Which adjectives best reflect the competency Embodies a Coaching Mindset?

ICF Competency 2 ("Embodies a Coaching Mindset") describes a coach who is "open to not knowing, curious about the client’s perspective, and flexible in adapting to the client’s needs." This mindset prioritizes a non-judgmental, exploratory stance over rigidity or task focus. Let’s evaluate:

A. Focused, task-oriented, and professional: While professionalism matters, "task-oriented" suggests a directive approach, misaligned with the client-centered curiosity of Competency 2.

B. Decisive, agreeable, and observant: "Decisive" implies control, and "agreeable" may suggest pleasing rather than challenging, both inconsistent with the exploratory nature of a coaching mindset.

C. Careful, prepared, and purposeful: These are positive traits, but "careful" and "prepared" imply caution and structure over the openness and adaptability central to Competency 2.

D. Open, curious, and flexible: These directly reflect Competency 2’s emphasis on being receptive, inquisitive, and adaptable, fostering a mindset that supports client growth (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1).

Option D best captures "Embodies a Coaching Mindset," per ICF’s competency definition.