Which best describes the coaching approach?

The ICF Definition of Coaching emphasizes a "partnership" where clients are the experts in their lives, and coaches facilitate rather than direct (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1). Competency 3 ("Establishes and Maintains Agreements") and Competency 8 highlight client autonomy in shaping the process. Let’s review:

A. Coaches choose the direction of the session in advance based on what worked with previous clients: This is coach-driven, contradicting ICF’s client-led approach.

B. Coaches strive to stay ahead of the conversation by thinking and analyzing different options: This focuses on the coach’s agenda, not the client’s (Competency 2).

C. Coaches let clients both drive the coaching and make choices about the tools used during it: This reflects ICF’s emphasis on client autonomy and partnership (Competency 5, Competency 7).

D. Coaches measure their performance by how well the client meets a set of objectives: This shifts focus to coach outcomes, not client-driven growth (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1).

Option C best describes the coaching approach, per ICF standards.