2012 - Inner Firewalking

Mike Turner on Training and Certification of Coaches

The following is taken from David’s interview with Mike Turner in 10 Super Coaches.

Would you advise coaches to pursue certification?

Yes, if only because, as the profession settles down, organizations will increasingly only use certified coaches.

If so, at what stage in their practice, and through which accrediting body?

From as early as possible, be clear what the accreditation criteria are and work towards satisfying them. That way, if the accreditation question comes up, you can say that you are working towards accreditation and state which of the requirements you have met or are close to meeting.

Are there any particular school(s) you would recommend?

The London-based School of Coaching, which is part owned by the Work Foundation (a charity that campaigns to improve the quality of work life). Whilst the fact that I am on the faculty might suggest that I would be biased, the reason I work with the School is because of the high quality of its work.

Confidence Tip: Change your Perspective

The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.

When we wear the hat of “coach”, we often feel like we’re supposed to be some kind of guru — all-knowing, all-wise, having all the answers to people’s problems. The biggest fear is usually: What if I don’t know what to say? What if I can’t help and I look silly? This is a common perspective we automatically create or come from.

So change it! Reframe your perspective to something that empowers you. How about: “We’re going to view this session as an exploration. I’m not here as some kind of guru to tell you what to do. The goal is to help YOU get clear on what you really want, and the best way forward.”

Now doesn’t that feel better?

Practices That Support You

The following is an excerpt of one of David’s coaching sessions in Top Coaching Techniques.

David: If you just try to handle eating alone, that’s not easy because the rest of your life is a little bit in disarray. So if you try exercise alone, that’s not easy because you feel bloated, because you just ate some bad foods. If you take on the whole list… One of my things was to exercise, so I find if I go out and rock climb one night, I am not drinking alcohol, I feel like healthy foods and I am not watching any movies. Plus, I’m spending time with my partner, because she comes with me.

Client: That’s right.

David: So, I’m in this positive cycle, and it’s not even taking any effort. I didn’t even know I was doing it until I just told you the list.

Client: Yeah.

David: So what I invite you to do for this week – and to send me by the end of tomorrow – is the list of the ‘practices that support you’ and the ‘practices that abuse you’. Print it out and put it up on a wall somewhere at home. Maybe give it to your partner as well, as your partner often notices things that you’re doing or that don’t support you.

Top Ten Things We Withhold

The following is an excerpt from Top Coaching Techniques.

1. I like you more than I let on; I’d like to spend more time with you

2. You’re sexy/I want to have sex with you

3. I feel hurt by something you did/do

4. I’m drained by you…….(being late, not returning my calls, yelling at me etc.)

5. I’d really like you to touch and hug me more

6. I love you. Thank you for being in my life.

7. I’m angry at you.

8. I’m having sex to please you/keep you in the relationship

9. I’m worried if I tell you the truth you’ll be angry/ I’m afraid.

10. I’ve been showing you the front I want you to see – all my life! Now you’ll see me!

Yes, Even You Can Do It

The following is an excerpt from the book Get Paid For Who You Are.

When Jillian Wells became wheelchair bound, she felt the despair of anyone whose freedom and independence is limited. Yet she was the sort of person to do whatever she could, no matter what, and she began to devour all she could read or hear about new ventures to enrich her life.

She wanted to run online forums on self-development for women, but she had no business experience or knowledge of computers. What she did have was lots of determination and a willingness to make it happen. She began by borrowing her business partner’s website, and started advertising on facebook and e-academy. The online forums she created were deeply satisfying and transforming — for the women who attended, and for her.

Her other passion is running a lighthouse in australia with guest accommodations. the lighthouse website was very old, so she contacted the web designer and reworked the entire site to make it more interactive (www.pointhicks.com.au). as a result, she is getting at least four enquiries a day, which translates into more bookings. She’s the first to admit, “My lifestyle has greatly improved and i feel i’m making a difference for others and myself.”

Judy Feld on Finding Initial Clients

The following is taken from David’s interview with Judy Feld in 10 Super Coaches.

What top three methods, in order, did you use to get your clients in the first two years?

Three main methods, all virtual (not in-person):

My first five clients came from a marketing letter to everyone in my rolodex/database. It was small then, only 120 people. It asked for referrals; it did not invite the recipient to be coaches. I only had to send this letter out once.

E-newsletter – essential. I launched mine in 1996, and have been publishing it continuously since then. It keeps connection, establishes trust, and works hand-in-hand with my website. Provides a “call to action”.

Website- essential. And rare in 1995. I think I was one of the first 10 coaches to have a website. It becomes your “virtual place of business” and allows people all over the world to connect at any time. Provides a “call to action”.

Archive

Yearly Archive for 2012