| From the Editor
I hope you enjoyed the month that has passed since our last issue. As always, life seems to be going by quickly! A recent opportunity to visit Block Island, Rhode Island allowed me to slow down for 24 hours. In just a day, I felt like I was able “re-set” and truly appreciate moments like making dinner with vegetables from the garden and walking to the bluffs at sunrise. Isn’t it nice when we have opportunities to appreciate the simple things? Have you allowed yourself a retreat recently – literal or metaphorical? This month we’ve got quite the assortment of articles and announcements to share with you. Please enjoy all of the advice, updates, and insight that our incredible contributors have to share! Is there something you’d like to see in the VOICE? A particular subject you’d like us to address? Please don’t hesitate to contact us at voice@certifiedcoach.org with comments, questions, event notices, or article contributions. We are always looking for new perspectives and look forward to hearing from you. Best,
Beth Ann Miller is currently pursuing an MFA in Writing and is a native New Englander. She has a professional background in editing and higher education, and enjoys working with youths in the arts. Her stories have appeared in online and print journals and she is perpetually at work on new creative projects.
Contents From the President – Vicki Zanini The Bridge: Finding Comfort in Being “Stuck” – Martha Pasternack Valuable Sections of the IAC Masteries E-Book – Natalie Tucker Miller Move Towards Love, Not Fear – Alison Richards Blazing a Path to Mastery – Ed Britton and Saurav Mohanty Inside the IAC Licensing Committee – Charlie Boyer IAC Monthly Open Chat to Return – With a Twist! From the President Greetings, Autumn is one of my favorite seasons when “Colorful Colorado” really comes to life. There is much to do to prepare for the colder months ahead and I relish every drop of sunlight these shorter days have to offer before the snow begins to fall. “Fall, not spring, is the time in this region to clear away dead leaves and branches, to renovate the borders, to start new gardens….And even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.” –Elizabeth Lawrence, A Southern Garden. The above quote from Elizabeth Lawrence is a good analogy for what has been going on at the International Association of Coaching over the past several months. Although the IAC is a virtual organization, the community itself is made up of amazing people who give passionately and generously to keep this association beautifully pruned and tended to. Like any garden, there is daily maintenance, seasonal planting, and strategic planning; and we have the perfect balance of talent and skill to keep us blossoming year round. As the days start to shorten and before the holiday season begins, I want to pause and say thank you to the many volunteers, staff and contractors who are working behind the scenes to prepare for the new season ahead. A heartfelt thank you to a very long list of people I won’t name for fear of leaving someone out but to whom I am extremely grateful for and honored to work with and who inspire me to continue on my own personal path to mastery. Along with the much anticipated website makeover reveal scheduled in early 2015, work continues on several initiatives to build and strengthen our community through teleconferences, study groups and social media all designed to support the path to coaching certification and living the masteries. Come spring we’ll all be celebrating the “fruits” of our labor but for now the work continues and we are “all hands on deck”. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and/or LinkedIn and engage with us, share your stories, and let us know how we can support you on your path to coaching mastery. If you’ve been thinking of volunteering, now would be a great time to get involved. Enjoy this beautiful season and remember, “Everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.” With gratitude, Vicki
The Bridge: Finding Comfort in Being “Stuck”
