I'm guessing this has happened to you, as it has to me. When you are being assessed or evaluated in an exam process, do you move from your natural flow and knowing, into letting your mind take over and being...
Blog
Are you a problem-solving coach?
As a coach, we have a major influence on our clients by the mindset we enter the coaching relationship with, and how we apply that mindset to every interaction with the client. This is the backbone of our Coaching Presence. ...
The Target Approach to core coaching competencies
The ICF Core Competencies are presented in a linear list and numbered 1 through 11. The trap is to then think that if you work through the list you are being effective at using the competencies. From my experience, this...
Re-contracting with your coaching client
A coaching session is most effective when the client has a focus for the session. That can be a tight focus or a broad focus. Sometimes a client knows exactly what they want to use their coaching session for,...
Coach as Agenda-less Observer
As coaches, one of the valuable coaching tools we bring is the power of the agenda-less observer. We are a fresh pair of eyes and ears. Many of my clients say this is why they appreciate having me as...
The most misunderstood coaching competency
Of all the ICF Core Coaching Competencies, I think that the last competency is one of the most misunderstood. I'm talking about competency #11: Managing Progress and Accountability. There are two very different aspects to this competency: what happens in...
Why become an ICF certified coach?
There are two reasons to become a certified coach. #1 - To improve your coaching skills so that you can better serve your clients Many coaches get hung up on getting a credential as if the credential itself is most...
Listen for metaphors
ICF Core Coaching Competency #7 is about the use of Direct Communication, which is an "ability to communicate effectively during coaching sessions, and to use language that has the greatest positive impact on the client." One of the sub-points...
FAQ’s – coaching philosophy
Michelle Duval of Equilibrio interviewed me for her Excelerate Coach Mentoring Series. The interview is an hour long and we cover quite bit of ground. You'll find out about my philosophy on coaching, on clients, and more. You can listen to...
FAQ’s – background of how I became a coach
I'm often asked these questions: What is your background before becoming a coach? How did you become a coach? Response: I started out in the media department of an advertising agency, became a national training manager for a contract cleaning...