As a leader, you want to be the best that you can be. You recognize the importance of continuous development and always look for ways to improve your skills in managing your team.
Coaching is considered one of the most important skills leaders should have to improve their team’s development and growth.
It is important to note that to be classified as a coach with the right toolkit, it is critical to be certified by a credible organization.
In a growing industry such as coaching, showing your accreditations allows you to stand out from the crowd. Think of certification as a stamp of approval for the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective coach.
So, why does getting a coaching certification matter?
1. It Distinguishes Yourself From the Rest
A significant issue in the coaching industry is the number of non-certified individuals calling themselves coaches. By being certified, you will stand out from all the self-proclaimed coaches in the market.
Certification gives you that extra edge over the competition. It shows that you have met all the appropriate standards to be a coach, and are knowledgeable about the current coaching methodologies.
2. Certification Gives You More Credibility
Potential clients will always ask about their coach’s credentials before selecting them. They will most likely choose coaches that have the best and proven certification.
Certification makes a coach more competitive in the market by showcasing the different methodologies available in this field.
Certification also ensures that your claims as a leadership coach are supported. Coaching certification benefits coaches because it provides clients the certainty that their coaches are competent in their abilities and abide by the industry’s code of ethics.
3. It Reflects Your Commitment
Getting a leadership coaching certification shows that you not only commit to the profession but also yourself. It shows that you have done what is needed to be the best you can be. The certification reflects that you have logged in the hours of rigorous training to achieve the accreditation.
To be certified, coaches have to undertake courses that give a detailed understanding of the philosophy and techniques of coaching. They then must apply the techniques they learn in the field to gain experience and receive feedback from their mentors to guide them to success. Finally, some programs require aspiring coaches to construct training programs themselves.
4. Enhances Your Leadership
A leadership certification acts as an enhancement for the professional experience and educational background you already have.
You may be a leader with over ten years of management under your belt. However, having a professional certification allows you the tools to deal with situations you may not have dealt with in your professional career.
Whether it is the ability to communicate and implement strategies effectively, or conflict management, these skills will be a part of your leadership toolbox.
5. You Gain Access to a Bigger Network
You gain access to a more extensive community by being part of a select group of similarly accredited coaches. You will be able to forge a broader connection that can further your career.
A certification in coaching also allows you to tap into a wealth of resources to develop your skills as an entrepreneur, such as webinars, conferences, and other fellow coaches.
Drawbacks of Coaching Without Certification
You might be wondering, what if I coach without certification? Is it even possible? The answer is yes, but it has some drawbacks.
1. Lacking Professional Credibility
The lack of credibility is the first and most important drawback of not getting certified. Yes, you can gain credibility from other factors such as career experience and knowledge.
However, a certification is a sign of reassurance to clients. Clients would not trust a coach who is not yet certified, especially those who lack experience.
Your clients want one thing: results to reach their goals. Certification is that guarantee you give to clients.
2. It Will Be Difficult to Get Clients
There are many non-certified coaches out there that can operate in the market. However, they will find it more challenging to get clients now than ever.
While the industry is not highly regulated, prospective clients constantly look for the ‘best’ coach. One way to stand out is through an internationally respected accreditation.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) has been urging clients to look for coaches who possess certification. This ensures that clients receive the appropriate standards, ethics, and coaching methods.
3. Lack of Structure
Any coaching requires structure. Without structure, you may be causing more harm than good for your clients. A leadership coaching program provides a curriculum to follow, ensuring you can cover all the essential topics the client needs.
Programs like Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching® ensure that their coaches continuously produce proof of their impact through after-action reviews. The results are then used as data to measure their development over time.
4. Lack of Support from the Coaching Community
Another drawback of not having coaching certification is not having the support of the global coaching community.
When you are certified, you are part of a group of people who shares advice and resources that can help you with your personal development. Without this support, you will find yourself isolated in your coaching career.
These resources are not only access to attending conferences and webinars. Certified coaches can access publications that can help them stay updated on new developments in the coaching industry.
Aside from that, you would not be able to receive marketing toolkits such as email templates and sales presentations that can boost your personal brand as a leadership coach.
Related read: Mentoring, Counseling, and Coaching: What are The Differences?
Get Yourself Certified with MGSCC®
The coaching industry is booming, and there is an increasing demand for certified coaches. To better position yourself as one of the most sought-after professionals in the market, it is time for you to consider getting yourself certified.
So, set yourself apart from the competition with Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching®.
Our proven methodology is thoroughly tested in the field with over 500 CEOs and HR executives from Fortune 100 companies. We have adopted a 70/20/10 framework into our program as we believe that learning is more impactful as it becomes closer to the point of usage.
Upon completing the program, you will receive a certificate stating your participation in Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching®.
Aside from that, here is what you will reap from being a part of our community:
- Mentorship program with world-renowned Master Coaches
- 36 ICF Credits for your accreditation journey
- Free content and marketing materials from our coaches that you can use for your marketing purposes
- Your profile on our MGSCC® website
- Gain access to exclusive keynote events
- And much more!
Take your first step today. Learn more about our program by downloading our brochure here. If you have more questions to ask, feel free to speak to a program advisor here.
