Coaching is getting into Franchise Business

Have you ever dropped in SevenEleven, Circle K, McDonald, Starbuck, Pacific Coffee and etc? They are all franchise business.

Have you ever heard of Franchise in Coaching for about HK$1,000,000?

Yes, back to 3 years ago, I saw one Chinese website promoting Coaching Franchise in China which requires the starter to have a university degree, 5 years working experience and an investment of about RMB300,000+. Then they will provide you training and all the starter's kit.

Here in Year 2007, I found another Business Coaching company is offering Business Coach Franchise Package. Here is what they mentioned:

• From your first enquiry, it takes approximately 2 months to go through the recruitment and training process. You will be ready to start working with clients as soon as you have finished training.
• Prime target clients are small to medium sized businesses.
• There is a six figure earnings potential for our business coaches, depending on individual effort and tenacity.
• The franchise package includes 20 days training, 5 of these being specific coach training; A fully documented, proven business blueprint; An operations manual; The XX brand; Proven marketing strategies; An extensive suite of business tools and systems; A fully loaded laptop; CRM; report generators, Extranet; continuous training and support; much more..
• The cost of franchise package is £45,000 / €65,000. (about HK$700,000)
• The start-up and working capital will need to have access to £15,000 / €22,000 for your start-up costs and working capital provision.
• 70% of funding support is available for both the franchise package, and the start-up costs from the major banks.

Social Responsibility

I personally see IAC as a non-profit making international certifying body for coaching professions. Could it be considered as one of the Social Enterprises? Instead of finding the answer on the yes and no, I try to see how I could contribute more effectively in this organization by adapting how Harvard Business School looks at how to run a Social Enterprise:

Social Enterprise Program Portfolio
Corporate Social Responsibility: Strategies to Create Business and Social Value is designed to provide senior corporate executives in a variety of industries with the knowledge, practical tools, and frameworks for integrating social responsibility into their corporate strategy.

Governing for Nonprofit Excellence (GNE): Critical Issues for Board Leadership is intended for nonprofit board chairs and other board members in leadership roles, who want to utilize core governance competencies to strengthen board leadership and to improve the overall effectiveness of the organization.

Performance Measurement for Effective Management of Nonprofit Organizations (PMNO) is designed to help nonprofit leaders use performance measurement to align the organization's mission, strategy, and internal performance; assess and respond to external demands in accountability; and build performance measurement systems to meet the organization's mission.

Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management (SPNM) is an intensive offering that provides nonprofit senior executives with a conceptual approach to shape the direction, mission, policies, and major programs of the organization.

Good News from Arizona Chapter

Kerri told me that their Chapter has newly developed 3 committees in interact with the IAC members and the interested public, they are:

• Education Committee
• Certification Committee
• Business Development Committee

I believe when time goes by, our Hong Kong Chapter could also expand to follow their foot print in interacting with our members.

Negotiate over Interest, not Position

Recently, I have a chance to involve in a discussion on how to coaching a family business.

John A. Davis suggested in his article on "Five Steps to Family Negotiation" that negotiate over interests, not positions. If a family member doesn't know what his or her interests really are, a supportive family can encourage the family member to talk about possible scenarios and gradually uncover his or her true interests. This process requires patience and a nonjudgmental and positive attitude about the family member and his or her possible choices. In a trusting environment where an individual's true needs, goals, and fears can be expressed.

Coaching emphases on trust, safe environment, self-discovery, non-judgmental. Moreover, coaches are helping their clients in revealing their operational systems and seeing beyond from where they are to where they want to become. Isn't it amazing that coaching offers these essence.

It's About Leadership in ideas, in action.

"There are some that can see it in themselves; there are some that need to be informed," says Professor Narayandas. "Talent needs to be nurtured: Many times it takes someone else who can recognize that an individual can think beyond their job, can think bigger, and has the potential to make a bigger impact......."

If I come to ask, 'Who would like to take part in the IAC Hong Kong Local Chapter? "

What I'd like from you are the answers to three questions:

• What do you want to do in this situation?
• Why do you do it?
• What concerns have you with your own plan of action?

Did you taste the taste of "Coaching"?

