Tomorrow's Life Coach
Volume 2 Issue 5 : May 2003

In This Issue: Global Coaching

Upcoming Classes at ILCT
Pat's Ponderings
Editor's Pen
The Culturally Aware Coach ~ Marilyn O'Hearne
Coaching in Canada ~ Juliet Austin
Coaching in Singapore ~ Ronald Tan
Going Global, and Doing It Well ~ Dr. Michael Arloski
The World is Our Community...Come Join Us! ~ Robert McCall, D.Min.
Coaching: A European Perspective ~ Center for Creative Leadership

Upcoming Classes at ILCT

Computer Skills/CyberSavvy (Computers for Coaches): ($150 - 4 hours)
Wednesdays - June 4 - June 25, 12:00 PM

Coaching Skills Practicum: ($450 - 12 hours)
Wednesdays, July 2 - August 20, 1:00 PM Eastern

Focus-Skills-Attitudes & Habits: ($150 - 4 hours)
Tuesdays, July 8 - July 29, 7:00 PM Eastern

Listen-Mirror-Path-Floodlight: ($150.00 - 4 hours)
Tuesdays, June 3 - June 24, 1:00 PM Eastern

Manifesting Strengths: ($150.00 - 4 hours)
Mondays, June 9 - June 30, 8:00 PM Eastern

Business Wheel: ($150 - 4 hours)
Tuesdays, July 8, 7:00 PM Eastern

Practice Made Perfect: ($450 - 12 hours)
Thursday, July 10, 7:00 PM Eastern

Click here for additional class listings. Some schedules may change; check listing or contact Edwina Adams, Administration/Registration, at edwina@lifecoachtraining.com or Diane Menendez, Director of Faculty and Curriculum, at diane@lifecoachtraining.com.  

Pat's Ponderings

With this issue of TLC being focused on Global Coaching, my thoughts turn to the joyfulness I have experienced since I transitioned into coaching full-time in 1996. I have had clients in 5 foreign countries and ILCT has had students from 9 foreign countries and 5 continents.  It is fascinating to me to have made contacts around the world, many of whom I have not even met in person!  I have attended all 3 ICF European Coaching conferences and have made some really good friends from those events--I never imagined these possibilities when I was a clinical psychologist.  My business did not promote travel opportunities and I did not attend conferences outside of North America.

As each of you build your coaching business, remember that people in your geographic region know other people around the world who might like to coach with you. Long distance rates are so economical worldwide that you can be a coach to almost anywhere in the world!

Read about some of the unique features of a global coaching business in this exciting issue of Tomorrow's Life Coach! As you read this, I will be attending and presenting in London on May 3^rd and in Italy on May 8^th-10^th.

Pat
Patrick Williams Ed.D., MCC
Chief Energizing Officer, ILCT
Colorado, USA

Editor's Pen ~ Focus: Global Coaching

It's almost shocking to realize how far technology has brought us in the past two years, especially for the life of a coach. Many coaches function fully in their professional role with a phone and computer and no (or limited) live appointments. Virtually, we have developed communities and satisfying relationships that span huge distances. But as each day passes, we are experiencing a world that is changing quicker and moving faster. Could our most significant contribution to the world be our skills in helping people and organizations handle change more effectively? We are excited to bring you the following six exciting articles on "Global Coaching"!

Next month's focus: Unusual Coaching Niches. I'm counting on YOU to send me names of coaches with unique niches! (We would also consider articles from coaches with clearly defined niches that are not necessarily unusual.) Don't hesitate on this one--just think how much fun this particular issue can be! Articles need to be submitted by May 30. Please read the simple guidelines for submissions. The focus for July is "Passive Revenue" (deadline June 30)--please let me know by June 1 if you are interested in sending in a submission on this topic.

Virtually serving you with care, 

Annette

Annette A. Miller, MBA
Flower Mound, Texas, USA
annette@lifesync.com

Editor, Tomorrow's Life Coach
Graduate, ILCT
President, LifeSync Coaching (www.lifesync.com)
Authorized Affiliate, Extended DISC of North America--on-site certification workshops and live/virtual outsourcing with the world's fastest growing assessment system!

