ICF Core Competency 5: Maintains Presence
- Cindy Hosea
- Feb 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Great coaching is like jazz—fluid, responsive, and deeply attuned to the rhythm of the client. Instead of rigidly following a script, the best coaches stay present, listening for the subtle shifts in tone, energy, and emotion that reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface.
ICF Core Competency 5: Maintains Presence is all about that kind of real-time adaptability. It’s the ability to set aside assumptions, quiet your own mental chatter, and fully engage with the person in front of you.
When a coach is truly present, the client feels it. They feel heard, understood, and safe enough to explore what matters most. Let’s dive into how maintaining presence transforms coaching conversations and brings out the client’s deepest insights. 🎷🎶
