What is International Coaching Week?

International Coaching Week (ICW) is an annual event that celebrates the power of coaching and promotes its benefits to people all around the world.

It is so fitting that it happens every spring. For those of us in Southwestern Ontario, leaves are emerging once again on the trees. Daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are popping up in gardens.

It’s a season of growth. It’s also a wonderful time for coach learning, and for spreading the word about the value of coaching. I wrote about the importance of learning the ICF Competencies in an earlier post.

Coaching is a powerful tool that can help people achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Whether it’s personal, professional, or spiritual growth, coaching provides individuals with the guidance and support they need to succeed.

Many coaches have participated for years in the events and learning opportunities that are available during International Coaching Week.

But some coaches and their clients will be jumping into the fun for the first time.

In the spirit of collegiality, I thought I’d share a quick refresher on what International Coaching week is all about.

The week is not just for coaches. If you have been curious about how coaching can help you achieve your goals, there are opportunities for you too.

What are the benefits of coaching?

Coaching can provide numerous benefits to individuals and organizations. Some of these benefits include:

• Clarity: Coaching helps individuals gain clarity on their goals, values, and purpose, which can help them make better decisions and achieve their desired outcomes.
• Accountability: Coaching provides individuals with a sense of accountability, which can help them stay motivated and committed to their goals.
• Self-awareness: Coaching helps individuals develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which can improve their communication, relationships, and overall well-being.
• Growth: Coaching provides individuals with the tools and resources they need to grow and develop, both personally and professionally.
• Results: Coaching can help individuals achieve their goals more quickly and effectively than they would on their own.

What is International Coaching Week?

International Coaching Week is a week-long celebration of coaching that takes place every year in May. The event was first introduced by the International Coach Federation (ICF) in 1999 and has since become a global phenomenon. The week is dedicated to recognizing the impact that coaching can have on people’s lives and raising awareness of its benefits.

During ICW, coaches around the world host various events and activities to promote coaching and its benefits. These events can include workshops, webinars, seminars, networking events, and more. The goal is to encourage people to experience coaching firsthand and to learn about its potential to help them achieve their goals.

You can find a full list of events here.

What is the theme for International Coaching Week 2023?

The theme for International Coaching Week 2023 is “Empowering People to Thrive.” This theme reflects the importance of coaching in helping people not just survive but thrive in all aspects of their lives. Coaching empowers individuals to take control of their lives, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop a plan to achieve their goals.

How can you participate in International Coaching Week 2023?

There are many ways to participate in International Coaching Week 2023. Here are a few ideas:

1. Attend an event: Check with your local ICF chapter to see if there are any ICW events happening in your area. You can also look for virtual events that you can attend from anywhere in the world.
2. Hire a coach: If you’ve been thinking about hiring a coach, ICW is a great time to do it. Many coaches offer special promotions and discounts during this week, so take advantage of them.
3. Promote coaching: Share your experiences with coaching on social media, and encourage others to try it out for themselves. Use the hashtag #ICW2023 to join the conversation.

International Coaching Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the power of coaching and learn more about its benefits. Whether you’re an individual looking to grow and develop or an organization looking to improve performance, coaching can help you achieve your goals. So, mark your calendars for ICW 2023 and join the celebration!

In the meantime, take this Quick Quiz to test your knowledge of the ICF Coach Competencies.