The Culturally Aware Coach

Our world is shrinking!  Thanks to long distance learning, ILCT has had 70 international students participate in training, with 16 currently enrolled.  That is about 8% of our total student population.  And the International Coach Federation has over 191 chapters in 36 countries.  What can a coach do to make sure that their words, behavior, and coaching approach are appropriate for and respectful of their clients' and colleagues' cultures?

As I review the ILCT manual and books prior to co-leading the Foundational classes, I am struck by how the coaching concepts parallel the Intercultural model I have studied at the Intercultural Communication Institute.  I use those models in my ILCT advanced training, my Intercultural Communication training for organizations, and the International Business class I will be teaching in Malaysia and Hong Kong next fall (SARS permitting.)  We can take most of the concepts and move them from the macro (culture, collective) to the micro (individual, or coaching client) and vice versa.

Let us start with a Definition of culture: The unique shared beliefs, values, communication and behavior that differentiate one group from another. 

The Culturally Aware Coach... 

1. Is aware of their culture and how that shapes their mindset and practices, including their approach to coaching.  A coach is self-aware and takes their beliefs into account in their approach to coaching clients.
2. Looks for and celebrates the unique contributions of other cultures, and makes productive use of these aspects.  A coach uses a strengths based approach by acknowledging and mirroring a client's strengths.
3. Is curious, seeks to learn about other cultures; just as coaches, in discovery, seek to learn about our clients.
4. Is humble, not afraid to not know, asks questions, seeks understanding. (This is #2 of the ILCT 22 Essential Elements of the Coaching Alliance) Although be aware that in some cultures those with status are expected to have the answers (see #5.)
5. Is respectful of the hierarchy of the culture: some cultures have clear teacher/student roles rather than partnerships and the coach and client will refer to each other by title and last name rather than first name. (Do not assume!)

Examples: Some Asians do not believe it is appropriate to ask questions of a person in authority.  I know of an American who was corrected for calling a German by their first name. I understand that in Europe a coach's credentials and degrees may have more weight in the hiring process than in the U.S.

6. Realizes that accepting differences does not mean agreement, but rather not judging.  Recognizing there are differences is the first step out of ethnocentrism, which, like Level I listening (Co-Active Coaching), filters everything through our own lens or that of our culture.
7. Is knowledgeable of resources: telephone rates, different time zones, currency exchanges, etc.
8. Is empathic (compassionate): able to consciously shift perspective, adding other cultural views, and respond appropriately without fear of losing their own (cultural) identity.
9. Evaluates and interprets situations from those multicultural frames of reference, for example, different approaches to time.  This corresponds to Level II listening.

Example: The Latin cultures I have lived in and the Bahamas, where I have traveled, have a different sense of time.  Your coaching client from another culture says they will complete their fieldwork, action plan, or goal by a certain date and do not.   You may want to check to see if that has more to do with their cultural orientation to time or if something else is getting in the way.

10. Is watchful of their language!  When in doubt, go more formal and simple (short sentences). Know that slang and double meanings may not translate well to different cultures.
11. Is a Level III listener: listening with intuition can transcend cultures.

Marilyn O'Hearne, MSW, PCC, has lived in Spain, Brazil, and Texas and is back in Kansas City, Kansas, USA.  A '99 graduate and a current faculty member of ILCT, Marilyn co-led one of the sessions at the ICF Vancouver Conference on Coaching Across Borders.    Most of her clients are in transition (including into coaching, and cultural) or are leaders. At her website, www.connectionscoaching.com, you will find related newsletter articles. You can contact her at marilyn@lifecoachtraining.com.
© 2003 Marilyn O'Hearne All rights reserved

Coaching in Canada

When I started coaching in early 1999, coaching was still relatively unheard of in Canada. Although there was a strong and active ICF chapter in Vancouver where I reside, and there were other chapters around the country, most people, including therapists, still associated the word ‘coach' with the sports profession. Like many places in the world, the coaching profession has rapidly caught on here in the past few years.

