I became a Master Certified Coach — But I failed first.
In June, I earned my Master Certified Coach (MCC) badge, the highest credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
But the journey wasn’t smooth.
I failed the first time.
So I decided to hire the best mentors Wai K Leong, Dr. Pat Williams, Karl Van Hoey and read from the best coaches Marcia Reynolds, Marion Franklin.
Here are 7 lessons I've learned :
1️⃣ Focus on the WHO, not the WHAT
It’s not about WHAT your clients DO, but WHO they ARE.
Don’t get lost in their stories or technical details.
Focus on:
↳ Beliefs: "What belief is holding you back?"
↳ Values: "What value is being compromised?"
↳ Emotions & patterns that shape their actions.
2️⃣ Observe subtle shifts as a Master Certified Coach
Observe:
↳ hesitations.
↳ contradictions.
↳ sudden change in facial expressions.
3️⃣ Share what you observe, use your intuition
Be a mirror. Reflect what you see, hear, and feel.
Don’t just parrot.
↳ Identify shifts.
↳ Trust your intuition.
↳ Name the emotions.
But don’t offer solutions. Let them find their own answers.
4️⃣ Silence is golden
Silence isn’t awkward.
↳ It does the heavy lifting.
↳ It creates space for your client to share what they’re holding back.
↳ In the quiet, insights emerge.
5️⃣ Acknowledge to build trust
Simple acknowledgment— "I hear that you're facing a challenge and feel overwhelmed"— is incredibly powerful.
↳ It builds trust.
↳ it makes clients feel seen.
↳ it opens the door to deeper exploration.
6️⃣ Ask for their breakthroughs
Don't guess. Ask to share their “aha” moments.
↳ “What have you learned?”
↳ “What do you know now that you didn’t know earlier?”
↳ Let them solidify their insights.
7️⃣ Circle Back at the end of the coaching session
Revisit the goals throughout your session.
Help them connect the dots.
Circle back again.
Becoming a Master Certified Coach is about more than certification.
↳ It’s about feeling the conversation rather than controlling it.
↳ It’s about trusting your intuition in the service of your client’s growth.
Yes, I failed the first time, but that failure was the start of a deeper journey with amazing individuals.
Now, I’m here to share these lessons with others.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to deepen your skills and prepare for ICF-accredited certification, join us for our Coaching Training.
Let’s elevate your practice together.
Geraldine GAUTHIER
Master Certified Coach
Founder of GoMasterCoach
LinkedIn Top Voice
Comments