You have heard it before: life coaching can serve as the bridge to cross the gap between where our clients have been to where they want to go. It is an easy analogy to visualize. Some gaps are as vast as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, some are like the Mississippi River, and others may be like swift mountain streams during a Rocky Mountain snow melt in springtime. The bridge is one way to get from one side to the other. Have you ever been stuck on a bridge in traffic? Me too. Recently, in fact. Imagine this with me for a moment: It is four o’clock on a Sunday afternoon. You have a three-hour drive home along coastal Route One. A mile ahead is “The Bridge.” It is the old bridge over an ancient river and it is infamous for backing up traffic narrowed down to a two-lane road thru the prettiest village in the state. Traffic is still moving at a reasonable speed where you are and you have your fingers crossed, hoping you will not get stuck on “The Bridge.” No such luck. You get stopped dead on the bridge over the water with visions of Monday morning dancing in your head. The present moment is nowhere to be found. You can’t go around, through, over, under, backwards or forwards. I’m not sure frustrated is a potent enough word for what being stuck on a bridge can be like when the anxiety of feeling stuck sets in. Here is my point: As we coach our clients in discovering ways to bridge the gap between where they have been to where they want to eventually be, they often get stuck on the proverbial bridge. They cannot go backwards, forwards, over, under or through. The task at hand is to relax into the present moment and free oneself from the pressure of expectations, time, and judgment. This is much easier said than done especially if one has been in a noxious place. When our clients get stuck there is a great opportunity to choose to rest, look around, take in the scenery, say a few bad words followed by gratitude for a beautiful day, sing a song, say a prayer, text their mother, and, of course, relax into “what is.” Relaxing into being stuck (I prefer to call this a “pause”) on the metaphorical bridge is much easier with the help of a life coach familiar with the IAC Mastery #4, Processing in the Present. I copied it from our IAC Mastery E book below so you can read it right now, in the present moment. You take it from here and have some fun. Definition Focus full attention on the client, processing information at the level of the mind, body, heart and/or spirit, as appropriate. The coach expands the client’s awareness of how to experience thoughts and issues on these various levels, when and as appropriate. The coach utilizes what is happening in the session itself (client’s behavior, patterns, emotions, and the relationship between coach and client, etc.) to assist the client toward greater self-awareness and positive, appropriate action. Effect
Key Elements
The coach allows the client the opportunity to process his or her own thoughts.
Two of the often overlooked sections of the IAC Masteries E-Book contain truly precious content that can deepen, and shift your understanding of a particular Mastery or coaching approach. They are (drum roll please…) “Common Mistakes Coaches Make” One of the reasons these are important tools in helping to further coaching mastery, is that they were written based on certifier experience of coach certification submissions. They highlight specific areas of how coaches demonstrate skill at a master level, and how a coach might miss opportunities for coaching more skillfully. An example of a mistake or missed opportunity for demonstrating Mastery #2, for instance, states: Conversely, an example of indicators of understanding for the same Mastery states: Whether a new or seasoned coach, these sections provide valuable, measurable, and actionable steps that can help you align your coaching with the Masteries in a way that will enhance your coaching relationships. They can provide more support for what to listen for in your own coaching, or that of your coaching partners through triads, study groups, or a practicum format. This month, we’ve included the “Mistakes and Indicators” as a stand-alone document, which you can find in the member section here, though it is most useful when combining it with the notecard. Or, of course, you can just use the Masteries E-Book, where all the components reside in one handy reference. (Note: Unfortunately, we do not currently have this stand-alone available in languages other than English. We will let you know when there are other languages available. In the meantime, please refer to the Masteries E-Book in your language, where you can find these sections). Do you have a question that you’d like to ask the certifiers? Submit your questions here: http://certifiedcoachblog.typepad.com/blog/ask-the-certifiers.html.
