Maintains Presence - Co-Creating the Relationship

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Core Competencies outline skills and approaches used by professional coaches. These principles are explicitly stated in the context of coaching and can be used with colleagues, patients, and ourselves in the hospital and beyond. In this blog series, we look at how the ICF Core Competencies apply to physicians in the areas of personal growth, peer support, and patient care. 

The fourth Core Competency domain we will address in this blog series is critically important on the path to success: Maintains Presence

This Core Competency is defined by six skills or approaches.

1. Remains Focused, Observant, Empathetic, and Responsive

Maintaining presence means giving the client your undivided attention and truly understanding their words, body language, and emotions. Each of these elements builds a stronger coaching relationship:

• Focus – Make the client your top priority. Full attention is a powerful gift that can be transformative.
• Observant – Listen closely to what is said and what remains unsaid. Pay attention to subtle cues.
• Empathetic – While it’s important to understand and acknowledge the client’s emotions, coaches should avoid absorbing their emotional burden.
• Responsive – Let the client guide the conversation. Avoid imposing preconceived ideas about what they need. Adapt to the client’s flow to create a more authentic and productive session.

2. Demonstrates Curiosity

A great coach approaches each session with genuine curiosity, free of judgment. By showing a deep interest in the client’s words and thoughts, you inspire them to reflect more deeply on their own situation. Curiosity helps unlock insights that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

3. Manages One’s Emotions to Stay Present

Coaches often deal with difficult or sensitive topics. Staying grounded and managing your own emotions allows you to serve your client more effectively. Avoid getting swept up in the client’s emotions, as this can cloud your judgment and reduce your ability to help them navigate their challenges.

4. Demonstrates Confidence in Handling Strong Emotions

When clients express strong emotions, it’s essential for coaches to remain calm and composed. Confidence in these moments builds trust and reassures the client that they can safely explore difficult topics.

5. Embraces the Space of Not Knowing

Great coaches don’t assume they have all the answers. Instead, they create space for the client to discover their own solutions. Even when the client doesn’t have immediate clarity, allowing for uncertainty can foster deeper exploration and growth.

6. Creates Space for Silence and Reflection

Some of the most profound breakthroughs happen in moments of silence. A skilled coach knows when to step back and give the client time to process and reflect. Silence allows clients to access deeper levels of thinking, often revealing insights they couldn’t reach on their own.

In summary, maintaining presence is about being fully attuned to the client—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It requires mindfulness, curiosity, and confidence. These skills not only strengthen the coaching relationship but also empower the client to achieve their best results.