Coaching industry celebrates International Coaching Week Feb. 7–13, 2010

Lexington, Kentucky, USA-Coaches around the world will join together this week to celebrate a growing profession that 96 percent* of clients report they would use again to achieve personal and professional life goals such as work-life balance, increased self-esteem, productivity and much more.

In honor of annual International Coaching Week (ICW), Feb. 7-13, ICF Chapters and coaches everywhere will take time to recognize professional coaching and what it offers by hosting various coaching events within their local communities. This includes pro-bono coaching services, such as free coaching sessions, educational lectures and workshops for the public.

"This week is the perfect time for coaches to get out in their communities and show people what coaching is and how it can benefit their lives," said ICF President and Master Certified Coach Giovanna D'Alessio. "Coaching is proven to help people attain their personal and professional goals and those who use it can expect to see a solid return on their investment."

More than 80 percent* of coaching clients experienced a positive impact in their goal areas of self-esteem/self confidence, relationships, communication skills, interpersonal skills, work performance, and work-life balance, according to the 2009 ICF Global Coaching Client Study, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Association Resource Centre Inc.

The study showed clients who achieved a financial benefit from coaching saw an average return on investment of 3.44* times the amount spent. Companies (those able to provide figures for ROI) that used coaching reported an average return of 700 percent or seven times the initial investment.

International Coaching Week has been observed each February since 1999, when ICF Master Certified Coach Jerri N. Udelson, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, declared it a special time for coaches to celebrate and promote personal and business coaching. Now, coaches all over the world, from Africa to the United Kingdom, are involved in this worldwide celebration each year.

Individuals interested in finding ICW activities in their area can contact a local ICF Chapter directly or see a listing of events at CoachingWeek.org, the official ICW Web site. A listing of all ICF Chapters is available at Coachfederation.org.

In addition to ICW, the ICF is celebrating a milestone of reaching 6,000 ICF Credential holders this week and its15th anniversary in 2010.

ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training. Individuals who engage in a coaching relationship can expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles.

The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 16,300 members in more than 90 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. The ICF is the only organization that awards a global credential which is currently held by 6,000 coaches worldwide. For more information on how to become or find an ICF Credentialed coach, please visit our Web site at http://www.coachfederation.org/.

*2009 ICF Global Coaching Client Study. Results representative of survey respondent sample.