From the Archives: January 2009 by Barbra Sundquist OK, so you’re keen to get your IAC certification in 2009, but you perceive some barriers to getting those two passing tapes. Here are some suggestions to help you out. Barrier #1: I don’t have any paying clients to tape coaching sessions with. Solution: The tapes that you record for IAC certification don’t have to be with paying clients. You can coach anyone and submit those tapes. Many coaches record sessions with their buddy coach or triad partners. In fact, coaches make very good subjects for certification tapes because they tend to be very “coachable” (i.e. open, articulate and eager to take action). Don’t know any coaches you could ask? Try attending a local coaches networking meeting, joining an online networking site such as Mastery Coach Exchange, or posting an invitation on a coach discussion board such as Coactive Network, NewCoachConnection or CoachTalk. If you are enrolled in a training program, ask your instructors for suggestions. And don’t overlook your fellow students: they will likely be just as keen as you to link up with a practice partner. Another option is to ask family, friends and colleagues if they would be interested in being coached, or if they would like to refer someone. You can say something like, “I’m working towards my coach certification. Normally I charge $X for a 30-minute coaching session, but I’d be willing to coach you for free (or a reduced rate) in exchange for letting me record the call.” And don’t be shy about asking – remember, you are giving them the gift of coaching! Barrier #2: I don’t have a way to make recordings. Solution: For years I have been recommending Audio Acrobat for making mp3 recordings. AudioAcrobat is great (it’s the service I use) but it costs $20 a month. Here’s a free alternative: Calliflower is a new service that gives you a free bridge line and mp3 recording of your call. Barrier #3: I did my coach training using the 15 Proficiencies, and now the IAC is using the IAC Coaching Masteries™. Do I have to relearn everything? Solution: No, you don’t have to relearn everything. You can relax. Think of the IAC Coaching Masteries™ as being a big umbrella, under which most coaching models fit comfortably. The skills you learned with the 15 Proficiencies (or other coaching models) will serve you well in the IAC certification process. Not convinced? Consider for a moment the Mastery titles – such as Clarifying; Engaged Listening; Inviting Possibility. Doesn’t that sound like what most coaching schools teach? They may call the skills by different names, but the ideas remain the same. So my question for you: will 2009 be your year for adding IAC-CC after your name? I sure hope so!
Barbra Sundquist, IAC-CC is a Certified Mentor Coach and former IAC certifying examiner. Barbra is re-opening her popular IAC certification membership program in January 2009. |
