In This Issue...

Upcoming Events
Past Events
Know Your Board
Committee Reports
Issue of Month
Links of Interest
Membership 

Webinar: The Business Mindset and Skillset that Builds a Thriving Coaching Practice with Ed Able

DATE: May 29TH | TIME: 7:30-9:00 PM

Why is it that some coaches thrive in this profession while others struggle? Is it luck? Are successful coaches better at coaching? Or, do they posses more certifications or better accreditation?

The answer is… successful coaches are consistently utilizing strategies, techniques, and practices that anyone can employ in their own practice. Most importantly, they understand that they MUST see themselves as a businessperson who sells coaching skills (a SkillPreneur), rather than merely a coach-for-hire.

In this presentation, you will learn how to shift your mind-set towards thinking like a savvy business owner who sells coaching services and away from the limited mindset of a coach-for-hire.

Additionally, you will learn a step-by-step process that will guide you through the most critical components of a successful SkillPreneur business and the action steps necessary to further enhance, develop, and grow your coaching practice.

Look for more info later as we finalize all the details...

Past Events...
By Mary Ellen Waltemire

On Wednesday, March 21^st the Maryland Chapter of ICF had the distinct honor of learning about PROPEL Performance as designed and presented by Dr. Tom Muha. Five elements of well being were shared as part of the introduction of this session focusing on Positive Psychology in Coaching. 

The five elements of well being include: positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaningfulness and accomplishment. Based on his work and that of others in the health care industry, Dr. Muha discussed the PROPEL Principles which he notes is a powerful way to sustain the great work to which individuals and teams have made a commitment. 

He suggests that by purposefully focusing on these 6 principles that individuals, teams and organizations will experience positive outcomes. The aspects of PROPEL are outlined here followed by an engaging question to consider.   

Passion arises when people create a compelling vision of how they can live a valuable and purpose-driven life. What generates my passion for achieving positive outcomes?

Relationships must have a minimum of 6 positive interactions for every negative encounter in order to flourish. How can I strengthen the social connections within my personal network (and within my team) to create greater positivity and cohesiveness?

Optimists explain negative events as being temporary, specific and situational. Pessimists explain positive events as being permanent, pervasive and personal. How can I shift my thinking to be more empowering when I feel helpless of hopeless about a problem?        

Proactive people achieve the highest level of success and satisfaction by consistently using their strengths. What strengths could I use to overcome a current challenge?

Energy renewal in 4 domains- physical, mental, emotions and spiritual-is essential for sustaining satisfaction and success. How am I maintaining regular routines for recharging my energy?

Legacy involves making a meaningful difference in the world, which leads to the highest level of authentic happiness. What am I going to do today to make someone’s day great?

Finally, the question of the evening seemed to be “what would it look like” if you were to PROPEL in the future?

Board Spotlight...
By Sharon Seal

This month's Spotlight is cast on President-elect Chris Holmes.  The path to leadership for Chris Holmes began innocently enough, when he volunteered to find meeting locations for the Maryland ICF.  He soon found that he and Chapter President Susan Hahn had a synergy, and he enjoyed working with her and the other emerging leaders.  Chris was very drawn to helping create a new chapter of the ICF, and he stepped forward to serve as President-Elect.  He believes that the work being done now to smooth out the fledgling Chapter structure and processes will result in being able to live into what the next phase of Maryland ICF life will be by the time he takes over the reins in 2013. 

The ICF credentialed Chris as an Associate Coach in 2008, and the United Methodist Church endorsed him for the ministry of coaching in 2009. He is a pastor with 26 years of experience serving small to large churches and for the past seven years has been District Superintendent in the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. Chris co-authored the Coach Approach Skills Training (CAST) manuals used by the United Methodist Church to train denominational leaders and pastors in basic coaching skills.  In addition, Chris has written numerous articles on coaching and has joined the faculty of Auburn Seminary in New York City to develop an ICF certified coach training process for pastors.  

Chris is now in a transition year, as he will step down from his duties within the United Methodist Church Conference on July 1st, in order to do coaching full time.  As founder of Call to Action Coaching(www.calltoactioncoaching.com), Chris is a leader in bringing ICF-approved coach training to those in ministry across the country.  He describes his work with pastors and lay coaches as a "real joy."

Chris and Margaret have been married for more than thirty years and are the proud parents of three grown children.  A man of many passions, Chris is also a watercolor artist with paintings, prints, and posters for sale in a variety of galleries and stores.  Check out his beautiful work atwww.watercolorsbychrisholmes.blogspot.com.   Chris has even developed a talk called "Artful Living" which applies the principles of watercolor to living.  His dream is to someday give a talk at an ICF conference that blends art principles with coaching. 

Communications Committee...
By Joy Goldman, Chair

The purpose of the communications committee is to provide the linkage between chapter activities, events, and work with our membership, in service to supporting our mission of promoting the success of our membership, increasing the skills and effectiveness of our members, and raising the awareness of the coaching profession in our wider community. We want coaches to associate the MD ICF Chapter with they key words of "Inspiring-- Learning---- Serving---- and Leading."  We do this through our website, MD ICF pages on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter and this newsletter!  And while we have a presence in social networking, our strength and passion is in the individual touch that we provide to our members.  We truly enjoy "hands on" communication and collaboration!

Our success would not be possible without the phenomenal talent and dedication of our team members:  Sharon Keys Seal, Mary Ellen Waltemire, Marcie Thomas and our newest member.. Chris Crandell.  Interested in getting involved? Please contact Joy atjoy@viewfindercoaching.com.

Issue of the Month... Building a Thriving Coaching Practice

What skills have you had to call on to be a successful solopreneur? What have been lessons learned in growing your coaching practice?  If you had one piece of advice to offer a new coach, what would it be? Share your wisdom or question in our forum... Click here to post your comments!

Links of Interest...

ICF Coaching World: Current Issue

ICF Credentialing Requirements PDF

DC Chapter 9th Annual Capital Coaches Conference: June 7th, 2012

Membership...

We extend a warm welcome to our new members, Susan Borden and Tricia Zarfoss. If you see them at the next social or event, be sure and give them a warm MD-ICF welcome. 

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