Which is important for coaches to do when working with clients?

The ICF Definition of Coaching centers on "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential," making client success the coach’s primary focus. ICF Competency 8 ("Facilitates Client Growth") underscores supporting clients in achieving their goals. Let’s review:

A. Analyze client emotions: While understanding emotions aids coaching (Competency 6), analyzing them risks crossing into therapy (ICF Coaching Boundaries), and it’s not the core focus.

B. Manage client behaviors: Coaches facilitate, not manage, client actions (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 1), preserving autonomy rather than controlling behavior.

C. Support client success: This encapsulates ICF’s mission and competencies (e.g., Competency 5: "Cultivates Trust and Safety," Competency 8), focusing on empowering clients to succeed.

D. Understand client mental health: This exceeds coaching’s scope, which avoids diagnosing or treating mental health (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 2.5), requiring referral instead.

Option C is most important, reflecting ICF’s foundational commitment to client success.