Passing Rate is much higher for coaches Hiring a Mentor Coach for the Certification

My Mentor Coach for the IAC Certification has done a simple passing rate survey in Mid 2006 and said:"

The BACC pass rate is nearly three times the IAC average. As you may know, only 25% of people who submit recordings for Step 2 of IAC certification pass on their first try. Of the seven BACC members who have done Step 2, five have passed with flying colors on their first try. That's a 70% pass rate."

more about mentor coaching

IAC HK Chapter Host presents at HKICC

Coach Bonnie, the first IAC-CC certified coach in Hong Kong, hosts of the IAC HK Local Chapter will openly sharing her certification journey and be part of your environmental support in your certification road map.

Date : 6th Sep (Thur)
Time : 7-8:30pm
Place : DD Centre, Wanchai
Language : Cantonese
For more details, please check with the organizer at http://www.coachinghk.org/

More thoughts on IAC Hong Kong Chapter

Upon my conversation with Kerri, IAC Chapters head leader, I come to aware that I have to get a clarity in mind of how to position our Chapter in Hong Kong. As far as I know, there are few non-profit making groups in Hong Kong are helping the developement of the coaching profession here.

• Hong Kong International Coaching Community (HKICC since 2002)

The biggest no-profit-making coaching organization in Hong Kong under corporate entity, consisting of over 120 members as of Jul 2007 and regularly organizing the Professional Development Meetings and Executive Coaching Conference for members.

• ICF Hong Kong Chapter

The Chapter is hosted by Wilson Wan who is an active coach in Hong Kong having a nick name of Magic Wilson. Not active in gatherings.

• CoachU Hong Kong Chapter

The Chapter is hosted by Angela Spaxman and it seems not in active.

• IAC Hong Kong Chapter (since 2007)

This is our newly established Chapter in Oct 2007, hosted by Bonnie Chan IAC-CC.

I found HKICC is doing excellent work in building a coaching community, assisting coaches in their professional development, educating public about what is coaching and promoting coaching effectiveness to coporations. Thus, it is no point for me to work duplicately in the same areas.

Taking the most unique area of IAC as an non-profit making international certifying body, I decided to focus the IAC Hong Kong Chapter in assisting coaches in turning themselves from a good coach to a masterful coach by attaining the IAC certification as the first phase. When more coaches get certified, we could consider to the next phase, such as professional and business development of this group of coaches locally and internationally. We network globally.

Well, I feel more focus and visionary for the great development of coaching in Hong Kong in value-adding to individual and corporations' personal and organizational effectiveness respectively through the IAC Hong Kong Chapter.

We start with a small IAC community in Hong Kong

I have an honor to browse the membership website of IAC and found that there is an increase in members from Hong Kong of which I listed below. I feel no more lonely of being the Chapter host here as I have these people with me. Let me reach out to them!!!!!!!

Angela S.
Vivian E.
Bonnie C.
Amy K.
SiuLing T.
Pandora N.
Lorraine L.

Five Most Common Coaching Mistakes

by Barbra Sundquist, IAC-CC (source: IAC Voice July 07 issue)

Recently someone asked me, "What are the five most common mistakes people make on their IAC certification tapes?" I thought about it for a moment, and then counted off in no particular order:

• talking too much
• rushing to solution
• accepting at face value
• holding back
• telling, rather than asking

This is my list. Other certifiers may have a slightly different list. But if I could wave a magic wand, this is what I would love to hear:

• more silence
• seek to explore, not to solve
• challenge assumptions
• say what you're afraid to say
• ask, rather than tell

1. More silence
Silence is a very powerful coaching skill. Nine times out of ten if you stay silent your client will eventually say something thoughtful or revelatory. They are using the silence to process their thoughts or access their intuition. That takes time, so don't rush them. The other benefit of allowing more silence is that you are less likely to interrupt or talk over your client.
Exercise: Make a big sign that says "WAIT" which stands for "Why Am I Talking?"

2. Seek to explore, not to solve
Jumping in too soon with advice or solutions is the most common mistake of new coaches. Most clients do not want your solution, at least not at first. They want you to help them explore all facets of their issue. If you do that, the 'solution' or next step will present itself naturally.
Exercise: practice asking only exploratory questions such as:
"How do you feel about it?"
"What have you tried already?"
"How did that work for you?"

3. Challenge assumptions
Part of a coach's role is to challenge client assumptions, excuses or self-limiting beliefs. By doing that, we broaden their possibilities. And isn't that what coaching is all about?
Exercise: Listen for and challenge assumptions. Here are some examples:

• Client says… You respond…
• "I couldn't…" "why not?"
• "Everyone knows…" "who's everyone?"
• "Of course x is true" "who says?"
• "I know that…" "Is that a fact or an assumption?"