Coaching in Canada looks much the same as it does in the US, although there are a few differences. One of the challenges Canadian coaches continue to face is the cost of US training programs, given the low value of the Canadian dollar. There are only a handful of training programs in Canada and only one that is ICF-certified at this time. Most Canadian coaches still choose to do their training in the US often because the programs have been in existence longer and have a proven track record.

Unlike the US, Canadian therapists do not have the issues of the US managed care system that have prompted some to enter the coaching profession. Most therapist-turned-coaches choose the profession because they see it as a more positive way to work with people or they want to add diversity to their practices.

Many Canadian coaches are increasingly concerned about their inability to acquire liability insurance. The ICF does not have an insurance package available for Canadians and insurance for coaches is virtually unavailable in Canada.

The coaching profession has a long way to go in terms of gaining the awareness and credibility of the majority of Canadians, and some of the particular challenges mentioned above will surely be resolved in the process. One thing is for certain: Coaching in Canada is here to stay.

Juliet Austin, MA, is a Life and Marketing Coach and Director of the Canadian Office of ILCT. She assists coaches, therapists and other helping professionals in attracting clients. Juliet is a graduate of CoachU and ILCT, and co-author of the ebook, How to Become A Coach: A Guide for Therapists. She makes her home in Vancouver, BC, Canada. You can reach Juliet at coach@julietaustin.com or visit her website at www.julietaustin.com.

Coaching in Singapore

The word "coaching" has been a buzzword in Singapore since the beginning of last year. Training consultants have been tapping into the coaching market by incorporating elements of coaching into their programs.  As to whether the trainers themselves have gone through formal coaching training is a question yet to be answered.

In most coaching sessions, the techniques of mentoring, facilitating and brainstorming are most often used. The coaching skills of exercising powerful questioning and active listening are not fully practiced. The concept from coaching--to let the clients discover the answers within themselves--is not found in most coaching sessions. In the Asian context, the coach is often referred to as the Master or expert in the field of work. For example, a "kungfu (Chinese martial art) master"must be an expert before he/she can teach his/her students. The word “coach” is often used with reference to sports coaches in which coaches are experts in their field of work. Therefore, the perception of a business/executive coach is the same. So for a coach to be able to coach a CEO of a company, that coach must be better than the CEO, in order to advise him/her. This perception can be overcome by creating awareness to educate the business community that there is a new profession called Executive Coaching.

Currently, in Singapore there are about four coaches listed in the ICF's Coach Referral Service. Of the four, only one is accredited with ICF (as an ACC) and others have attended formal coaching training from various institutions and coaching universities.  A Singapore coaching community was formed late last year. This community consists of  about 20 people who either currently attend coaching training or have gone through coaching training to promote coaching and improve coaching skills. The community holds monthly live meetings to exchange ideas and also to practice pro bono coaching.

From my perspective, not many people in Singapore are receptive to paying for coaching, since they believe that they cannot be promised of the results they want. However, in coaching the client is accountable for the results and not the coach. I believe the business of coaching will increase as more companies and individuals experience the benefits of having a qualified coach.

Ronald Tan, Personal/Executive Coach and ILCT graduate, serves as the ILCT Representative for the Asian Office. He is currently pursuing standing as a Certified Life Coach. Ronald has a MBA in Strategic Marketing. He has over twenty years experience in corporate sales and marketing roles. Ronald has traveled extensively in southeast Asia and resides in Singapore. He can be reached at jasonconsult@jasonasia.com.

Going Global, and Doing It Well

There is a globe on my desk.  When I was a child my friends and I would set a globe spinning, close our eyes and place our finger on the globe and make it stop.  We would then create an imaginary adventure that would take place in whatever country our finger landed on.  Today, the "game" is easier than ever.

All around the globe people are learning that, despite new viruses in the news, a healthy lifestyle is still the best health insurance we can carry.  Statistically, in America, we have determined that about 60% of what determines our health is all related to the lifestyle choices we make.  Knowing that, companies continue to invest in personnel who deliver wellness programs.  Knowing about healthy lifestyles, people are ever increasingly investing in their own wellness.

