As an accredited member of the International Coach Federation, we are required to go through a vigorous process of renewal application every three years. Meeting requirements ensures the coach will have continued to develop professionally over time. Here’s what the document says.

The International Coach Federation is honored to confer upon Gary Wood the designation of Professional Certified Coach. The designation is earned by demonstrating knowledge and proficient use of core coaching skills through a comprehensive application and exam process designed to ensure high standards for the coaching profession and the clients it serves.

Why is this all important?

• Proficiency
• High standards

And above all …

• Serving clients.

We live in an extremely noisy world.  Most often people who describe themselves as in overload, a few steps removed from burnout, don’t experience much quiet. Their lives are often busy, full of people, and quiet is usually a relatively scarce commodity.  You know what it’s like going from one activity to the next throughout the day.  It doesn’t afford much time for pause or reflection, and when it does, that is relatively short-lived.

Even if it seems quiet, it’s often hard to turn the brain off.  It just seems to keep working.  We wake up and the brain is active, we go through a busy day with brain in high gear, we go to bed thinking and working through situations of the day.  And oftentimes we can’t get to sleep because the mind keeps on working while we gaze anxiously at the time (sometimes measured in hours) go by on the bedside clock.

So how do we find time to be quiet?  It might not necessarily be easy, but we need to begin to make the effort to build quiet time into our lives. It’s like anything else that’s important, we’ll find a way to do it.

Something you will have to get over right away is the thought that somehow you shouldn’t be taking this time. You don’t feel guilty about other important events that are scheduled into your work and life routine.  And you shouldn’t feel guilty about this either.  Because it is during this time of quiet that you are going to begin taking, that you will make a decisive victory against overload and burnout.  You will have clearer thoughts about how to work, lead and live more effectively and productively.

This quiet time is extremely important.  It is as important as any other item on your calendar.  It needs to be treated like any other important engagement you might have. You might say that being quiet will be your first line drawn in the sand.

I’m going to ask something big of you right now. I want you to block out one or two consecutive hours during the week when you can have a period of quiet.  It is going to be a very purposeful quiet.  Put that on your scheduler.  Next I want you to block a full day sometime in the next month for a personal retreat.  And thereafter I want you to block out one full day for a quarterly retreat.

Don’t worry, this time doesn’t need to cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.  Make them simple, purposeful times. You need to clear out the clutter of noise and activity and take some time to think about you. Write down or work with your coach on some penetrating questions you might want to ask yourself during that time. Then take lots of time to think through them.

Lexington, KY, April 16, 2010 — Professional coaching is proven to be an effective method to help develop potential in individuals, teams, and entire organizations. However, this fact is often overshadowed by the misconceptions about professional coaches and the services they provide.

“As with any young profession that has experienced rapid growth, misconceptions have surfaced about coaching that discredit the work and dedication of individuals who have chosen coaching as a career,” said International Coach Federation (ICF) President and Master Certified Coach Giovanna D’Alessio. “Unfortunately, for many people, the only experiences they have with a life or business coach are the parodies they see on television or ‘quick-fix’ coaching offers they see advertised online. The ICF wants to challenge those misrepresentations and let people know of the great benefits our profession has to offer based on documented return on investment and expectations.”

Coaching generates a solid return on investment for clients and creates positive changes in client goal areas for both individuals and companies. According to the 2009 ICF Global Coaching Client Study, an overwhelming majority, 83 percent, of individuals who have experienced professional coaching report being “very satisfied” with their coaching experience and 96 percent said they would repeat it given the same circumstances.

The ICF would like to educate people about what coaching is, how it works, and the great results they can experience through coaching by addressing some of the most common misconceptions:

There is no training involved in becoming a coach. The ICF established Core Competencies that define the required skill set of a professional coach and establish the foundation for the professional credentialing examination and accreditation for coach training programs. ICF Credentials identify coaches who have met established standards of knowledge, skills and practice. Coaches have 135 ICF-accredited/approved coach training programs to choose from – independent programs to those associated with large universities and institutions.

Coaching is not regulated therefore there are no rules or standards for coaches to follow. The ICF has established a Code of Ethics to which ICF members and ICF Credential holders pledge commitment and accountability to standards of professional conduct. The ICF Code of Ethics is widely accepted as the industry’s golden standard.

Consumers have no protection if a coaching partnership turns sour. All coaches who are members of the ICF or hold an ICF Credential subscribe to the ICF Code of Ethics and are subject to an Ethical Conduct Review Process. This process includes a set of procedures that provide for review, investigation and response to alleged unethical practices or behavior deviating from the established ICF Code of Ethics.

Coaches are people who don’t want to spend the time or expense needed to earn a Ph.D. in therapy or related field. A majority of coaches are highly educated and have chosen coaching as a second or additional career. According to the 2007 ICF Global Coaching Study, 53 percent of coaches have acquired an advanced level of education (i.e., master’s, doctorate). Professional coaching is a distinct service which focuses on an individual’s life as it relates to goal-setting, outcome creation and personal change management. Unlike a therapist, a coach does not focus directly on relieving psychological pain or treating cognitive or emotional disorders. Trained coaches are taught when to refer their clients for therapeutic help.

