorical or just testing whether what we think is right.”
Guilty as charged.
While I was digging back into my coaching books, I realized just how much of what I was re-learning is applicable in day-to-day life. Kitchen table conversations and around the water cooler office chats can be improved with this study too.
Remarkable.
I hope you were able to make some headway on plans that you had for 2024. As you step into 2025, it’s another chance to set goals that will bring you closer to the future you desire. If earning or renewing your ICF credential is on your to-do list this year, read on Coach!
One of the most often overlooked (or avoided) steps in the process is tracking your coaching hours. Yet, it is one of the most powerful actions you can take to reach your credentialing goals. It’s absolutely worth making tracking a priority, and here’s why.
Tracking Accelerates Your Credentialing: By logging your coaching hours regularly, you’re saving yourself from last-minute stress and setting up a smoother path to ICF success.
Tracking Celebrates Your Growth: Consistently tracking your hours allows you to reflect on your progress and celebrate the journey. See just how far you’ve come and where you’re headed.
Tracking Boosts Your Professional Profile: An ICF credential shows commitment to professional mastery, and with your hours organized, you’ll be prepared to demonstrate that dedication to clients and employers.
If you already have a spreadsheet for tracking your coaching hours, but you’ve procrastinated on keeping it up to date, this is your nudge to get back to it. Set some time aside each week, put it on your calendar, and commit to chipping away at it. Breaking it down to manageable chunks can help.
If you haven’t got a system or a spreadsheet yet, you may want to try the one that I created when I was recalibrating for my MCC. I’ve shared it on my website since then. Hundreds of coaches use it and you can too.
To make tracking effortless (almost), I created the Free Easy Tracking Form just for coaches like you. This form is designed to simplify the process, helping you organize sessions, track hours, and stay motivated as you work toward your credential. It’s quick, user-friendly, and a great way to start the year strong!
Three Simple Steps to Kick-Start Your 2025 Tracking:
- Download the Form: Start logging sessions immediately with the Free Easy Tracking Form.
- Make It a Routine: Try logging hours right after each session or at the end of your coaching day.
- Check In on Your Progress: Review your tracked hours regularly to set new goals and keep yourself motivated.
Imagine starting 2026 with your first, or next ICF credential in hand! Let’s make 2025 the year of growth and achievement.
Cheers to a fulfilling year of coaching and progress!
Get the Free Easy Tracking Form here.
If you need mentor coaching this year, why not plan ahead?
Find ACC/PCC Group Mentor Coaching dates here.
Find MCC Prep Group Mentor Coaching dates here.
Cathy Shaughnessy, MCC, is an active ICF Assessor and ICF Mentor Coach Specialist for ACC, PCC and MCC. A graduate of the Royal Roads University Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, Cathy has been coaching since 2008 and brings extensive experience as an executive coach, mentor coach, coach educator and assessor to her work with coaches.
Through Perspective In Action, Cathy provides mentor coaching and creates practical resources for coaches preparing for ICF credentials, credentialing exams, renewal and ongoing professional development. Her courses, exam preparation resources and learning tools help coaches deepen their understanding of the ICF Core Competencies, PCC Markers, Code of Ethics and Core Values, and apply that knowledge thoughtfully in their coaching.
Explore Cathy’s mentor coaching, ICF learning and credentialing resources, or subscribe to Cathy’s emails for practical coaching insights, resources and updates.