Making lasting lifestyle change requires more than just information. This is where the coaching alliance proves it's worth. Where wellness coaches shine is in helping people to make real behavioral changes around the actions they know they need to do for themselves. We know how to help people make changes, and make them last.  When we combine these skills with a more developed knowledge of the field of wellness, we can really help people live healthier lives.

Taking it global

There are sixteen million people in the city where I'll be delivering a keynote on wellness this summer.  It's the second biggest city in the world.  Any idea where I'm talking about?  All too few people in the United States, anyway, would know that I'm referring to Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Can you find Slovenia on a map?  I was fortunate enough to keynote on wellness in that country last summer.  There is a vast planet out there, and most people on it are interested in the same things we are...living happier, healthier lives.

With international phone plans, calling cards, etc., it is possible to affordably coach individuals overseas.  With e-mail facilitating communication, websites telling the world about our services, and faxes, cell phones, etc. at our fingertips, the globe I used to play with seems about golf ball-sized today.

Going global requires us to adapt our coaching, and our wellness strategies to the environments our clients are a part of.  Urging a stressed Thai client, for instance, to be what we would call "appropriately assertive"might not work in Thailand's socially sensitive culture.  With the client we co-create a new solution. 

Foundation Work 

Gaining the trust and respect of international clients requires true respect for the values and cultures of others.  Be genuinely interested in other cultures.  Simply put, be genuine. 

Part of gaining credibility and the experience necessary to be an effective wellness coach is to take yourself through the experience of enhancing your own health in all dimensions of wellness.  Wellness is a holistic concept, and that means attending to the areas that we personally avoid working on, whether it be physical fitness, diet, spirituality, or personal relationships.  Walking our talk attracts clients, and by the way, longevity!  Give that globe a whirl.

Dr. Michael Arloski, info@realbalance.com (www.realbalance.com) is a coach, psychologist, trainer and speaker who has presented on wellness on three, and soon to be four continents.  He and Dr. Pat Williams are developing a curriculum for an Institute For Life Coach Training program to certify Wellness Coaches. He resides in Colorado, USA.

The World is Our Community...Come Join Us!

International leaders, business persons and success oriented individuals are as eager for coaching as are our most ardent clients. It is a big world, yet as small as the tiniest cell phone or as fast as the slowest internet connection. For many, language is no barrier. English is an accepted mode of communication among those eager to succeed, within religious organizations as in business, education or the professions.

The world is our community. We invite you to join us. Requirement: a burning desire. Qualifications: world-class coaching skills. Cost: a commitment to learning and action in a global environment.

The starting point for anyone wishing to expand their coaching practice internationally is Respect. A genuine respect for culture, language, customs, and traditions and as always, the individual, will open doors for effective coaching alliances. Having world-class coaching skills without the commitment to learning and practicing the fine art of international interaction would be like a couple of NASCAR drivers trying to race on the streets of downtown New York City at noon.

In the religious world, our missionaries learn quickly that to minister effectively in another culture, they must first take the time to learn about that culture and language before they attempt to enter it to carry out their mission. The same must be true of coaches.

Remember your first attempts to use listening Levels II & III and what a challenge that was? Learning to listen and communicate on an international level cross-culturally is an even larger challenge, but one just as rewarding as the first.

By this point you may be asking yourself, "Do I have the skills to work with international clients?" "Would it be worth the effort?" To these I offer a resounding, "Yes!"Working with an international clientele is worth any effort we put forth, because as members of the growing global community this is our future.

Come join us.

Here are a couple of ideas for getting started. One idea is to hire a coach who has an effective international practice. Work with them. Clarify your vision of a world practice. Learn, practice and step out with confidence.

