With 2022’s goals in mind, many coaches are looking for ways to impact their local communities. The ICF Foundation’s work in Coaching for Social Impact has encompassed our mission to amplify and accelerate systemic change in the world. Through coaching, we can help social impact organizations improve their effectiveness. The Ignite Initiative, ICF Foundation’s flagship program is created to support ICF Chapters, Members and Credential-holders in that work. To date, the initiative has included more than 100 projects conducted by 50 ICF Chapters and Members.
“The social impact of the Ignite Initiative is one of the most powerful catalysts for the work of ICF Foundation. Ignite takes coaching into new territory and enhances the awareness of coaching’s growing impact beyond individuals and into more complex social spaces where leaders operate.”- Past Trustees Dumi Magadlela, Ph. D. and Maria Elena Retter, ACC
Ignite partners with leaders in organizations who are working to make the world a better place. The Ignite participants share frequently the impact being made in their organizations and their personal lives. As we continue to collect the data on this initiative, we also learn directly from the participants the difference being made in areas like teamwork, communication and leadership skills. One of our participants in Peru shared: “I [am thankful] for this coaching initiative. My coach helped me realize that the answers or solutions are not on others, the answers are on us. When we realize that logic thought, we can work better inside the team, understand the community better, and solve the problems in a better way. Coaching helps me to think in different ways, ask myself different questions, important tools to grow and to upskill myself.”
It is encouraging to hear stories of coaching’s impact. Many participants are those who otherwise may not have been exposed to coaching – 79% of participants had never been coached before. Coaching enhances not only their professional skills, but also their personal transformation, opening their eyes and helping them be more collaborative.
“During my focus on improvement of work-personal life balance I realized the importance of maintaining of my energy levels. So, I needed to save time to create the space for my well-being. It helped me prioritize the tasks.” – Ignite Testimonial
The data collected around Ignite found that coaching clients reported a high level of motivation and interest in participating in coaching. They also reported that the ripple effect from coaching led to improved efficiency and engagement. More than half of those surveyed believed they made a “significant change” in teamwork. An ICF Sacramento Ignite participant said: “My Coach supported me in gaining confidence in how I viewed my role at work. I was more supportive of my staff; in turn, the team supported our constituents more fully. The coaching experience broadened my perspective on work-life balance.”
The Ignite Initiative is creating a ripple effect of positive impact. 76% of participants said the ripple effect of their gains from coaching impacted operational efficiency, and 70% said it affected employee engagement for their organization. These improvements in operational efficiency, teamwork and engagement lead to organizations that are serving their missions more fully, transforming humanity and the planet. 89% of participants affirm that coaching contributed to their success.
“My Coach supported me in gaining confidence in how I viewed my role at work. I was more supportive of my staff; in turn, the team supported our constituents more fully. The coaching experience broadened my perspective on work-life balance.” – ICF Sacramento Ignite Participant
As the world manages a pandemic, climate change and works to make strides in equity and inclusion, there is no better time to coach for social impact.
The ICF Foundation Council of Ambassadors can support you in starting an initiative in your community. Join the ICF Foundation for our quarterly call to learn more about how you can share coaching to make a difference. Sign up to attend on March 31, 2022. And remember: the world needs you and your gifts!
