Maryland Chapter ICF Event Recap Blog

April Happy Hour Brings Smiles to All! by Sharon Seal

Joy Goldman — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:48:31 GMT

The April 4th ICF/Maryland happy hour at Donna's Cafe in Columbia was a resounding success. We had a dozen folks register, and more than 20 showed up to share a beverage and great conversation. Many new faces, and potential new members, attended the relaxed evening. It was a fun and inexpensive venue to network, meet new friends, and catch up with colleagues. We hope to see you at next month's ICF/MD event!

Doug Silsbee Webinar on Presence-Based Coaching Was Terrific!

Sharon Seal — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:17:01 GMT

I admit to being a bit skeptical about a webinar on presence-based coaching, when I would not be able to see the presenter. I pictured clicking through a lot of PowerPoint slides and enduring a dry, lecture-style delivery. But, no worries...Doug Silsbee's fascinating, interactive discussion on how to bring more presence into ourselves, our clients, and our coaching was anything but boring. Even his slides delighted me, with colorful, hand-drawn pictures that caught my attention and made me curious to learn more. His concept of the "bell jar" that we each live in opened up new ways of seeing myself and my own "habits nature." Doug combined stories, examples, somatic exercises, and a powerful live coaching demonstration to bring his topic to life. His engaging style illuminated the idea that our emotions, filters, interpretations, and somatic presence all color how we see and feel in the world. Whenever I have the privilege of witnessing a live coaching demo, it usually both thrills and inspires me. Doug did not disappoint, as he deftly moved the volunteer participant through a coaching conversation weaving in her thinking, emotional, somatic, and feeling states and shifts. This segment alone was worth the very modest price of admission. If you missed the webinar, you may read more about Doug and his work on presence-based coaching at www.DougSilsbee.com. Hope to see you at our next event!

Fabulous February Event on History and Evolution of Coaching

Sharon Seal — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:01:36 GMT

Dr. Patrick Williams, MCC, BCC, was our guest speaker at the February 3rd Maryland ICF meeting. Those in attendance will receive a copy of Pat's slide presentation and also the articles he sent Susan Hahn. If you were not there, you missed the fascinating interactive talk "History and Evolution of Coaching" which treated us to a look back to the beginning of coaching as a profession that celebrates both individuals and community, provides a place for clients to be seen and heard, and builds on the whole person. Coaching supports clients in answering the evocative question "What does my life want for me?" Although many of us feel we have been coaching all of our adult lives (and then some), Dr. Williams stressed the importance of continual learning for development. Standards, ethical guidelines, and certification make coaching a profession. Credibility, confidence, competence, and community are the rewards for pursuing an ICF credential. Trends that the audience and Dr. Williams see include wellness coaching; coaching for non-profits; global community coaching (see his website http://coachingtheglobalvillage.org and the Nic Askew video of Pat Williams on that website home page); 20-something coaching (and coaches); Christian coaching for clergy, lay leaders, and counselors; elder care coaching; government executive coaching; and team coaching. For me personally, the presentation brought back fond memories of the early days of ICF, including the first conferences in the mid-1990's where only a couple of hundred of us came together. My, how our ICF community has grown! I hope that we will see you at future educational and networking events that our terrific Program Committee has planned for this year.

Photos from History, Future and Evolution of Coaching with Patrick Williams!

Joy Goldman — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:26:17 GMT

See what you missed by visiting our facebook page!

Newfield Network CEO Dan Newby Steps In for Julio Olalla

Sharon Seal — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:58:56 GMT

Although we were deeply disappointed that Julio Olalla could not be with us for our January meeting (he was sick in bed with a bad flu), Newfield Network CEO Dan Newby graciously flew in from Colorado to present a fascinating talk to our chapter. Dan shared with us what he has noticed about Julio, and coaching, in the six years he has worked with the legendary coach and leader. He reflected on the three domains of Language, Body, and Emotions and their role in powerful coaching. The discussion about the concept of "transparency breaks" was especially apropos, as we had each experienced such as break when our expectations for an evening with Julio were suddenly upended. Dan's talk was lively, candid, and rich with anecdotes, stories and examples. He touched on the historical discourse that surrounds the Language/Body/Emotions domains: the historical, cultural and familial stories that are key to deep understanding of another person. Declaring that "language isn't innocent," Dan emphasized that we never speak without consequence. Everything we learn, be it about music, food, literature, history, ourselves, or the person in front of us, contributes to our coaching. Those in attendance were captivated by Dan's relaxed and unpretentious way of imparting his knowledge and insights. Our gift was the learning and wisdom that Dan shared. However, one lucky ICF Maryland member, Kathryn Vizachero got an extra-special gift: she won the raffle for a week of intense Newfield training in gorgeous Colorado. Now, how cool is that?

The Art of Masterful Coaching..... see what you missed on our Facebook page!

Joy Goldman — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:14:39 GMT

The Art of Masterful Coaching: 1/18/12

Full article to come... for now, see photos of what you missed on our Facebook page! And, while you're there, "like us!"

The ROI of Coaching: Not Just a Numbers Game by Sharon Keys Seal, PCC

Joy Goldman — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:22:51 GMT

Dr. Kevin D. Carlson's (Associate Professor of Management from Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business) informative and intriguing presentation on the ROI of Coaching was surprising in that he never mentioned dollars and cents, monetary gains, or a cool mathematical formula I could use to dazzle clients with the value of coaching. Instead, Dr. Carlson gave an in-depth talk about the challenges of ROI, and how to address those. The audience was reminded that coaching is individualized; clients and organizations have different expectations; coaching effects are often indirect; and (alas) not all coaching generates a return.

Dr. Carlson encouraged us to formulate an hypothesis of what we believe can happen in a particular coaching engagement, then follow that hypothesis path and assess its validity. Track the sequence and success in measurable ways. That data can then be used as learning for myself and the client, as well as for future ROI discussions with other prospective clients. Another helpful perspective Dr. Carlson offered was that we can estimate the value of coaching in a variety of means: direct estimation using local expertise; benchmarking using data from others; internal assessments; and mixing and matching these approaches.

Another take-away for me was a timely reminder that coaching is a blend of both art and science, and I can use both to guide my coaching. In the end, I was happy with the ROI that I got from investing an evening with my colleagues in ICF Maryland. Aside from the interesting perspectives the presentation opened up, I enjoyed meeting new members, networking with colleagues, seeing old friends, and even was moved to volunteer to help with the Communications Committee. Not a bad return for a few hours of my time. If you missed the November event, I hope to see you at the December 7th social event. You will be glad you came!

Health and Wellness Coaching with Cheryl Walker

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:53:27 GMT

Over 25 showed up to hear about the growing and exciting field of Health and Wellness Coaching at Tai Sophia in Laurel, Maryland. Participants got a chance to network, practice newly learned wellness coaching skills, and share in the camaraderie and community. We are thrilled to welcome 4 individuals who stepped up to join our chapter and help with one of our committees. More info to come in the future!