We’ve been doing some research into MCC level coaching and would like to report some interesting findings.
The research comes from listening to recorded coaching sessions done by MCC credentialed coaches. Since the recorded information is privileged, we are not at liberty to disclose the source or the names of the life coaches and their clients.
Further, the findings are not data, but impressions that came as a result of listening to the actual coaching. Understanding MCC level coaching is not so much about data, but style. It’s a style of coaching that the International Coach Federation has turned into it’s highest credential.
What is an MCC Credentialed Life Coach?
Similar to Board Certified Coach, the International Coach Federation has credentialing levels for life coaches who qualify. The ICF levels are Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC). MCC is the highest and most prestigious ICF designation for life coaches.
The equivalent in mental health could be Bachelor’s Degree (ACC), Master’s Degree (PCC) and Doctoral Degree (MCC).
Slice it any way you like. ACC, PCC, and MCC are International Coach Federation’s credentials. In an exploding industry, these creds are becoming more and more important.
Impressions from Listening to MCC Coach Recordings
1. The coach is infinitely patient.
Even though time is limited and there is much to accomplish in a relatively short coaching session, the MCC coach is not in a rush. In one case, several minutes of casual exploring took place before the coach asked the coaching agreement question. He wasn’t in a rush. This MCC coach was more interested in connecting with this client that moving along any agenda, even a coaching agenda!
2. It’s Ok to be who you are.
Similar to mental health counseling, life coaching is a safe place to be yourself. You can think, feel, and say what you want without fear of judgment. A vote in favor of life coaching would note that coaches don’t offer up stigmatizing diagnoses to their clients.
Think about it. You can be however you want to be and your coach will support you. The only criteria that would limit your coach’s support would be your own best interest. If how you want to be is self-sabotaging, your coach won’t join you on that quest.
3. Simple, powerful questions
An MCC coach asks powerful questions. He or she just floats them out there and observes your reply. No leading questions. No preconceived notions. The coach isn’t working you toward some predefined outcome.
It’s these questions that might turn your world right side up.
