Guide to ICF Mentor Coach Program for ICF Credentials with MCC Mentor Coaches

Group mentor coaching

Group mentor coaching is a format where several coaches engage in a learning process together under the guidance of an MCC (Master Certified Coach) or a similarly qualified mentor. The ICF mandates a minimum of 10 hours of mentor coaching for those seeking ICF certification, with a maximum of seven hours that can be completed in a group setting. This group format fosters a collaborative environment where coaches can learn from the collective experiences of the group, benefiting from a diversity of perspectives and coaching styles.During these sessions, emphasis is placed on increasing the coach’s capability in coaching through a structured process based on observed coaching sessions. These group sessions provide an invaluable opportunity for receiving feedback in a collaborative manner, thus assisting in achieving and demonstrating the levels of coaching competency and capability demanded for ICF certification. Specifically, group mentor coaching involves the recorded coaching conversations to increase the coach’s understanding and application of ICF competencies, facilitating a deeper comprehension of specific coaching techniques and the nuances of advanced coaching.

How we do it at Tandem

In our sessions at Tandem Coaching, we’ve designed a dynamic learning experience that deepens our mentees’ understanding of ICF core competencies through practical analysis and discussion. Recognizing the importance of real-life application, we assign homework that involves listening to a variety of recorded coaching session to increase students recognition and understanding of the coaching process. These recordings range across ACC, PCC, and MCC levels, providing a broad spectrum of coaching styles and techniques.At Tandem you will get 8 hours of group mentor coaching in total. During the group sessions, we collectively listen to these conversations and engage in detailed discussions, focusing on the demonstration of specific ICF core competencies within each conversation. This approach allows coaches to see these competencies “in action,” giving them a practical understanding of how theoretical concepts are applied in real coaching scenarios. It’s about putting a “face to the name” of each competency, facilitating a deeper comprehension and appreciation of their significance in effective coaching.Moreover, our discussions extend to constructive analysis, where we explore how certain aspects of the coaching conversations could be enhanced. The aim here is not to critique but to foster a constructive exchange of ideas on how to facilitate even greater client awareness and breakthroughs. This reflective practice encourages coaches to think critically about their approach and consider alternative strategies that could lead to more impactful coaching outcomes. Through this process, our coaches develop a more nuanced understanding of coaching excellence and how to apply the ICF core competencies in their own practice.

Individual mentor coaching

Individual mentoring sessions offer a one-to-one mentor coaching experience, allowing for personalized attention and tailored feedback from the mentor coach. This format is crucial for delving deeper into the coach’s practice, offering a focused environment to address specific areas for improvement and to hone unique coaching styles. While the ICF allows for a maximum of three out of the required 10 hours to be conducted on a one-on-one basis, this individualized attention is instrumental in providing professional assistance in achieving and demonstrating the coaching proficiency required for ICF accreditation.In individual sessions, the mentor coaching means much more than just feedback; it is a transformative process to increase the coach’s capability, emphasizing the refinement of skills and the application of coaching principles in real-world scenarios. These sessions are designed to challenge and support the coach, pushing their coaching to the next level and ensuring they are well-prepared for the rigor of ICF accreditation. Working with a mentor coach in this capacity is about enhancing the coach’s capability in coaching through direct, personalized feedback based on the mentor’s assessment of the coach’s performance.Both group and individual mentor coaching are integral to achieving and maintaining your certification, such as the ICF PCC credential. They offer structured opportunities for aspiring coaches to receive the necessary professional assistance, feedback, and guidance to succeed. Whether conducted one-on-one or in a group, these sessions play a critical role in a coach’s development, aiming to not only increase the coach’s capability but also to inspire them to become a better coach, fully equipped with the coaching competency and capability demanded by the ICF.

How we do it at Tandem

For individual mentor coaching sessions, the process begins with our coaches submitting a recorded coaching session, typically lasting between 30 to 45 minutes. These recordings are meticulously evaluated against ICF standards, employing a grading sheet designed to capture the nuances of effective coaching as outlined by the ICF.Following the assessment, we share our detailed feedback with the coach, utilizing tools like Otter.ai for collaborative transcript analysis. This not only ensures a thorough review of the session but also allows for an interactive feedback process where coaches can directly engage with and reflect on the feedback provided.When a coach is ready, they schedule a one-on-one session with one of our Tandem Master Certified Coach Mentors. This session is dedicated to exploring the key points of the recording in depth. It’s an interactive dialogue where coaches have the opportunity to ask questions about both their own reflections and our feedback. This bilateral learning experience enriches the mentorship process, allowing both mentor and mentee to learn from the session. It emphasizes the mentor coaching relationship as a collaborative journey of professional development, where open dialogue and mutual learning pave the way for enhancing coaching skills.At Tandem Coaching, our individual mentoring is designed to be insightful, personalized, and profoundly transformative, ensuring that coaches not only meet ICF standards but also excel beyond them, embodying the highest principles of coaching excellence.

Discover The Benefits Of Mentor Coaching

The Role of Mentor Coaching in Coach Development

Mentor coaching goes beyond the foundational coach training programs by offering an appreciative and dialogued process aimed at deepening the coach’s understanding of ICF core competencies. This unique blend of mentoring and coaching ensures that mentees not only receive knowledge but also apply it in a way that aligns with ICF standards.A mentor coach, often an experienced ICF credentialed coach, brings a wealth of knowledge, having navigated their own coaching journey successfully. They serve as both a guide and a role model, showcasing personal traits and competencies that contribute to a successful coaching career. This relationship fosters an environment where the mentee can explore different coaching styles, receive constructive feedback, and develop the confidence needed to pursue their ICF credential.

