What is Coaching?
Supporting better relationship in systems of any size
About the coaching profession
Coaching is a professional industry supporting relationship. It has specific guidelines, standards and accreditations, and can be used both in personal and business contexts.
Unlike therapists or consultants, coaches do not diagnose or advise. Knowing that individuals, teams and systems can unlock their own insights and solutions, coaches use powerful questions to illuminate a situation. As clients learn to pay attention to their inner wisdom, they are better equipped to explore possibilities and design their own paths forward.
How long has coaching been around?
Coaching first emerged in the 1990s as a distinct profession, shaped by several key schools of thought. The Co-Active model, developed by the Coaches Training Institute (CTI), introduced a framework that emphasized the whole person. It balances “being” and “doing,” and emphasizes that the client is the expert in their own life. The coach’s role is to hold space for whatever is happening, and ask powerful questions that will evoke transformation. Co-Active Coaching remains one of the most widely recognized and practiced models globally.
CRR Global, the creators of the Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC™) model, originated team and systems coaching as it is now professionally defined. Our approach shifts the focus from individuals to the relationships between individuals. This model emphasizes the Third Entity™ – the unique personality of any relationship system. Relationship systems coaches use tools and skills to move beyond personal perspectives and work with the group as a whole. This is critical to coaching in organizational and team contexts.
Do I need formal training to be a professional coach?
To be recognized as professionals and meet industry standards, coaches train, practice and must qualify for their credentials through an accrediting body.
Two of the most prominent global accrediting bodies are the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). These organizations define professional standards, ethics and credentialing pathways for coaches. ICF credentials (such as ACC, PCC, and MCC) are awarded based on training hours, client experience and demonstrated coaching competencies. EMCC offers a similar tiered system and places a strong emphasis on reflective practice and continuous development. Both uphold ethical guidelines that ensure client confidentiality, professional boundaries and ongoing self-regulation.
Ethics are central to a professional coaching practice. Both the ICF and the EMCC have a Code of Ethics which guide coaches in maintaining trust, managing power dynamics and navigating complex relationships. Coaches must contract clearly with clients, maintain confidentiality, refer clients to a therapist when coaching is not appropriate and commit to ongoing supervision and professional growth. They are also expected to engage in supervision and reflective practice
Learn more about our ICF credentialing path.
What is the difference between therapy, consulting and coaching?
Therapy typically addresses mental health issues, often exploring past experiences to support healing. Consultants provide expert advice or solutions, with the consultant serving as the authority. By contrast, coaching is future-focused and generative. It helps clients identify their own goals, values, and strategies, without diagnosis or direction. This distinction is crucial for client safety and effective practice.
What are the benefits of coaching?
The powerful support of coaching helps in navigating complexity, creating meaning and supporting change. It is a structured yet flexible space for reflection, growth and accountability. Coaching increases self-awareness, builds confidence, improves decision-making and helps to navigate transitions.
Systems coaching helps teams to gain clarity in communication and align around shared purpose. It provides tools to manage conflict productively. In organizations, it can foster leadership, support change, and enhance culture.
