Lessons from the Certifiers

 

The Masteries E-Book: A quick user’s guide
by Natalie Tucker Miller, MMC

Over the years, the authors of this column have talked about, reframed, drawn diagrams, or otherwise expanded the meaning of the Masteries via members’ questions.

And yet, there is a treasure trove of information to be found within the pages of the most obvious tool the IAC provides: The Masteries E-Book.

This month, we’re taking a look at that important and robust resource available to coaches who aspire to mastery in this profession.

There are several ways information is presented per Mastery. Here are the principles of the components imbedded in each Mastery as outlined in the E-Book:

1.) The Mastery name and definition
An overview of the concept of the Mastery, the essence of what the coaching environment embodies through the application of the elements, and behaviors that follow.
Tip: As you move through the deeper points of the Mastery, return to the definition to test the efficacy of your understanding.

2.) Effects
What influence does the coaching environment have on the client? Keep in mind how it applies to a particular Mastery and the impact on client.
Tip: Although similar language or concepts may be present in other Masteries, think in terms of the effect this Mastery has on the session.

3.) Key Elements
Coaching characteristics that the coach holds specific to a Mastery. These are natural outcomes that emerge when the coach is demonstrating skills that embody the Mastery.
Tip: If you’re unsure if the behaviors you’re demonstrating support a particular Mastery, look to the Key Elements for coach outcomes.

4.) Distinctions
Help provide clarity of the definition of the Mastery through progression of a behavior, state of being, outcome, etc.
Tip: Review these to extend the depth of the Mastery. When you look at the progression of the distinction (on the right), you’ll begin to see the deeper meaning of the Mastery.

5.) Sample Effective Behaviors
Skill sets and tools that the coach brings to the coaching session in order to address the client’s needs.
Tip: This is only a sample list of the many methods and approaches a coach might employ to achieve a result. Use them as a guide to enhance your coaching approach.

6.) Sample Ineffective Behaviors
Coach behaviors that impede the process of growth and transformation.
Tip: When you notice these behaviors, refer to the other components of the Mastery to strengthen your understanding of what will create a transformative environment.

7.) Measures
How the behaviors are evidenced in the coaching environment.
Tip: Align the measures with the other components of the Mastery to evaluate and verify a comprehensive understanding of the measures and of the Mastery.

8.) Common Mistakes Coaches Make
Patterns of misunderstandings that coaches demonstrate in a coaching session.
Tip: Match these to some possible ineffective behaviors to determine where there may be confusion of the Mastery.

9.) Indicators the Coach Understands the Mastery
Additional gauges that the coach and client are collaborating in a progressive and client-centric manner.
Tip: Celebrate and continue discovering additional ways the Masteries can support your growth as a coach.

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.

Natalie Tucker Miller, MMC, is the Lead Certifier and a certifying examiner at the IAC, as well as Past-President. Natalie is founder of Ageless-Sages.com Publishing (www.ageless-sages.com), and creator of the literary genre, Picture Books for Elders™.

Please send your questions on the IAC Coaching Masteries^® and the certification process to certification@certifiedcoach.org.