Another suggestion is to form a friendship with someone from another country who lives in your present community. Learn about their culture. Ask them to teach you their language. Experience the flavors of their native foods. Share with them what you do as a life coach.  Tell them of your interest in coaching internationally. Ask if they would like to be coached. If so, you have a wonderful opportunity to practice and adjust your skills in a safe environment before venturing out on the international scene. Ask them to recommend you to family members and friends back in their home country. You'll be on your way to an international coaching practice and your confidence will be genuine.

by Robert D. McCall, D.Min., Life Coach
By the time Bob was 17 and his brother Mack was 15, they "guestimated" they had already traveled over a quarter of a million miles internationally. That was before they started traveling to other parts of the world in their work. As the sons of missionaries, their global connections began early in life. Today, those connections network through 163 nations. You can contact Bob at bob@leadershiplife.com. He is currently an ILCT student and resides in Cleveland, Tennessee, USA.

Coaching: A European Perspective

The field of executive coaching has been booming in the United States for several years, but in Europe the trend is just beginning. "Attitudes are changing and organizations and individuals in Europe are becoming more open to coaching," says Lynne De Lay, CCL's [Center for Creative Leadership] feedback and coaching manager in Europe. In a recent interview, De Lay described the dynamics of coaching in European organizations.

Why are European organizations and individuals showing greater interest in coaching than in the past?

There is a growing understanding towards the positive nature of coaching -- that it can enhance development and, therefore, performance. For individuals, coaching can provide a higher degree of personal motivation, commitment and better alignment between individual goals and those of the organization. This ultimately translates into improved business results for the organization.

We have noticed that clients are beginning to ask more sophisticated questions around coaching. They inquire about the impact of coaching and our coaching model, how our coaches are trained, their qualifications, how long an individual coaching contract is, what our coaching process is, what type of quality controls we have, how we measure progress made, et cetera. This indicates to us a level of acceptance and interest that did not exist two years ago.

What are the typical reservations European managers and organizations have about coaching?

In general, Europeans seem to think that coaching is about "fixing something that is wrong," that the person who is asking for or needs a coach is deficient in some way. While this attitude can exist in the United States, it is the most common understanding in Europe.

Coaching also gets confused with business consulting or therapy. In fact, some European coaches do therapy under the guise of coaching -- with little or no regulation or standards -- which further confuses the issue.

In addition, culturally speaking, Europeans also tend to be more private, less ready to share personal issues with others than Americans.

How can a European organization move beyond the negative perception of coaching?

When CCL holds coaching workshops in Europe, they typically have a two-fold purpose: to develop coaching skills but also to help the organization create a common understanding about coaching. This is especially critical when the company initiative in coaching crosses multiple cultures.

Another key element is to provide assurances around confidentiality, since there is more misuse of assessments and feedback than in the United States. European clients greatly appreciate CCL's commitment to confidentiality and the fact that the individual owns his or her assessment data.

CCL approaches coaching as a collaborative process for helping an individual to perform better in a current job or to develop his or her future potential. The function of a CCL coach is to create a partnership with the individual being coached and to explore new possibilities and challenges together. Once they learn about it, Europeans seem very comfortable with the collaborative nature of our coaching model.

How would a European manager or company go about finding the right coach?

Locating the right coach is like finding the right person to fill a key position in your organization. Factors to consider include the coach's philosophy of coaching, how he or she assesses current skills and measures improvement, and how long the coaching engagement will last.

CCL looks at several other criteria when matching an individual client need with one of our European coaches. We determine that the coach is comfortable or has experience in dealing with the specific issue or need. We see whether a coach has coached individuals in the client's particular industry before. We look to match the background (national culture or language) and personality or coaching style with the coach and coachee. To ensure that there is a good fit between the recommended coach and the coachee, CCL organizes a phone call or face-to-face meeting before the actual coaching assignment starts.

This article is from the September 2002 issue of the Center for Creative Leadership's e-Newsletter, which delivers tips, tools and advice to the practicing manager. To subscribe to this free, monthly newsletter, visit www.ccl.org/enews. The Center for Creative Leadership is an international nonprofit, educational institution devoted to leadership research and training. Center staff members conduct research, produce publications, and provide programs and products to leaders and organizations in all sectors of society. For more information, visit www.ccl.org. Reprinted with permission.

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