4. Say what you're afraid to say
Whether you call them inklings, intuition or "that little voice in your head", they're there for a reason. Don't be afraid to share those thoughts with your client. They often lead to breakthroughs.

I'll give you a personal example. When I started coaching I was very strong in some respects, but one thing I didn't do was challenge the status quo with the client. I was a little too polite. As a result I wasn't coaching to my full potential. And I wasn't giving my clients what they deserve.
That changed the day I finally said what I was afraid to say. My client was complaining that his wife was so negative. What immediately popped into my head was "that's ironic, because you're one of the most negative people I know".

In that moment I had to decide whether to keep coaching at the "nice chat" level or to go deeper. I decided to take the plunge. Of course, I didn't just blurt out what was in my head. That would have been hurtful.

Instead, I said, "There's something that I'd like to share with you, but it might be hard for you to hear. Do you feel up to hearing it today?"

When he agreed, I said "It's interesting to hear you talk about your wife's negativity. Because my experience of you is that you are quite often negative, too."

We ended up having the most productive coaching call ever. In fact, he had a major breakthrough. From that point on, I was a changed coach.

Exercise: Listen for that little voice in your head and be fearless in sharing it with your client. Then notice how you feel about your effectiveness as a coach.

5. Ask, don't tell
Coaching is primarily about asking, not about telling.

• TELL vs ASK (better)
• You need x. vs What do you think you need?
• You're an introvert. vs Are you an introvert?
• You're obviously feeling better. vs How are you feeling?

Exercise: Record and transcribe a short coaching session. Then rewrite, converting "tell" statements into "ask" questions.

About the author: Barbra Sundquist is an IAC Certifier and Certified Mentor Coach who enjoys demystifying the whole certification process. To pre-register for Barbra's brand new 11-CD IAC Masteries self-study program, please go to www.BecomeACertifiedCoach.com

IAC-CC Certifed Coaches in Hong Kong and the Greater China

Information herewith is at the best information of the Chapter host without verification. For more details, please check with IAC official website at http://www.certifiedcoach.org/

Bonnie Chan, Mar 2007
You are the next......

IAC is in Greater Attraction

Lorraine, VP membership of HKICC told me that she was amazed of how much IAC has further enhanced her membership benefits in July. Lorraine has put up valuable points to the HKICC management committee for reference. Lorraine herself, particularliy feels interest in the access to a “members only” feature in the Voice, including an expanded “Certifier’s Corner”, where the certifiers will offer valuable insight and advice for the certification process.

(Interesting to note)

1. Changes included as of January 2007:

• Annual membership dues of $129.00
• A broader focus on coaching, reflected in our name change to The International Association of Coaching
• An enhanced listing in our members history search, allowing potential clients to “find” you!
• Admittance in our new Community Outreach Groups, or COGs
• Access to a “members only” feature in the Voice, including an expanded “Certifier’s Corner”, where the certifiers will offer valuable insight and advice for the certification process.
• Transition to our new, up-to-date coaching measures, the IAC Coaching Masteries
• Expanded member benefits, including the COGs and others which we’ll feature in the next several issues of the Voice.
• Marketing campaigns that will focus on the benefits of hiring IAC certified coaches.
• And several other “in the works” enhancements.

2. IAC Membership Benefits

• Show your commitment to the coaching profession and to the integration of coaching in other professions
• Pledge to abide by IAC Ethical Principles and Code of Ethics
• Apply for certification exam and coaching demonstration submissions
• Retain IAC-CC status. Note: Continuing professional development requirements TBA
• Directory listing where prospective clients or employers can reach you directly
• Group rates for professional liability insurance (USA only)
• Discounts on IAC telesummit and live events
• Unlimited access to Community Outreach Groups (COG's), our member communities for collaborations, brainstorming, networking and connecting
• Members only IAC leadership teleconferences
• Expert articles available in our "members only" section
• Volunteer opportunities with the IAC
• Leadership opportunities with the IAC
• Discounts on assessment tools

source: IAC website

If you are interested in knowing more about IAC in an interactive environment, please join the IAC Hong Kong Chapter events in the upcoming months. We are preparing to meet you soon.

Inviting Message to IAC VOICE subscribers - Hong Kong area

checking IAC has the sample letter or not.....

Who should attend IAC Hong Kong Chapter?