Please send your questions on the IAC Coaching Masteries® and the certification process to certification@certifiedcoach.org. Move Towards Love, Not Fear If all thoughts stem from fear or love, then we can consider the shared consciousness to heal and love. This includes giving back, serving your community, being mindful of your thoughts and actions to manifest the best life for you, because you deserve it. I want to reflect on the state of our being and ask you to consider the script you have for yourself. By looking deeply into the well, I want you to consider my questions to move yourself closer to a loving space. As a global consciousness, many of our parents adopted the paradigm to fear everything. We have a mythological script that hangs above our heads: our everyday judgment and our “could do better” attitude. Society often urges us into fear. “Be careful. Watch out for this…. and that…” This becomes ingrained in us until we are scared of the unforeseeable and of being too different. Are you scared of standing out? Are you accused of vanity, big-headedness and foolishness? It has taken my lifetime to see the journey of humans and now we are at a tipping point. We can be paralysed by our fear, and become the victims, needing to blame someone. And like a lake that has lost its outlet to the rivers and the rivers to the ocean, in its stillness and inaction, it becomes stagnant, brown and murky. Oxygen leaves, fishes die and nothing changes. People rarely challenge rejection or their fear of further disappointment. Our acceptance allows us to not have to think. We bought into the belief that to act on our feelings was wrong. We crushed the spirit of love with excuses of fear and blame. Stop! Stop now before you can’t undo. Under the stagnant pond are the undercurrents. There is a shared consciousness that has clarity and clearness. There is the flow towards the river and the oceans and other choices. By choosing harmony, following your true purpose to be you, finding and giving love, you will grow. By living your dream and staying true to your uniqueness, you have the power to initiate change One thing in life is sure and that is that change is always there. You know that nothing stays the same forever. You know that things transform. And life is created for you, by you .You are here to experience here and now. Exercise (daily) Exercise 2 A final word to consider Choose. If you do nothing, that is your choice. Join the shared consciousness to heal and love. Be mindful of your thoughts and actions and ask the good ones to manifest themselves to create the best life for you, because you deserve it. Tips for moving towards love, not fear:
Alison Richards is a Performance coach and Educator who is passionate about influencing positive change in people. She excels in periods of change and transitions supporting individuals and teams through the mist and into the spotlight. Alison’s current focus is on building personal leadership schools and using her NLP skills to write stories. uk.linkedin.com/pub/alison-richards/33/330/948/
Blazing a Path to Mastery We have just enjoyed one of the most fun and satisfying projects that either of us has been involved in with the International Association of Coaching: the development and piloting of the Path to Mastery program in the Asia Crescent region of IAC. This international effort – spanning India, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong – has built a learning and practice community focused on developing masterful coaching based on the IAC Coaching Masteries (R). Over a year ago, Ed asked then IAC President, Dr. Susan Meyer, (MMC and IAC Certifier) how coaching mastery is achieved. Her answer was unambiguous: “Practice, practice, practice.” He then asked Natalie Tucker Miller (Lead Certifier), about the best way to practice. She replied, “Coaching triads.” That lead to discussions with now-IAC Vice President, Krishna Kumar about how a program of coaching triads might be developed, and he enlisted his associate and fellow IAC member, Saurav Mohanty, to design a program. A coaching triad is a group of three coaches who practice coaching together. On a rotating basis, one participates as the coach, another as the coachee and the third as observer. Somewhat different kinds of learning take place while working in these different roles because of the change in perspective. Triads are indeed a profound way to develop coaching mastery. Once Saurav applied his substantial creative talents, we had a model ready to be tested. Since he lived in India, part of a very active and progressive region of the IAC, it was decided to launch the first pilot in the Asia Crescent region (Korea to the Middle East). After less than six months, this very successful pilot has concluded, adding substantially to our expertise in conducting mastery-building triads. It has been thrilling to associate with the leading coaches who have blazed the Path to Mastery trail for the IAC. Their diligence, constructive suggestions and personal commitment to professionalism is inspiration in action. Our Path to Mastery pioneers are Grace Moorthi, Shanmugam D Moorthi, Putri Juliani Johari and Adibah Saleh from Malaysia; Ritu Mathur, Saurav Mohanty, Rajiv Misra and Anjali Nair from India; Teo Jin Lee and Denise Pang from Singapore; and Leanne Chan and Charles Chau from Hong Kong. As