Coaching is for “losers.” Coaching is helpful to all types of people from high-level executives to stay-at-home mothers who are ready to make real changes in their careers or life in general. The coach’s job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the coaching client already has. Coaching clients are well-educated: 81 percent hold a university degree and 41 percent hold a post-graduate degree, according to the ICF Global Coaching Client Study. Well-established entities such as IBM, NASA, and the BBC are large supporters of coaching and have implemented award-winning coaching programs that provide documented evidence of how coaching creates extraordinary results for their business and employees alike.

ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training.

The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 17,100 members in more than 90 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. The ICF is the only organization that awards a global credential which is currently held by more than 6,100 coaches worldwide. For more information on how to become or find an ICF Credentialed coach, please visit http://www.coachfederation.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Gary Wood, President and Director
Christian Coaches Network
705.687.2711
gary@christiancoaches.com
www.christiancoaches.com

The largest public search platform worldwide that is devoted entirely to finding professional Christian coaches has changed leadership.

On February 1, 2010, Executive Coach, Gary Wood assumed leadership of the Christian Coaches Network from founder Judy Santos, who has provided vision and direction to the organization for the last 12 years.

She says of her choice of Gary Wood as successor, “He has been on the CCN Advisory Board since it’s inception in 1998.  I have worked with him on various projects, taught with him and appreciated his wisdom and friendship over the last twelve years.  I pass the torch to him with confidence and a sense of peace that this is a change that was orchestrated by God.”

Currently Christian Coaches Network supports hundreds of professional coaches from 11 countries and a broad spectrum of life experience, professional background, expertise and denominational affiliation.

Individuals or organizations who are searching for a professional coach can now find CCN members who represent almost every area of personal, business or ministry specialty, ranging from life, relationship and marriage coaching to career, leadership and executive coaching.

CCN provides support,  connection and professional development opportunities to members. This is supported by three levels of recognized certification within the Christian coaching field.

CCN’s new Director, Gary Wood is a professionally credentialed coach who has more than 35 years business and ministry experience. Since 1998, through his executive coaching firm G.E.Wood and Associates, Gary has worked with an international clientele of corporate, government, business and nonprofit leaders.

In recently addressing member coaches, Gary said of his additional role, “I may assume the public face of CCN but I am far from the total substance. Together we make the whole. The very fact that CCN continues forward bears out the fact that God has plans … plans that include each one of us.”

ABOUT – To learn more about Christian Coaches Network and its membership services or to search for a professional Christian coach, visit their website at www.christiancoaches.com.

END

As my coaching clients have spent time with the questions and their answers, good decisions have been made.

Here are a ten of the fourteen questions. If you are being asked to assume responsibility, whether it be a promotion, new company or new leadership role, take the time to sit down with a piece of paper and a pen and write out your answers. That way you will be very intentional and capture your thoughts concisely. This will enable you to make a better decision about your future.

1. Am I really committed to this cause and the people it represents? If you are not, don’t put yourself or them through the pain. Those who take ownership will put their all into it and stand a far better chance of success.
2. Do I have confidence in the senior leadership and feel I can support them? If any doubt lingers about the senior leadership, deal with the questions now. You will have a lot to do with them and your current inkling may end up your lengthy headache … or worse.
3. Can I make the time for this leadership responsibility without creating excessive stress? In reality, how much time do you think this will take? Knowing your own style, will you allow it to consume your time to an unhealthy degree. Preemptive action may be necessary.
4. Do I and my spouse agree about this decision? If you don’t … don’t. If you enjoy a good relationship with your spouse, they are your first line of defense in making a good decision. They know you, care about what happens to you and how it will impact the family.
5. Leadership issues take discernment. Am I a discerning person and can I improve that competency? Some leadership positions require real wisdom. There are tricky issues to deal with. If that’s not you, then say no. If you are willing to grow in this area, then move forward humbly and open to learn.
6. Do I have any hidden agenda that could sabotage meetings or others on my team? If being in this role is all about you, your agenda may be the unspoken problem in every meeting. Deal with that stuff now, not later. Be up front about truth.
7. Are there any continuing things in my life that if people knew about them would disqualify me from serving? Get those things cleaned up now. Don’t live with guilt and the fear of being ‘found out’. Failures are not final. Learning from them is priceless.
8. Am I a good team player or do I generally want my own way? The organization is headed for trouble with a dictator at the helm. If you see yourself as the great ruler, get down off your pedestal. Learn how to work with the team. Provide great leadership and you will garner the respect that can dramatically move things forward.
9. How have I been prepared for this task? Experience, skills, interests? Simple question with big importance. What has brought you to this point? The sum total of who you are will determine where you go and how you lead the organization or project forward.
10. To what degree am I willing to change so that I can make a more effective contribution? There’s the rub. Are you willing to change? Those who are intentional about looking hard at themselves and making real personal and professional change, move forward. Others languish at the level of their refusal to do what’s needed to reach up to their potential.

