A reminder to show gratitude

Tomorrow is November 1.

 

November is often a time for recollection…a time to express gratitude and to be thankful for all we have. There is always something to be thankful for—what is it for you? If it’s a relationship, let that person know. If it’s your clients, show them! If it’s something tangible, pay it forward. No matter what it is for you, consider the ways you can express your gratitude.

So as 2012 begins its final descent, and we gear up for all that 2013 will bring us, let’s take time to be thankful. And set aside time to sit and consider what we have been blessed with this year.

I think William Wordsworth sums it up best when he said, “Rest and be thankful.” Here’s to you and yours!

Code of Ethics & Confidentiality: Is it obvious what is right?

Most likely all of us think of ourselves as ethical.  Then why might we look at someone else following the same rules and say they are unethical or walking the line of ethical?  Because it may be we interpret and understand the same rule differently.  Or as President Clinton once said, “It depends on what the definition of is, is.”

Confidentiality is fundamental to coaching.  If our clients thought we revealed their concerns, insecurities, and most private thoughts, it is unlikely they would engage in an authentic coaching process in the first place.  But let’s examine what we mean by confidentiality.  Let’s say I am coaching Sally Dooright, the VP of Operations at Troubled Corporation.  Most of us would agree (I think) that when I promise her confidentiality it means I won’t discuss with anyone what the two of us share and mention her by name.  However, would you say that sharing the conversation is acceptable in a session with my mentor coach?  What if I don’t mention her name, but describe enough about the situation that it would be possible to figure out who she is even if I believe my mentor coach wouldn’t be motivated to do so?  Or fast forward to 2 years later, I have done such a good job for Sally and have coached 20 executives at Troubled Corporation. The VP of HR at Troubled Corporation asks for my thoughts on the trends I am seeing among the 20 clients I coached. 

Do I share trends knowing that I am revealing some of the themes of private conversations among 20 people?  Or how about if HR asks that I run a retreat session and use my understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the 10-member VP team (of whom I have coached 5) to build an agenda for the retreat.  By implication am I revealing the weaknesses of the VP group – information I gathered in my confidential conversations….?  Finally, what if after coaching Sally I meet the CEO of Troubled Corporation and he says, “Wow that Sally is a real go-getter, I would consider her for the President role next year – what do you think?”  Is it ethical to advocate for my client or to affirm the positive perceptions of my client with the CEO without going into detail on any discussions I had with my client? 

We, as members of the ICF community hope to build an organization of coaches who are ethical and to ensure that the profession of coaching maintains an ethical reputation so as not to risk losing our client base and the ability to serve.

My intention here is provoke our thinking about ethics.  It isn’t enough to read the code of ethics and feel comfortable you walk the ethical line. I believe ethics require a process of continual definition.  Ethic statements and rules need to be lived and challenged in the real world to subject them to on-going ground-truthing.  As our experiences broaden and as our world provides new circumstances for interpretation we need to continue to communicate with each other about the meaning behind the words.

Sandi Stewart, PCC

The ICF Code of Ethics

Applicable Code Sections:Section 3: Professional Conduct with Clients

16) I will carefully explain and strive to ensure that, prior to or at the initial meeting, my coaching client and sponsor(s) understand the nature of coaching, the nature and limits of confidentiality, financial arrangements, and any other terms of the coaching agreement or contract.

Section 4: Confidentiality/Privacy
As a coach:
22) I will maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all client and sponsor information. I will have a clear agreement or contract before releasing information to another person, unless required by law.

23) I will have a clear agreement upon how coaching information will be exchanged among coach, client, and sponsor.

25) I will have associated coaches and other persons whom I manage in service of my clients and their sponsors in a paid or volunteer capacity make clear agreements or contracts to adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics Part 2, Section 4: Confidentiality/Privacy standards and the entire ICF Code of Ethics to the extent applicable.

Creating the Perfect Coaching Plan

Every coach has his or her own unique way of coaching clients, but one thing every coach should have in common is the creation of a coaching plan.  The way you go about setting up your coaching plan should be unique, but it should also share some characteristics with techniques used by other coaches.  Here are some things to keep in mind when creating a coaching plan for your clients:

• Build your coaching plan around the cause of the problem being addressed—not the end result.  This is a difficult one for some who seek coaching to wrap their heads around.  We all want certain results, but the key to getting those results isn’t by actually focusing on them.   It’s by addressing the underlying weakness.  For example, if someone needs help communicating, your coaching plan should strike right at the heart of the underlying problem.  You must figure out why they are having this problem if you’re going to help them get results in dealing with it.
• Develop your own coaching plan template.  It doesn’t really matter how it looks, but this should be something you use with every single client.  Make sure you’ve got a space for goals, a space for the problem, and a separate space for the root cause of the problem.  This will help the person you are coaching understand exactly what they’re working on rather than the end result they want to achieve(which is probably already very clear to them).
• Put your own coaching style into it.  Just as no two coaches and no two coaching clients are the same, so no two coaching plans will be the same.  The template you draw up should accurately reflect not only the personality of your typical client, but your own as well.  Together you are a winning team, so you’ve got to find ways to utilize your strengths to help your client become the winner he or she can be.  One of the best ways to do this is by personalizing your coaching plan template.

Of course you didn’t become a coach without knowing a lot of other aspects of building the perfect coaching plan, like the creation of SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely) goals. 

But by keeping these other thoughts in mind, you’ll be able to build a winning coaching plan every single time.

Anda Tudor

About the Author: Thank you for reading my post! My name is Anda Tudor, and I am Public Relations Manager at FreelanceCoach.com. We are a worldwide marketplace for online coaching services. Our company’s mission is to provide the best coaching services to as many people as possible who want to improve their life to be happier, healthier, and more successful individuals. Apply to Become Our Coach and Receive Coaching Leads for Free.

