As an ICF trained mentor coach who works with a lot of coaches, I know how challenging it can be to make progress on ICF credentialing, especially when it comes to getting organized for mentor coaching.
It’s easy to get discouraged and frustrated. Despite their best intentions to get moving on the mentor coaching requirement, far too many coaches leave this part of the process until it’s almost too late. Sound familiar?
You want to get that next (or first) credential. You really do. But somehow you feel like you’re pushing a giant boulder uphill, only to have it roll back down.
You make some progress, and then you slide back.
You have a good month, then fall into old patterns again.
I get it. I really do.
So let me share a simple encouragement with you.
Something to give you hope to get moving again. A mantra for making progress.
“Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out”
That’s it! It’s not complicated. Not overly difficult. But it can be a powerful technique for getting yourself started again. Stick your neck out!!
What if you started?
What if you took just one small step to move in the direction of getting the ball rolling?
What if you stopped waiting for the planets to align and the situation to be perfect?
You can renew your credential, or jump up to the next one. You can become an ICF Credentialed coach if that’s what you want.
But, you have to begin somewhere.
If you’ve already completed your coach training, mentor coaching is the perfect next step.
It’s one of the ICF requirements for earning and renewing various credentials.
But, it is also a fantastic way to brush up on your Coach Core Competencies if you are preparing for the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment.
Here’s How the International Coach Federation Defines Mentor Coaching:
Mentor Coaching for an ICF Credential consists of coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching, in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies.
Mentoring provides professional assistance in achieving and demonstrating the levels of coaching competency and capability demanded by the desired credential level. Mentor Coaching should take place over an extended time (three-month minimum) in a cycle that allows for listening and feedback from the Mentor Coach while also allowing reflection and practice on the part of the individual being mentored.
There are some very specific requirements outlined by the ICF regarding the duties and competencies of a qualified Mentor Coach. You can download the details of the Mentor Coach Competencies here.
My Next Mentor Coaching Group starts Soon!
In only 5 consecutive weeks, you can knock 7 mentor coaching hours off your list.
You will be able to put a big giant checkmark on that To Do!
Presto. Done! Imagine that!
That’s exactly the mindset I used when I set my sights on an ICF MCC designation.
I really did take at least one action (often more) every day that moved me closer to that goal.
In time, I had earned each of the three ICF designations, ACC, PCC and eventually MCC.
Take a step.
Why not join me for my next Group Mentor Coaching Program? Registration is limited to 10 participants.
10 coaches who will get this thing DONE!
It’s a teleseminar, so you can dial in from wherever you are.
Click here to get all the details.
And hey, if you’d like to participate with your coaching colleagues, why not convince them to join you?
Behold the turtle!

Author: Cathy Shaughnessy
Cathy Shaughnessy is an ICF Assessor and PRISM award-winning ICF Master Certified Coach. Cathy mentors credentialed coaches and she creates tools and programs to assist coaches to successfully earn their ICF Credentials. Get more information on Cathy’s group mentor coaching programs here. Check out the latest resource for coaches, How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started.
Click the image below to download the Free Easy Tracking Form for Coaches and get tools and resources from Cathy!

Cathy Shaughnessy is an ICF Assessor and PRISM award-winning ICF Master Certified Coach. Cathy mentors credentialed coaches and she creates tools and programs to assist coaches to successfully earn their ICF Credentials. Get more information on Cathy’s group mentor coaching programs here. Check out the latest resource for coaches, How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started.
Click the image below to download the Free Easy Tracking Form for Coaches and get tools and resources from Cathy!