Values - International Coaching Federation
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REVITALIZING ICF'S CORE VALUES.

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A Commitment to Empowering Coaches Worldwide.

As ICF continues to evolve, so too must our organizational values. With the collective challenges of 2020 and the uncharted territory that still lies ahead, we've taken the time to examine our values and put what matters most at the forefront of everything we do.

Professionalism. Collaboration.
Humanity. Equity.

The International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) revised expression of its organizational core values memorialize what it means to represent the highest standards of professional coaching. These universal values empower, inspire and unite all of us as ICF Members, Credential-holders and believers of coaching worldwide.

These core values are more than just words on paper and screen. They are what each of us live every day, a reflection of who we are as the global leader of the coaching industry.

With these practical and aspirational Core Values, we look to you to uphold ICF’s mission of making coaching an integral part of a thriving society as all of us together seek to lead the global advancement of the coaching profession and empower the world through coaching.

Explore the new ICF Core Values

Professionalism

We commit to a coaching mindset and professional quality that encompasses responsibility, respect, integrity, competence and excellence.

Collaboration

We commit to develop social connection and community building.

Humanity

We commit to being humane, kind, compassionate and respectful toward others.

Equity

We commit to use a coaching mindset to explore and understand the needs of others so we can practice equitable processes at all times that create equality for all.


How do we live the ICF Core Values daily?

Check out what the ICF community is saying about each ICF Core Value.

Professionalism

“The [new core values] represent me as a person as well as a professional coach.”
– Pat Mathews, MCC (USA), ICF Global Board Chair

“Values are super important, but how we breathe life and make these values come alive is through our own behavior.” – Lola Chetti, MCC (China)

“Having [the values] as our foundation, it allows all our interactions to begin in a place of trust, and commitment to what it means to be an ICF Professional.” – Todd Hamilton, COO, ICF

“Professionalism means that the ICF Code of Ethics is incorporated in any action and conversation, not only in the coaching session but beyond it.” – Alla Kazajeva, Regional Development Manager, ICF Professional Coaches

“I try very hard to be authentic in my communication with my colleagues and represent myself honestly and openly.  I feel this makes me approachable and opens up dialogue.”
– Karen S. Bernstein, Vice President, ICF Learning & Development

Collaboration

“Collaboration to me means going outside the box, throwing out ridiculous ideas, then honing in on what is realistic and making it happen.” – Ashley Pak, Content Coordinator, ICF Education

“It’s about listening with openness to hear the diverse perspectives across the organization, while also listening for those elements that draw together and unite the coaching community.”
– Carrie Abner, Vice President, ICF Credentials and Standards

Humanity

“Humanity is the backbone in everything I do. In essence, coaching is a humanitarian profession.”
– Haitham Shaheen, Senior Regional Development Manager, ICF Professional Coaches

“[To me, humanity means] always looking for the good in people … being generous with my time and listening, knowing we all have good and bad days.” – Stephanie Norris, Awards Director, ICF

Equity

“Having [the values] as our foundation, it allows our interactions to begin in a place of trust and commitment to what it means to be an ICF Professional.” – Todd Hamilton, COO, ICF

“Equity is equal to courage for me. In some cases it means foregoing some of what we have to make space for others … in other cases, it means having the courage to speak up and take a stand.” – Lola Chetti, MCC

“Justice and equity go hand in hand based on who I am and what my code system of belief is all about.”
– Haitham Shaheen, Senior Regional Development Manager, ICF Professional Coaches

“I am excited to have recently joined a Global organization and the opportunity this provides me to learn about and embrace the culture diversity of coaching around the world.”
– Karen S. Bernstein, Vice President, ICF Learning & Development


More on the Development of the New ICF Core Values

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