What Is Coaching?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as, "Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential." Coaching is a means of clarifying our sense of purpose and our goals, and creating plans and accountability processes to achieve our goals and live into our purpose. One coaching question that represents this clarification is, "What else is possible that I'm just not seeing right now?" And most of us could use some help answering that question at different points in our lives!
While there are often overlaps with other kinds of "helping modalities," coaching is not:
While there are often overlaps with other kinds of "helping modalities," coaching is not:
- Mental health counseling
- Mentoring
- Consulting/giving out advice
Why Seek a Coach?
INDIVIDUALS
You recognize that some part of your life could be better, more fulfilling, more enjoyable than it currently is; maybe you even suspect that your whole life - and those of your loved ones - would benefit from a change, even if you're not sure what that might look like. Like counseling, coaching is about making changes through deepening awareness; unlike counseling, coaching is not appropriate for those who are in crisis or need treatment for a diagnosable condition.
ORGANIZATIONS
As an organizational leader, you recognize that things could be better; your employees could understand each other and themselves better, they could "buy-in" more strongly to your mission, they could be more engaged in their day-to-day work... and so could you. As a congregational leader, you recognize that the world in which your congregation does ministry has changed significantly, and you've read books, attended workshops, even tried someone else's "proven methods," but it's becoming clear that new "techniques" won't solve the challenges of being faithful in a "post-Christendom" world. An effective coach will help you discover:
You recognize that some part of your life could be better, more fulfilling, more enjoyable than it currently is; maybe you even suspect that your whole life - and those of your loved ones - would benefit from a change, even if you're not sure what that might look like. Like counseling, coaching is about making changes through deepening awareness; unlike counseling, coaching is not appropriate for those who are in crisis or need treatment for a diagnosable condition.
ORGANIZATIONS
As an organizational leader, you recognize that things could be better; your employees could understand each other and themselves better, they could "buy-in" more strongly to your mission, they could be more engaged in their day-to-day work... and so could you. As a congregational leader, you recognize that the world in which your congregation does ministry has changed significantly, and you've read books, attended workshops, even tried someone else's "proven methods," but it's becoming clear that new "techniques" won't solve the challenges of being faithful in a "post-Christendom" world. An effective coach will help you discover:
- New questions that go beyond what's working (or not) and what else you might try,
- What is truly unique about your organization/congregation and new ways that uniqueness might feed the spiritual, physical, and emotional hunger in our world
- New possibilities for connecting more deeply with those already part of your community, as well as the "stranger" in your midst
- New ways of being faithful/joyful
What to Expect from My Coaching
- I will step into your pain with you - not to take it onto myself, but to stand with you as you bravely face it.
- I will invite you to consider ways to change both your inner and outer dialogue about how you understand your self/soul and your work; to begin shifting your choices and beliefs from scarcity to abundance.
- I will strategize with you about what's working, what's not working, and what might be possible that you're just not seeing.
- I will encourage you to draw on resources of heart, head, and spirit.
- I will challenge you in these ways:
- To see and celebrate your progress in any area; we'll work to keep self-criticism at bay.
- To accept that plans change as your priorities change - and that it's not only OK, but necessary to make adjustments based on what life throws your way.
- To be specific - very specific - about the change you want, the plans to get there, and the accountability you most need to follow through.
Cost
I work with clients - both individuals and organizations - to create programs and fees that are affordable. I offer special rates for non-profit employees and organizations, so please don't assume that you can't afford to have caring, supportive coaching! Contact me to explore possibilities.
Coaching Certification
Anyone can legally identify and market himself/herself as a life coach. This can create confusion and inconsistency. While no states currently license/certify life coaches, there are several organizations which do so, the largest and most reputable being ICF (International Coaching Federation).
I am an Professional Certified Coach though ICF which means I have:
[See this CBS News article for another perspective on coaching and certification.]
I am an Professional Certified Coach though ICF which means I have:
- Met rigorous training requirements through an accredited training program
- Received mentor coaching
- Completed at least 500 hours of coaching
- Passed a written examination
[See this CBS News article for another perspective on coaching and certification.]
