CONTENT SAMPLE

Scenario Based Questions (PCC and MCC Prep Courses): 

1.6 - Maintains the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professionals.  

 A client comes to a consult wanting coaching on a new business venture that they are considering. The potential client asks the coach for support on how to structure their business to get the best return. The client is clear that they do not want any mindset coaching, they simply want to know how to achieve their goals with clear direction. What should the coach do? What is the BEST and WORST action? 

1. The coach tells the client they are happy to work with them on how to achieve what they want. The coach offers to analyze the business plan and give feedback at the first session. 

 2. The coach wishes the client luck on their future business and tells them they can’t help them. 

 3. The coach explains to the client that their role is not to tell the client what to do, but rather help the client decide what is best for themselves. The coach tells the client they can support them with coaching in this way, but if they are looking for someone to direct their structuring, they can help connect them with a consultant for a better fit. 

 4. The coach signs the client and works on mindset with the client disregarding the client’s comments believing this is what is best for the client’s success. 

Answer Key 

Answer 1
The coach tells the client they are happy to work with them on how to achieve what they want. The coach offers to analyze the business plan and give feedback at the first session. 

This approach steps into the role of consulting, not coaching therefore, blurring the lines for the client 

Answer 2
The coach wishes the client luck on their future business and tells them they can’t help them. 

It is within the coach’s scope to decide this isn’t a client they want to serve, however, leaving the potential client without explanation may feel judgmental and leave the client unsupported. 

Answer 3 (Best Answer) 

The coach explains to the client that their role is not to tell clients what to do, but rather help the client decide what they think is best. The coach tells the client that they can support them with coaching in this way, but if they are wanting something different, consulting may be a better fit. 

This approach makes a distinction between consulting and coaching and offers clarity to the client to make the best decision for themselves in who to work with. 

Answer 4 (Worst Answer) 

The coach signs the client and works on mindset with the client disregarding the client’s comments believing this is what is best for the client’s success. Although this may be supportive and possibly even true, this is not the stated goal or desire of the client. This may leave the client feeling frustrated and deceived by the coach. 

Identifying a Competency (ACC, PCC, MCC Prep Courses): 

What competency is the most important for the coach to demonstrate in this scenario? Keep in mind, more than one competency may be useful, but choose which is more necessary for the coach to do or show towards the client to best serve the clients needs. 

1. A coach engages with a client who divulges a new idea they have to start a business. The idea is something the coach is sure could make a lot of money and be a huge success. The client asks for coaching on deciding whether to move forward or not. 

A. 1.1 - Demonstrates personal integrity and honesty in interactions with clients, sponsors and relevant stakeholders 

 B. 2.6 - Develops and maintains the ability to regulate one’s emotions 

 C. 3.1 - Explains what coaching is and is not and describes the process to the client and relevant stakeholders 

 D. 8.3 - Acknowledges and supports client autonomy in the design of goals, actions and methods of accountability 

 Answer A. 1.1 - Demonstrates personal integrity and honesty in interactions with clients, sponsors and relevant stakeholders 

Core Values and Ethical Standards (ACC, PCC, MCC Prep Courses): 

What are the ICF Core Values? 

 A. Professionalism, Respect, Responsibility, Equity 

 B. Respect, Equity, Honesty, Collaboration 

 C. Professionalism, Humanity, Equity, Collaboration 

 D. Humanity, Collaboration, Respect, Professionalism 

 Answer C. Professionalism, Humanity, Equity, Collaboration

Definitions for Understanding and Application (ACC, PCC, MCC Prep Courses): The following is a list of definitions that every student should be prepared to apply in multiple-choice questions. Use this section to familiarize yourself with the definitions for the application. 

 1. Client - the individual or team/group being coached, the coach being mentored or supervised, or the coach or the student coach being trained. 

 2. Coaching- partnering with Clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires the client to maximize their personal and professional potential. 

 3. Coaching Relationship - a relationship established by the ICF Professional and the Client(s)/Sponsor(s) under an agreement or a contract that defines the responsibilities and expectations of each party.