Tools for Coaches: Books
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Understanding the ICF Core Coach Competencies Framework
$9.99
The International Coach Federation has raised the standard of professionalism in coaching by creating a list of 8 competencies that define excellence in the field. If you are preparing to apply for a credential, or you are teaching competencies in your coach training program, this is an essential look at the fundamentals. Content is based on the ICF 2021 competency model.

Foundation
Under Revision – Coming Soon
The 8 ICF Coach Core Competencies are divided into four main categories. This book covers the first category, Foundation. You will learn about demonstrating ethical practice and in coaching, and embodying a coaching mindset. Content is based on the ICF 2021 competency model.

Co-Creating the Relationship
Under Revision – Coming Soon
Building on the last book, Foundation, this book covers the second competency category, Co-Creating the Relationship. You will learn about establishing and maintaining agreements, cultivating trust and safety, and maintaining presence. Content is based on the ICF 2021 competency model.

Communicating Effectively
Under Revision – Coming Soon
Building the core competency framework further, this book covers the third category, Communicating Effectively. You will learn the deep communication skills used by professional coaches including listening actively and evoking awareness. Content is based on the ICF 2021 competency model.

Cultivating Learning and Growth
Under Revision – Coming Soon
Working with clients to meet their goals involves discussion and action planning. This book rounds out the competency framework by covering the fourth and final competency category, Cultivating Learning and Growth. You will learn the importance of competency number eight, facilitating client growth. Content is based on the ICF 2021 competency model.
Here’s what coaching professionals have to say about the books:
Cathy provides the reader with not just a clear understanding of the importance of each competency but how to continually develop them in your coaching practice. She presents strategies that are practical and easy to integrate. She also shares valuable resources that she uses in her own coaching practice to develop her skills and keep organized. I highly recommend this book to all coaches, whether you are just starting out or have been coaching for years. It provides suggestions on how to implement continuous improvement as part of your coaching practice. Thank you for sharing your wisdom Cathy!
Patricia Polischuk, ACC
In The Really Competent Coach – Understanding the ICF Core Coach Competencies Framework, Cathy Shaughnessy offers a clear, concise, and thoughtful analysis of what coaching competencies are along with a developmental path for beginning to attain those competencies. Her presentation of the four foundations of the ICF Core Competency Model offers the developing coach clear framework for thinking about the competencies in the context of actual coaching conversations. A really useful resource.
Molly Gordon, MCC
Cathy Shaughnessy has made a significant contribution to the coaching profession with this informative and insightful guide to the ICF Core Competencies Framework. Her style is thorough and engaging, making her content easy to engage with and understand. The Really Competent Coach – Understanding the ICF Core Coach Competencies Framework will help any coach recall, retain and align more fully with the core coach competencies.
Jamee Tenzer, MCC, BCC
Cathy Shaughnessy’s overview of the ICF’s key competencies serves as an excellent roadmap for progressing beyond effectiveness. She has excelled in creating an easy to read and apply approach to mastering the competencies and elevating your coaching skills to a new level. An excellent resource for new and developing coaches as well as those of us who recognize the need for continuous lifelong growth.
Kathryn Healey, DCC, CPCC, ICF
I have just finished reading the first book in the The Really Competent Coach series. It has demystified the competencies by setting up a clear and practical framework to approach them. It has given me a plan to integrate them into my coaching practice. I am looking forward to the next book! Thank-You!
Debra Johnson, MCC, CLCP
Truly understanding the competencies is hard. It wasn’t until I was closer to the end of the 60 hours of coach training with Cathy that I began to get a better sense of what they are. This ebook helps to simplify and explain them and provides helpful suggestions on how to work towards becoming an even more competent coach. I can’t wait for the next four ebooks to dive in more deeply!
Melissa Ryan, ACC
Cathy’s ebook is a great “go-to” refresher on the basics of the ICF competencies. Her style is easy to read and easy to understand.
Abbie Graftstein, ACC
Looking for a mentor coach? Book a quick chat with Cathy to answer any questions you have about mentor coaching.