If possible, present this research at
conferences and pursue publication in
peer-reviewed journals.
Coach-training organizations can
engage in this important work: It’s
essential for coach-training organizations
to present research as part of their
training. I’d like to see more coachtraining organizations offer advanced
training in research methods and best
practices for coach practitioners. And, I
believe ICF has a critical role to play to
support this effort through the Coaching
Science CP and other professional
development opportunities.
CW: As ICF celebrates our first 20
years, what’s your vision for the next
20 years of coaching science
and research?
LH: As the world continues to evolve and
advance, there will be an increased need
for a new level of compassion, empathy and
interpersonal relationship development
on a micro- and macro-level. We’re seeing
economic and political systems customize
and control more resources: As this
happens, it will be increasingly necessary
for people to take responsibility to lead
their own lives and build thriving social
communities within these systems. This is a
role coaching can fill.
Although the primary goal of ICF at its founding
was to provide a venue for coaches to support
one another and grow the profession, from
our Association’s earliest days, the need
for research on coaching—its roots, its
effectiveness and best practices for outstanding
coaches—was evident.
Research on the science of coaching underpinned
the development of the ICF Core Competencies
in the late 1990s, as well as the earliest iterations
of ICF’s individual credentialing and program
accreditation processes.
In 2003, ICF hosted its first Coaching Research
Symposium, bringing together leaders in the
area of coaching research to share their work
and generate new ideas for future avenues of
research. Coaching science topics also gained
popularity with ICF Global Conference attendees
throughout the 2000s and early 2010s.
In 2013, ICF launched ICF Advance, an event
concept designed to deliver in-depth learning
around cutting-edge coaching topics. The
following year, the Association hosted ICF
Advance 2014: Science of Coaching, in Atlanta,
Georgia, USA. In-person and virtual att V