Different terminology, same support
by Natalie Tucker Miller, IAC-CC and Alison Davis, IAC-CC
This month, certifying examiner and Board of Governors member Alison Davis addresses a concern from a member about some of the changes in language that have evolved with the profession. Alison sheds some light on how this one particular coaching concept has expanded, while staying true to its coaching roots.
"When you scored using the proficiencies there were supportive environments and it seemed more in line with coaching. Now you are scoring for support structures and systems. Even that name sounds less like coaching and more like consulting or training. Has coaching changed that much?"
Proficiencies, Competencies and Masteries
Different coaching bodies call coaching skills by different names. Coachville has Proficiencies, the ICF has Competencies and the IAC now has the Masteries. It is important to remember that all of these terms cover very similar coaching skills. When the IAC scored using the Proficiencies, the proficiency that helped the client sustain his or her success and personal evolution was Proficiency #14, Designing Supportive Environments.
Now that the IAC has created its own Masteries, it is Mastery #9, Helping the Client Create and Use Supportive Systems and Structures, that addresses supportive environments. It also addresses the resources and tools that will naturally sustain the client’s progress and transformation. When a coach uses this Mastery skilfully, the client will feel confident and secure moving forward, knowing that resources are available or can be created.
Clients tend to make changes more easily when environments and structures are in place to support them. Without proper support, they may have only themselves and their own willpower to rely on. That might restrict the client's ability to achieve what they want in life and business, or lead to unnecessary struggle. Who wants to struggle when struggle-free solutions can be created? True to coaching, these solutions are tailored to the client’s intrinsic preferences.
The coach’s job is to introduce the concept of support to the client and help to design supportive systems, structures and environments that automatically support what the client wants to achieve. Alternatively, the coach may help to evolve or repair systems or structures that the client already has in place, that have become weak or that no longer serve the client as he or she makes changes and evolves.
One of the greatest benefits of connecting goals to values or a vision or mission is that this connection can help the client build strong support in all areas of their lives, not simply the issue that was brought up in the coaching session. Their mission or vision can inspire them and help them remain focused if times get tough or if they encounter challenges. Structures and systems can provide an opportunity for clients to accept challenges rather than shrink from them. The powerful wording of Mastery #9 was chosen very purposefully, as this is a powerful and empowering concept!
How does the coach apply this Mastery?
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Do you have a question that you’d like to ask the certifiers? Please send your questions about the IAC Coaching Masteries® and the certification process to certification@certifiedcoach.org or ask anonymously online at: http://certifiedcoachblog.typepad.com/blog/ask-the-certifiers.html. We love to hear from you and cherish the opportunity to help you understand the IAC Coaching Masteries®.
Natalie Tucker Miller, IAC-CC, is the Lead Certifier and a certifying examiner at the IAC, as well as Past-President. She is Dean of Students and a Master Instructor at the School of Coaching Mastery. Natalie is founder of Ageless-Sages.com Publishing (www.ageless-sages.com), and creator of the literary genre, Picture Books for Elders™.
Alison Davis, IAC, CC, is a certifying examiner at the IAC, coach, mentor coach and founder of the IAC–licensed virtual coaching school Foundations for Living. Discover more at www.foundationsforliving.com.
