19 November 2025
It is widely recognized that learning sits at the heart of coaching, yet many of us have never looked closely at the learning theories that quietly shape how we work. These theories underpin our coaching philosophy, which, in turn, guides our practice.
For the first time, coaches are being called not only to consider their coaching philosophy, but to clearly articulate it. The recently released ICF 2025 Core Competencies place this front and center, and the ability to “describe one’s coaching philosophy” (3.01) is now a coaching competency. It is, therefore, an especially relevant time to reflect on not just what we do in coaching, but on what kind of learning we are assuming when we do it.
The topic of this issue of Coaching Research in Practice is close to my heart. It reviews a paper that cites my own research into the process of learning in coaching and highlights four dominant learning theories underpinning coaching, revealing how each one can lead you to coach the very same client challenge in very different ways. As you read, you may begin to recognize signs that reveal your implicit coaching philosophy, as well as that of others you have experienced, and you will have the opportunity to make a more conscious choice about the philosophy that informs your practice.
Read full article here: https://reciprocoach.com/en/coaching-research/196
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