ICF Core Competencies Examples Powerful Questioning No. Six

Conducting coaching sessions using the ICF core competencies examples of powerful coaching questions in this article will greatly make a difference in the coaching relationship and your practice.

Core Competencies by The ICF

The ICF Core Competencies were developed by the International Coach Federation to support a broader understanding of the skills and approaches used within today’s coaching profession. The Core Competencies are grouped into four categories according to those that fit together logically based on common ways of looking at the competencies in each group.

A. Setting the foundation

1. Meeting ethical guidelines and professional standards

2. Establishing the coaching agreement

B. Co-creating the relationship

3. Establishing trust and intimacy with the client

4. Coaching presence

C. Communicating effectively

5. Active listening

6. Powerful questioning

7. Direct communication

D. Facilitating learning and results.

8. Promoting awareness

9. Designing actions

10. Planning and goal setting

11. Managing progress and accountability

ICF Core Competencies Examples of Powerful Questions

Under the third category or cluster of the ICF core competencies is powerful questioning. Powerful questioning is the ability to ask thought-provoking questions that reveal the information needed for maximum benefit to the coaching relationship and the client.

According to ICF, powerful questions should be able to achieve the following:

1. Ask questions that reflect active listening and an understanding of the client’s perspective.

2. Ask questions that evoke discovery, insight, commitment or action (e.g., those that challenge the client’s assumptions).

3. Ask open-ended questions that create greater clarity, possibility or creative learning.

4. Ask questions that move the client toward what they desire, not questions that ask for the client to justify or dwell in the past.

Let us look at some examples of questions considered to be powerful and transforming.

1. What are your desired goals?

2. How will you know if you have achieved it?

3. Why is what you desire to achieve important to you?

4. What does success represent to you?

5. What inspires you to achieve success?

6. What have you attempted so far in your pursuit of achieving success?

7. What has worked for you in the past?

8. What are your expectations from this coaching relationship?

9. What will be different this time if the change you are anticipating occurs?

10. What values or strengths can you draw upon in making this change?

11. Tell me more about your current situation.

12. What is currently standing in the way of you getting out of your current situation?

13. What are you willing to do differently presently to get out of your situation?

14. What strategies might you use if you find yourself unstuck accomplishing a task?

15. What type of personal or professional support do you possess?

16. Who can you declare has had a positive influence in your life and Why?

These powerful questioning ICF core competencies examples are excellent questions you can add to your coaching toolbox kit. They are thought-provoking questions that empowers your clients, making them feel supported and also leading to a trusting relationship between coach and client.

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