The Most Important Mastery of All
by Natalie Tucker Miller, IAC-CC
Q- Aren’t some Masteries more important than others? For instance, I would think that Mastery #1, Establishing and Maintaining a Relationship of Trust, would be one of the most important Masteries. Without it, you can’t really coach.
This is a very natural question to ask, especially when certain Masteries resonate differently with different coaches. Many coaches have their "favorites" or feel more connected to some more than others.
One could also make a similar case for Mastery #6, Clarifying, because one of the measures indicates that "the client’s most important issue has been identified." Can we really demonstrate any other Mastery without identifying the most important issue for the client? Isn’t that what it’s all about? And then what about Mastery #9, Helping the Client to Create and Use Support Systems and Structures? Surely the client "embracing responsibility for using, finding or creating resources" is what is going to move them in their desired direction purposefully and sustainably. Can we say we’ve successfully supported out client without that?
I understand your point that without Mastery #1, "you can’t coach." Yet, if we look at it the other way around, with just this, you aren’t really coaching. This is where we can see how each Mastery is equally important, as is the seamless integration of all of the Masteries.
This integration is what creates the coaching environment that supports the client to "sustainable transformation with their personal and professional awareness, discovery and growth," and therefore a successful completion of demonstration in the certification process.
Let’s do an exercise that highlights how all the masteries earn their keep. You might want to consider incorporating similar exercises as you practice your coaching skills (members, continue reading).
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Natalie Tucker Miller, IAC-CC, 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.
