by Bob Tschannen-Moran, IAC-CC
president@certifiedcoach.org
The IAC: Growing Pleasures
It has taken me longer than usual to write my monthly President’s message, in part because of everything that is happening in the IAC. You may remember from last month’s column, 6 Powerful Words, that the IAC Board of Governors (BOG) was ready to approve a new slogan for our organization and website makeover: Expanding the Path to Coaching Mastery. That slogan was, in fact, approved at our June BOG meeting.
This approval came on the heels of a strategic planning process that has set many, many things in motion. I encourage you to read the Strategic Plan from the IAC website in its entirety. In its wake, there have been more meetings, initiatives, ideas, opportunities, inquiries and emerging leaders than ever before. It has been thrilling and humbling to stand at the epicenter of all this energy and emotion. As a crew of volunteers, there have been times when we have dropped balls and missed deadlines. But it is all working out just the same, often in marvelous ways that could not have been imagined even a few months ago.
In light of the whirlwind, I first thought about titling this month’s column, “growing pains.” But that would not fairly characterize the experience. The things that are going on, even the things that are confusing or redundant or delayed, are not pains at all. They are not frustrations, annoyances or embarrassments. They are rather the delights that come with growth. What we are going through are “growing pleasures,” as different people take on different roles and come into their own in a growing organization.
Example: With our focus on personalized learning agreements as an integral part of coach certification (have you seen the story at The Coaching Commons, IAC Unveils “Revolutionary” Path to Coaching’s Future?), many conversations have been going on simultaneously regarding what those agreements will look like and how they will be handled. At times it seemed we were running into each other, but that was only because we were so enthusiastic about calling forth an idea whose time has come. I, for one, appreciate and even love that enthusiasm. Now back in the capable hands of former IAC President and current Certification Board Liaison, Natalie Tucker Miller, with lots of input from BOG members, I am confident that this conversation will soon lead to a vibrant, web-enabled process that all of us will enjoy and benefit from.
Judging from the feedback on The Coaching Commons article, this work could not be timelier. It strikes a chord. To excerpt a few notable remarks from four different continents:
- Thank you IAC for literally “expanding the path to coaching mastery” and moreover for making and keeping us part of the process. (Africa)
- It’s wonderful to see coaches, who work so brilliantly to bring out the best in their clients, finally turning that powerful positive energy on coaches themselves. Talk about walking the talk! (North America)
- I’m absolutely thrilled with this new direction. Congratulations to everyone at the IAC for this beautiful, refreshing and open approach! (Australia)
- I applaud the IAC for its creative approach in strategy, i.e., going back to the basics of focusing on what the IAC can offer in terms of functional and emotional competitive edge; and who the IAC is in terms of intangibles and tangibles. (Asia)
I’m confident we can live into that high praise.
Another example of a growing pleasure: Since Choice Magazine published my article on Coach Certification: A Way Forward in the March 2010 issue, the IAC has been attracting increasing numbers of new members with an interest in our approach. Why? Because members don’t have to jump through any hoops to apply for certification. We do not require any particular path of development or portfolio of business. We simply require that members demonstrate an awareness, knowledge and practical application of the proficiencies and standards of coaching mastery. Soon, with the personalized learning agreements, we will also require a clear annual statement of intention with regard to how such mastery is to be obtained and sustained. This raises the bar considerably when it comes to living the IAC Coaching Masteries®.
We seem to be attracting more Licensees for many of the same reasons. The IAC does not seek to regulate, accredit or police the coach training industry. Rather, we seek to certify the fruits of that industry—coaching mastery. That means Licensees can prepare members for certification in whatever ways they deem best.
Given such an orientation, I was not surprised when my article started to attract attention in the wider coaching community. Association of Coach Training Organizations (ACTO) members have reached out to talk about what this might mean to them. Other coach training organizations have reached out to talk about how they might interface with our work and become Licensees. The upshot could well be thousands of new members for the IAC. People are appreciating the combination of freedom, integrity and accountability that comes with our international standards and creative processes. The Law of Attraction is clearly at work.
If you haven’t looked at the IAC lately, it may be time to come back around. Visit our website. Join or renew your membership. Volunteer in one of 20 areas of service. Take on a leadership role in response to our Strategic Plan. Email me, President@CertifiedCoach.org, with questions and suggestions. Once you do that, there’s no telling where this will go. One thing, however, is certain: you, too, will become part of our “Growing Pleasures.” We hope to hear from you soon.
May you be filled with goodness, peace and joy,
Bob
Bob Tschannen-Moran, IAC-CC, is President of LifeTrek Coaching International. Together with this wife, Megan, Bob has written a new book titled Evocative Coaching (Jossey-Bass, July 2010), which incorporates the IAC Coaching Masteries® in a coaching model designed for leaders and coaches in K-12 schools. www.EvocativeCoaching.com
