Susan Britton explains that ICF coaching observations require two parts: what you notice plus an invitation for the client to respond. Saying "You look tense" doesn't count. Instead, describe what changed and ask "What are you noticing?" to meet PCC standards.
Susan here with a coaching tip, and I've been talking about observations, and I've got another thought that's really important as it relates to observations. An observation truly doesn't count as an observation in the eyes of the ICF PCC markers unless, unless you have also offered an invitation to the client to comment on what you observed. So if you say, kind of like pouncing on someone and say, "Oh, you look tense," and then just move straight on, then that is not an observation. Instead, it would have to be something like, gosh, every time you bring up that person's name, something changes in the way your demeanor, your voice. I'm just curious, what are you noticing? So there's that invitation. And without the invitation, you technically haven't made an observation. So two parts: observation plus invitation.
Susan’s ICF Educator Award | The Heart Behind the Impact Katy Montgomery, PCC