For individuals who want:

• to evolve from a good coach to a masterful coach
• to adopt 9 Materies for greatest coaching
• to be a certified coach and provide assurance to their valuable clients
• to be supported by a group of like-mind coaches
• to connect with an international community for personal development

Testimonial from past participants:

Thank you as well for the opportunity to assist you with this evening. I enjoyed it too and learned a lot. You were great! The content was clear and interesting and I could see how you captured everyone's attention so well!! The energy was definitely positive and inspiring! ~ Lee, executive coach.

我很榮幸昨天能認識你,你對教練的熱情及理想令我非常深刻,並且很興奮知道IAC的方向,相信對於推動教練行業有很大幫助。 ~ Cheung, coach agent

I'm writing to say I enjoyed the talk you gave about IAC Certification. It's informative and inspiring. I agree with you that there is a lot we can do to further develop the coaching profession. Certification is a way to maintain the standard. I admire your having the vision to grow the coaching industry in the Chinese speaking community in Greater China. It would be a privilledge to be working with you in making this happen. ~Tan, executive coach

My intuition tells me.......

The more I invlove in the Local Chapter preparation, the more I feel the excitement of how impactful of IAC in the coaching profession. My intuition tells me:

• to review on the IAC-CC certified coaches list and/or the IAC members list to segmentise them into cities. Then send sharing emails to tell them what our existing chapters are doing and see their interest in hosting a Chapter.
• to identify the top 10 languages in the world and strategically planning where for another new 10 Chapters...........

Sharing on Benefit of Being an IAC Local Chapter Host

I will build my sharing as time goes by:

1. By initiating to host a new Chapter, I got to contact Kerri Laryea (The Chapter Committee Leader in IAC) for details. I was amazed to have chance to communicate with and being guided by a masterful coach who is the ever highest scorer in the IAC Certification for 99%. Isn't it COOL!? Please see Kerri's sharing in her co-authored e-book.

2. As a member of the Hong Kong International Coaching Community (HKICC), I took the initiative to asking for collaboration and cooperation between IAC HK Chapter the HKICC. HKICC suggests to organize a special workshop to let their members to know the first hand information about the first IAC certified Hong Kong coach. It is my honor to sharing with them. I always believe that "Just be bold to ask and the answer will be there."

3. Through the continuous connection with the IAC voluntary officials, I found myself is in paralle pacing with the international coaching update in an effortless manner.

4. Once I decided to establish a local Chapter, the topic itself has already helped me to attract like-mind allies. By the invitation of HKICC management committee and voluntary coordinator Lorraine Lee, the VP membership, I was able to meet with 20 people on Sep 6, 2007 who are interested in knowing more about IAC. I also got voluntary coaches in joint effort with me to fine tune the Chinese translation of the 9 Masteries.

5. The Presence of IAC HK Chapter was listed on the IAC Website.

6. After several months in preparing and kicking off the IAC HK Chapter, today I browsed the internet to see how is the ranking of IAC HK Chapter Blog. I was extremely amazed to find "IAC HK Chapter: xxxxx" are listed on the first page of many searching keywords : including coaching in Hong Kong, executive coaching in HK, CEO coaching in HK, bonnie chan, bonnie chan coaching ........

We need you to grow together!

Welcome to the Volunteer Corner!

Being one of the members of IAC since 2003, I know IAC is a non-profit making international organization, we treasure the core values of building high integrity professionals and strong sense of community and social responsibility on top her her vision and mission. All the IAC management and activities are running by volunteers.

I was one of the members in the International project led by Ms Parker Anderson back in 2004 and later join as the member of the Board of Governors in 2007 and now initiate to crafting a IAC Hong Kong Chapter to create a supportive environment in this part of the world.

I would sincerely invite you to join with us to grow. There could be many ways for a creative volunteer job which I may only highlight a few that I could think of right now. Please feel free to give me your suggestions.

Brain Tankers

• contribute ideas in how to be an effective local chapter
• give suggestion in activities' context and content
• introduce inspiring speakers to the forum

Activity Ambassadors

• building connections interactively
• welcomes visitors and members on the spot
• overseeing all the logitical caring

Structural Engineers

• create system could simplify our operations
• neatly locate and synergise the data sources

Please do not hesitate to let your talent to inpsiring more people. contact us at bonnie@coachlite.com

cheers, bonnie chan

We will kick off in Oct 2007. Stay Tuned!

Welcome to the IAC Hong Kong Chapter!

Though we are still at the preparation stage, your comments are always very important for us to build a strong fundation and keep improving. You can reach us by sending emails to bonnie@coachlite.com.

