ICF Core Competencies and PCC Markers:

4. Cultivates Trust and Safety

Core Competency 4: Cultivates Trust and Safety

Definition: Partners with the client to create a safe, supportive environment that allows the client to share freely. Maintains a relationship of mutual respect and trust.

  1. Seeks to understand the client within their context which may include their identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs.

  2. Demonstrates respect for the client’s identity, perceptions, style and language and adapts one’s coaching to the client.

  3. Acknowledges and respects the client’s unique talents, insights and work in the coaching process.

  4. Shows support, empathy and concern for the client.

  5. Acknowledges and supports the client’s expression of feelings, perceptions, concerns, beliefs and suggestions.

  6. Demonstrates openness and transparency as a way to display vulnerability and build trust with the client.

PCC Markers

  • 4.1: Coach acknowledges and respects the client’s unique talents, insights and work in the coaching process.

  • 4.2: Coach shows support, empathy or concern for the client.

  • 4.3: Coach acknowledges and supports the client’s expression of feelings, perceptions, concerns, beliefs or suggestions.

  • 4.4: Coach partners with the client by inviting the client to respond in any way to the coach’s contributions and accepts the client’s response.

Source: International Coaching Federation (ICF)

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