The Comprehensive Scope of Mentor Coaching

Mentor coaching encompasses various elements essential for a coach’s professional growth. It includes hours of coaching with a mentor, which are distinct from the training hours acquired through coach education programs. This requirement emphasizes the ICF’s commitment to hands-on, practical learning experiences that are crucial for a coach’s development.Group coaching sessions are another component of mentor coaching, offering a collaborative learning environment where coaches can learn from one another’s experiences and feedback. This collective approach complements the one-on-one mentor sessions, ensuring a well-rounded development process.

The Path to ICF Credential

Embarking on the mentor coaching journey is a significant step towards achieving an ICF credential. It is an investment in one’s coaching career that signifies a commitment to excellence, ethical practice, and continuous improvement. By fulfilling the ICF’s mentor coaching requirements, candidates not only prepare themselves for the certification process but also enhance their coaching services, contributing to their overall success and fulfillment as a coach.Aspiring coaches are encouraged to visit the ICF website to learn more about the mentor coaching requirements, find accredited mentor coach certification programs, and begin their journey towards becoming a certified coach. Through mentor coaching, coaches are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to navigate their coaching journey with confidence and achieve their professional aspirations.

I am an ACC Certified Coach. Do I Need Mentor Coaching?

Yes, mentor coaching is a requirement for all ACC Certified Coaches who are looking to renew their credential or aspire to reach their highest coaching potential. According to the ICF, coaches applying to renew their ACC Credential must complete an additional 10 hours of Mentor Program beyond the hours required for their initial certification. This stipulation underscores the ICF’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in coaching standards.At Tandem Coaching, we recognize the unique position of ACC coaches, many of whom have already accumulated significant coaching experience. We understand that the prospect of undergoing mentor coaching again, after achieving your credential and amassing hundreds of hours of experience, might seem daunting or even disheartening. However, our approach to mentor coaching goes beyond merely fulfilling a requirement.Having trained and mentor-coached hundreds of students to become ACC coaches, as well as supported countless coaches in maintaining their credentials, we’ve seen firsthand the immense value of ongoing mentor coaching. We’re aware that for seasoned coaches, re-entering a mentor coaching program can feel like a step back. That’s why we not only offer discounted mentor coaching rates for such coaches but also provide consultations on upgrading to a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) level, which could be a natural next step in your coaching career.Moreover, we encourage coaches to view mentor coaching not as a hurdle but as an investment in their professional development. Our experience shows that even the most skilled and experienced coaches can discover new depths to their coaching abilities within these 10 hours of mentor coaching. Coaches often report acquiring new skills and insights that they wish they had known from the beginning of their careers. This feedback highlights the transformative potential of mentor coaching to refine and enhance your coaching practice, regardless of your current level of expertise.Mentor coaching serves as a valuable space for reflection, learning, and professional growth. It’s an opportunity to critically examine your coaching practice, receive constructive feedback from experienced mentors, and identify areas for improvement and innovation. Whether you’re aiming to renew your ACC credential or considering an upgrade to PCC, mentor coaching at Tandem Coaching is designed to support your journey, ensuring you emerge as a stronger, more effective coach.

Why Tandem ICF Mentor Coach Program?

Embarking on a mentor coaching relationship means entering a space of trust, stretch, and growth. It’s designed for individuals eager to enhance their effectiveness as coaches, propel their professional development, amplify their coaching sessions, refine their communication skills, and expand their coaching business. Our program stands out because it is meticulously crafted and delivered by highly skilled coaches who are not only ICF credentialed but also certified as ICF Mentor Coaches, strictly adhering to the guidelines set by the ICF. This adherence ensures that our program meets the gold standard for coaching excellence and accreditation established by the ICF.Participating in our mentor coaching program means you’re committing to a journey of professional growth that aligns with the ICF Core Competencies. Over three months, you’ll receive targeted feedback on your coaching practice from your experienced mentor coach, engage in both group mentor coaching sessions for collaborative learning and individual sessions for personalized guidance, and prepare confidently for the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment. This comprehensive approach, that consists of coaching and feedback, ensures that you’re not just learning, but also applying, reflecting on, and refining your coaching style to meet the rigorous standards required for an ICF credential.Whether your coaching focus is on life coaching, business coaching, executive coaching, or health and wellness coaching, including niche areas like ADHD coaching or positive psychology coaching, your career will benefit immensely from the dedicated hours spent under the guidance of a credentialed coach. Our program emphasizes the importance of mentor coaching as part of your coach certification journey, offering a rich blend of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and ethical considerations in line with the ICF Code of Ethics.For alumni of Tandem Coaching’s training programs or certified coaches seeking to deepen their expertise, our ICF Mentor Coaching program offers an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your coaching practice, achieve mentor coach certification, and join a vibrant community of successful coaches. Our commitment to coaching excellence extends to every aspect of our program, from the structured coaching agreement to the feedback on your coaching provided by our experienced mentor coaches.In choosing Tandem Coaching Academy for your mentor coaching for ICF credentialing, you’re not just gaining a certification; you’re becoming part of a tradition of excellence in the coaching profession, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive as a certified mentor coach.