One of the defining characteristics of an executive coach is their association with respected and well-regarded coaching organizations.

Why? In plain terms, these organizations educate and disseminate a clear definition and philosophy of coaching to each of their members and more importantly, establish and imbue a set of ethical standards that their members pledge to uphold.

The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the largest worldwide resource for business and personal coaches, and the source for those who are seeking a coach. The ICF is a nonprofit, individual membership organization formed by professionals worldwide who practice business and personal coaching.

The ICF exists to Build, Support and Preserve the integrity of the coaching profession through programs and standards supported by the individual membership.

Formed in 2001 as an on-line community for coaches, Coachville has become the largest in the world with over 60,000 members representing nearly every country. In addition the CoachVille Schools of Coaching formed in 2002, it has over 3,500 students making it one of the largest coach training programs in the span of only three years.

In 2004 CV began expanding its program offerings beyond coach training to include personal and business development programs. The members of the community began to expand as well from "just coaches" to include eager learners from all walks of life to create an eco-system for "coach-based learning".

IAC's mission as an organization is to further the interests of coaching clients worldwide. As members, their coaches have access to the latest information on coaching trends and access to client research, so you can be assured that you receive the highest quality coaching, based on your needs.

Additionally, ICF's 15 Proficiencies are designed to improve each coach's quality of work, whether they have coached for 20 years or one.

IAC encourages their coaches to continually improve their training and they require certified coaches to renew their certification every year. Finally, IAC involves coaching clients in their policy decisions and projects to ensure they never lose focus of your needs.

Try a free consultation (and don't worry, it's not a sales pitch).

If you've gotten this far, you're probably a likely candidate for coaching. I'm so sure coaching can work for you that I'm offering a free phone consultation to talk about your goals and your potential.

And it really is a free consultation -- not a sales pitch. You can ask as many questions as you like during the free half hour and I will give you every idea and resource I can think of.

Why would I do this?

Because the only way to really know how coaching works is to experience it yourself.

And at the end, if you want to know how coaching can be tailored to fit your specific needs, I'll tell you that too.

But even if you just want the free advice and have no intention of ever signing up, that's fine too, because you may tell someone about it, and that is of tremendous value to me.

So if you like what you see here, email me at richgee(at)richgee.com, and we'll schedule your consultation.

Or if you prefer to pick up the phone, call me now at 203.500.2421.

Regards - Rich