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by Bob Tschannen-Moran, MDiv, IAC-CC, CWC
president@certifiedcoach.org
New Year’s Resolutions
Cynics like to point out that less than half of all New Year’s Resolutions result in sustained, long-term behavioral changes. That "glass half empty" framework discounts the fact that more than 40% of all New Year’s Resolutions do result in sustained, long-term behavioral changes. In other words, setting intentions—an essential part of coaching—makes a huge difference for significant numbers of people (and the success rate goes up when intentions are coupled with designs). Since I prefer this "glass half full" orientation when it comes to intentions and possibilities, I would share with you a few of my own as the incoming President of the IAC.
Significant and Rapid Membership Growth. The IAC has now been in existence for almost seven years. In that time we have attracted a significant number of subscribers—more than 13,000—to our monthly newsletter, the IAC VOICE. We have not, however, turned many of those subscribers into annual, dues-paying members. Our current membership numbers are so small—around 550—that it limits the impact and threatens the viability of our organization. My intention is to at least double the paid membership of the IAC by the end of 2010, and double it yet again by the end of 2011. 2,012 by 2012 is my new mantra! With more than 2,000 paid members, the IAC brand and capacity will have reached the critical mass it needs to substantially influence the future of coaching and the infusion of coaching values in our world today.
Enhanced Certification and Licensing Programs. To dramatically increase our membership, I see the IAC striving to enhance its certification and licensing programs. There is much that we can do to strengthen the integrity, visibility and diversity of our brands. To that end, our long-range strategy process is focusing on creating entry-level designations (not certifications) for those coming into the profession as well as making our certification and licensing programs even more vital and accountable. Our commitment "to inspire the on-going evolution and application of universal coaching standards" requires the rigorous and continuous application of those standards to all who use the IAC Coaching Masteries® in their coaching, training and mentoring.
Dramatically Improved Web Presence. We already offer an impressive and growing array of member benefits. During 2010, the IAC plans on investing a significant amount of time, money and energy in a vastly improved website that will increase the value of IAC membership and attract new members. With the help of our new media design company, Ripe Media, we expect to completely redesign our website, optimizing its usability and visibility. One result will be that IAC-certified coaches and our other members will rise to the top of search engine inquiries. We also expect to include new vehicles for online collaboration, conversation and connection.
Greater Collaboration and Diversification. The IAC's recent presence and activities at the 14th annual ICF Conference in Orlando, Florida reflect our intention to cooperate more actively and passionately with the ICF. This followed an earlier agreement that the IAC and ICF would jointly issue a set of model standards of conduct for professional coaches. We may each have distinctive understandings of and approaches to coach certification, but we agree on the basics when it comes to our legal, ethical and professional standards. Such agreement foreshadows future collaborations, not only with the ICF and other coaching associations, but also with different associations and organizations that share our values and commitments as professional coaches. I envision the IAC growing into a large, umbrella organization where coaches can share our work and way in the world.
Increased Social Responsibility. It has been striking to me how often our conversations regarding the future of coaching have come back to the question of coaching’s impact on the future of our world. What difference does coaching make? How can that difference be measured? Are some techniques more effective than others? The IAC aligns itself with the following "coaching values": innovation and change, diversity, mastery, openness and transparency, abundance thinking, integrity and high ethical standards. How can we best promote those values in our world today? How can we best encourage coaches and wannabe coaches to live into those values, regardless of their financial capacity or stage of development? The IAC is wrestling with those questions and is uniquely situated to find answers that will help our profession to soar.
With the start of 2010, the IAC Board of Governors has doubled in size, with wonderful new energy and leadership for the work at hand. We will be featuring our new Board members in future issues of the IAC VOICE and on the IAC website. Expect to be touched by their work and recruited by their leadership. When everyone pitches in, the work of the IAC will rise to new heights in 2010 and beyond. We look forward to welcoming and working with you on the journey.
This month we are pleased to introduce the newest IAC Member Benefit with an article from Marc Manieri, President of JournalEngineTM Software.
May you be filled with goodness, peace and joy,
Bob Tschannen-Moran, MDiv, IAC-CC, CWC
President, IAC®
Email: president@certifiedcoach.org
Web: www.LifeTrekCoaching.com
