What is the primary purpose of a coaching agreement in the ICF framework?

The primary purpose of a coaching agreement in the ICF framework is to establish clear expectations about the coaching relationship. This agreement serves as a foundational document that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and commitments of both the coach and the client. It ensures that both parties have a mutual understanding of what the coaching process will entail, including the nature of the coaching sessions, confidentiality, and the ethical standards that the coaching relationship will adhere to.

Having a well-defined coaching agreement helps to create a safe and trusting environment, which is essential for effective coaching. It allows clients to articulate their needs and preferences, and it provides coaches with the guidance necessary to support their clients effectively. By clarifying expectations from the start, the coaching agreement facilitates a more productive and focused coaching experience.

While setting goals and documenting progress are valuable aspects of the coaching process, they fall under the broader context of the coaching relationship, which the agreement initially establishes. The methodologies and tools can also be important but are secondary to the fundamental understanding of expectations in the coaching relationship, which the agreement primarily addresses.