you read, planning for a second Path to Mastery pilot program, this time in the Americas, is underway. Significant undertakings include participation in both English and Spanish languages, and the opportunity to add study groups to our experience with coaching triads. We look forward to developing expertise among Spanish speaking members to extend the capabilities of coaching among our Latin community. If you would like to follow the development of Path to Mastery, please watch the IAC VOICE for regular updates, and participate through comments. There will also be dialogue in the IAC Family Room (www.IACFamilyRoom.groupsite.com). If you would like to be a participant in the West Pilot of the Path to Mastery, please email ed.britton@certifiedcoach.org. We look forward to joining you in your pursuit of coaching mastery. Licensing Committee Corner Technology is wonderful – when it works! Despite some connection problems, we managed to complete a virtual meeting in September. We thought it would be helpful to clarify a few items for our members as we look toward the 2015 year. First, a reminder to all licensees and applicants that, beginning in January 2015, all applicants for new or renewal licenses must have at least one coach/contact person on staff who holds the MP designation. This means that the applicant must be a current IAC member, have passed the written certification exam, and have an approved Learning Agreement in place. Second, renewals are good for one year from the date of purchase. For example, a license granted in November of 2014 is valid until November 2015. Third, licenses normally are renewed at the same category level (B or C) as the current license, unless a change is indicated in the license application. Renewal notices from IAC should indicate your current level of licensure. The Licensing Committee approved one new application (from Peru) and one application is pending. With several of our recent licensees coming from Spanish-speaking nations, we welcome the IAC’s efforts to provide for licensing and (soon) certification processes in languages other than English. Committee members Pepe del Rio, Deb Chisholm, and Charlie Boyer welcome your suggestions and comments. Contact the Licensing Committee at licensing@certifiedcoach.org.
Charles Boyer, Ed.D., (Charlie), BCC, Certified Masteries Coach, is the founder of C-Star Coaching, a values-oriented practice for newer leaders, and creator of the Team 412 Project, a web-based leadership development program.
IAC Monthly Open Chat to Return – With a Twist! Date: October 16th, 2014 The calls are open to all our wonderful VOICE subscribers as well as our faithful members. Terri Haas, MMC, current IAC Board Member and IAC supporter extraordinaire, will be hosting. This is what Terri has in store for you: Read any good books lately? I just finished reading ‘The Portable Coach’ – again. I can’t believe how much I get out of it with each rereading. Have you read it? Have you read it again recently? One thing about coaches is they love to learn! It’s almost an unwritten rule that coaches must be lifelong learners, and being avid readers is often a big part of that process. As part of the principles that the entire IAC is built on, we know that continuously honing your skills is essential, and this is often accomplished by reading! The challenge is — and many of you may have already experienced this — is when you read a great book on personal development or coaching, you don’t have a ready group of like-minded friends to talk to about it. Well, what if you did? The IAC is delighted to announce: “your friends are here!” and so is the spectacularly unique book club just for coaches! Welcome to the ‘IAC Coaches Reading Club’. It’s an opportunity to talk about (and read, of course) some of the best books about your chosen profession and the world of personal development at large. Sound fun? Well, it will be! Cool conversation, provocative talk, and lots of laughter. You’ll get to know some of your colleagues as well as those you’re already familiar with even better. All this while learning, growing and getting exposed to come of the greatest writings from the world of coaching and personal development. Want to play? Join us for our first ever ‘IAC Coaches Reading Club’ meeting on Thursday, October 16th at 1pm, Eastern US. We’ll gather for an hour to discuss our first selection, “The Portable Coach”, by Thomas Leonard, (seems fitting, yes?) Then, we’ll continue to meet on the third Thursday of each month to discuss a new selection, which will always be announced at the previous meeting and in the IAC VOICE each month. Click this link to reserve your spot on the call, and get onto the IAC Coaches Reading Club distribution list. It’s how you can cast your vote for upcoming reading selections, stay connected to the latest in Coaches Reading Club News, and more! I can’t wait to meet you, read with you, and share in amazing conversation! Talk soon, Terri Hase, MMC Your Feedback We’d love to get your feedback on any issue related to the IAC. Do you have any questions, concerns, encouragement or ideas for improvement regarding membership benefits, certification, the VOICE, the direction of the organization or anything else at all? Please send an email to voice@certifiedcoach.org. Please help us improve. |
Hello there,
Martha Pasternack, MMC 