It may be that in the public mind there is a skewed image of an executive now days. Since the economic meltdown a year ago the public has only heard about executives milking their companies and their clients for millions,  flying about in their fancy jets and rewarding themselves for getting the public purse to pay for their incompetence.

The public has seen the high and mighty fall from their ponzied perch and they are sick of the image.

But … there is a much different world out there. It’s a world of ordinary men and women who lead businesses and nonprofits, who go to work like everyone else, working hard to make the wheels of business go round or devoting themselves to see that people get services and assistance in times of greatest need.

Not every executive is a greedy man or woman. Yes, they may be paid well compared to many. It goes with the job and it’s not right or wrong, good or bad. In the world of business it just is. Not every leader is self-absorbed and ready to sell their soul for money or power. No, the vast majority of men and women, executives and leaders, work from a position of integrity and ethic. They support their family and their community. They put in the hours to make things happen.

Let’s give a thumbs up for these men and women who keep significant causes, projects and programs moving forward. These everyday executives are the unsung heroes who stand right alongside the everyday worker … both significant in their different but necessary roles.

I know whereof I speak. I get to work with the everyday executive … every day. And I can tell you they are made of the same stuff as you and me. They carry major responsibilities and heavy workloads. Contrary to popular belief, they do care about those who report to them. They care a lot.

So, as you meet the everyday executive today in the parking lot or in the grocery aisle or at the gas pump, nod and say hello. They’ve probably had one demanding day and they sure could use a smile.

We’ll have to see how this unfolds. Of course the 2010 G8 Summit, perhaps the last of the G8′s will still be held in Huntsville. Many in the area feel Muskoka could handle the numbers the G20 would generate as well.

Regardless of whether you are from Canada, United States or one of the other G8 or G20 countries, if you are looking to work with an Executive Coach or a Leadership Coach in preparation for next year, please contact us.

Muskoka is hosting the G8 but it seems there is some concern about accommodating something the size of a G20. We’ll have to see what the final decision is.

Meanwhile the area already has people rolling in as preparations take place for the G8.

Visit our website and contact us for targeted personal coaching for G8, G20 and Civil Society leaders and key personnel.  Or phone 705.687.2711. Whether you are from outside of Canada or a host national, it may be beneficial to work with an Executive Coach from the area of the Summit.

For leadership coaching for the Summit and an Executive Coach close to Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Orillia, Barrie or Toronto, contact us.

There are perfectly good reasons for this.

• Top position really is a quite isolated place to be.
• Decisions involve issues that cannot be made public yet.
• Millions or billions of dollars may ride on a single decision.
• Whole careers, projects, programs or divisions may disappear.
• The opportunity is so exciting you don’t want to get it wrong.

With my own clients I am most often engaged as a sounding board for tough decisions. It’s not that the leaders and executives I work with can’t make the decisions. These are savvy, smart men and women who didn’t get to where they are by shying back from making the tough calls.

It is however, that they realize the benefit of having their thinking challenged by penetrating questions and alternate perspectives. In a completely confidential environment they welcome the opportunity to think through and review their line of thinking. They relish going down the rabbit trails to see where it will lead them … without anyone making a big deal about it.

They invite the time to think about right positioning the correct people without being bound to their words. Thinking it through is good.

I fear we are being conditioned to rush into decisions without our best thinking being put into it. We are being groomed to solve complex problems in 30 minutes (minus the commercials). But too much rides on those decisions to leave them to the fickleness of copying a fictional world.

Sober second thought and thinking it through are still in vogue for our best leaders. They don’t rush into final conclusions on major issues. And that’s why so many of them use a personal coach, a behind-the-scenes partner who draws the best out in them and helps them make decisions that can stand the test of time.

Growing professionally will happen in three ways:

1. The Individual Takes Charge – A self motivated leader steps up and develops their own executive learning and development plan. They take responsibility and exercise the discipline to see it through.
2. The Organization Mandates Growth – There is a clear path of expected growth and development generally tied to the desired outcomes of the organization.
3. The Individual Learns by the Seat of Their Pants – The leader does what needs doing, is generally swamped by responsibilities and projects. They pick up what they can when they need it. Learning occurs by dealing with fires and scrambling to assemble what’s needed for daily leadership.

Obviously the first two are more desirable. They will most surely be supplemented by the reality of number three. The vital questions are:

• Have you taken the initiative to develop your own learning and development plan?
• Have you as an organization understood and invested in the real growth of your people?
• Do you need to change something before your pants catch fire?

Everyone benefits from leaders and executives who are deliberate about growing and improving on the contribution they make.