Tis the season for networking

Last month, we asked our Facebook fans to share their best networking tips. Take a look below to see how our Facebook fans responded:

• “Be generous.” (Sovann Pen)
• “Consistency! Be ‘kleenex…’ The first brand that everyone thinks of when they need a tissue. If you network only now and then…people won’t remember you. If you network consistently and follow up with each person you meet, YOU will be the first person who comes to mind when they need a coach!” (Inspired Heather Paris)
• “Take interest in everyone!” (Sheri Maass)
• “Involved in community service projects.” (Hasril Bin Noordin)
• “Join your Chamber and attend after hour mixers.” (Bonnie Geffen)
• “Smile and listen.” (Nina Ljungars Ripstrand)
• “Be curious about other people. And be polite! Introduce others, include them in your space, know what others want to meet the person you are speaking with.” (Karen Eckhart)
• “Connect, be curious and go beyond talking about work. People don’t want to do business with what you do, they want to do business with someone they connect with.” (Jennifer Daure)
• “My first networking tip would be to prepare and know whom you want to be introduced to before you go to the event. When talking about networking at events, I often hear people say they had a great time spending the evening with X and Y, but feel frustrated because they didn’t manage to meet with the right people. Preparing helps greatly.” (Damien Colmant)
• “Referral.” (Dolly P. Pasaribu)
• “When you are at a networking event of any kind, NEVER thrust your business cards to into someone’s hands. It’s a bit like physical spamming. Instead, ask people about who THEY are and what THEY do, then ask for THEIR business card. Then, take an interest in the card instead of just jamming it into your pocket or bag. Take it in your hands. Look over it well. Comment on it. A business card is a little bit like a hairdo…it is personal and to be appreciated. You will be remembered for acknowledging someone for their creativity or association just by taking in their business card. It will also assist you in remembering who they are. Do not offer YOUR business card unless it is requested. I find I have more people follow me and ask for my card when I use these practices. They appreciate I appreciate who they are in the world.” (Patricia Hirsch)
• “Look for the individuals who are shy and having a hard time breaking into group conversations—make them comfortable by asking about them. Introduce them to others, and follow up with them afterwards. Your kindness will engender gratitude and possibly loyalty that will earn you blessing if not referrals.” (Creative Alternatives Coach for Confidence Seekers ~ Deah Curry PhD)
• “Just be aware and present…the rest happens.” (Ashutosh Tewari)
• “Conventional networking can be draining at best and even painful for introverts, so rather than forcing yourself to do the Chamber breakfasts and Lions lunches, find a Biznik or MeetUp group to participate in. networking happens more naturally in the context of learning rather than in what can feel like to an introvert a pressured self-promotion competition.” (Marketing Made Easier for Counselors and Coaches ~ Deah Curry PhD)
• “Talk with passion about your job, your personal interests, your goals. Be really you and observe any opportunity that the World present you.” (Bernadette S C Castilho)
• “The Bible, God, Holy Spirit, and of course, Jesus Christ my God, Savior, King of Kings Lord of Lords. Fellowship with the church, that is the ultimate networking in this hurting world.” (Ricardo Em)
• “Here’s one more networking tip: present the gospel.” (Ricardo Em)
• “How about the simple advice of ‘have fun’ and help others enjoy the experience also!” (Becky Scott)
• “Mine is very simple: be really there! Not on the phone, BBs or any smart phone… Use that time to be there!” (Jissell Espinal)
• “Do more listening than talking.” (Sharon Jansen)
• “More listening stop talking.” (Yael Sne)
• “Share resources.” (Marcio Batista)
• “Meet people, not connections; reach out to the person behind a business card, not to the potential client.” (From-You-To-You)
• “Make conscious connections, notice what interests you about a person, be present, bring your presence, your essence, and presence yourself—notice if the other person is interested, and when the conversation feels ‘done,’ then consciously disconnect. The conscious disconnection allows you to recognize the nugget or gift you gave and received from the person, and to be real—don’t promise to meet for coffee or call if you don’t intend to, if it doesn’t inspire you. Thank them for their time and share what you are leaving with. This all allows you to remain authentic, honest, and honor both yourself and them, they’ll remember that. It also allows you to be present for the next interaction, not carrying the last connection with you to influence the next conscious connection. There’s no need to meet everyone or feign interest, honor, and consciously connect—intention, attention, the connections on your path will emerge naturally.” (Inner Phoenix Coaching)

What about you? What does this mean for the coaching profession and our future? We’d love to know—leave a response below or join the conversation at Facebook.com/ICFHQ.

Business Breakthrough with Caterina Barregar and Teresia LaRocque

In this interview Caterina shares the key strategies and actions that has taken her from little clarity, motivation and commitment in building her business to an unstoppable momentum of getting paying clients, increased confidence and enthusiasm to share her coaching message with anyone who will listen.

Meet and be inspired by Caterina Barregar www.imaginelifecoaching.ca

Teresia LaRocque MCC, is Director of Entrepreneurship and Business Building Mentor for the Erickson Business Center – www.ericksonbusinesscenter.com at Erickson College International www.erickson.edu. Teresia is a pioneer in the booming profession of personal coaching, the first recipient of the International Coach Federation’s Master Coach Credential in Canada and cofounder for the Vancouver International Coach Federation chapter. Teresia is committed to supporting coaches to take their talent and passion for coaching and make their entrepreneurial dreams come true.

Teresia is the founder and facilitator of the Passion into Profit Program, a customized business building program offered through the Erickson Business Center. For free business building tips and advice, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EricksonBusinessCenter.