We plan to have the first kick off event on the 9th Tuesday of Oct 2007. Please mark your dairy and I look forward to meeting you soon.

cheers, bonnie chan
Chapter hosts, IAC Local Chapter - Hong Kong

Sharing of Experience - Q & A

1. How could I know I am qualified to be a local Chapter host or not?

According to March issue of VOICE, IAC has stated that the purpose of establishing a local Chapter is for (1) to strengthen IAC membership on a local level, (2) to connect on an international level and (3) to support the IAC's mission to inspire the on-going evolution and application of universal coaching standards, we believe whoever are IAC members and have a passion and vision of the mentioned points are well beyond the qualification. However, before you commit to be a local Chapter host, there should be a clear understanding on how much time you could and willing to share with and what is your vision and goal. Well, we like IAC's practice by putting up powerful questionnaire for us to think deeper. Click here to see the HK Chapter's feedback on the questionnaire.

2. Will I have financial support in running a local Chapter?

The answer we got so far is "none" in an aspect of monetary support at this early stage of the exercise. However, we are still having a passion to run a local Chapter for building a supportive environment for coaches and potential coaches who are serious to become a masterful coach and about certification in assuring the benifit of their clients.

3. Can I run my local Chapter in my local language?

IAC is an international organization and they welcome us to run our local Chapter in our local language. Therefore, we plan to run HK Chapter in Chinese (Cantonese) first. When we are getting more structural, we may extend to bilingual according to the resourses and needs. We also let our Chapter Blog to naturally running in multi-language (Chinese, English and Japanese) . We feel its fun!

4. How to get people joining my first kick off meeting?

I believe "Nobody can fight alone." Therefore, no matter how many friends and coaching buddies I have and to whom I will send invitation for attending my first kick off Chapter meeting, I need to open up myself first in order to welcome new comers. Thus, I was bold enough to give a workshop at HKICC to sharing my certification journey and there I have made at least over 10 new friends who are interested in IAC Certification.

5. Am I still fit after running the Chapter for 6 months?

It's a good question? I found the purpose of the attendants coming to the Chapter have shifted a bit. At the beginning, they came to see what is IAC HK Chapter and how this Chapter could help them in their coaching learning and development. After 6 months, we have gathered a group of experienced and new coaches who are serious about the IAC Certification and learning of the 9 Masteries. About 9 people has joined the IAC membership from here. Isn't it something for celebration!? I, therefore would like to answer you that I am fit and progressing in hosting the IAC HK Chapter. And I foresee that, upon several coaches get certified, they may like to develop a buddy circle in their coaching business development. From there, we may advance to covering some topics on business development. 19 April 2008

How To Set Up a New Chapter

Commit to leadership – Starting a new chapter requires a significant investment of time and energy to properly market, recruit, organize and administer information rich meetings that support IAC member.

1. Acquire approval through IAC to start a new chapter.
2. Read policy information and guidelines and commit to adhere to them.
3. Clearly define your vision and goals for the chapter you wish to start.

Preparation – Before launching your first meeting, consider establishing these support tools:

• Another supportive member or coach to collaborate with and provide additional perspective.
• Determine meeting times and secure a meeting room location that you can expect to repeatedly reserve.
• Start a COG as a communication vehicle for launch information and follow-up with your members.
• Prepare an invitation message to send to potential participants.
• Prepare a questionnaire to send to potential participants.
• Design a plan for handling email, paperwork, and phone inquiries regarding chapter information.

Advertise – Work with the IAC to distribute your meeting information to IAC subscribers in your area.

• Submit invitation message to the IAC for distribution.
• Advertise locally via a press release, posting at local coaching schools, universities, and professional organizations.
• Follow up with meeting details prior to the first meeting.

Launch – To successfully launch your first meeting, complete these administrative and organizational tasks:

• Print a sign-in sheet to collect participant information.
• Print copies of policy information for participants to review and agree to.
• Create an agenda (see sample agenda).
• Foster introductions and a sense of acceptance (easy to do with a coaching organization!)
• Collaborate on the vision, mission, and culture of your chapter with the chapter members.
• Commit to action items in the first meeting to set the stage for forward momentum.
• Delegate responsibilities to foster teamwork and collaborative growth and development of the chapter

source: IAC - Chapter Committee

How we would see the HK Chapter looks like?

IAC Hong Kong Chapter

“Here is an open chapter that welcomes coaches and potential coaches who are serious about developing their coaching profession, get certified and continue to grow.”

Powerful Questions to interested parties:
1. How to distinguish a good coaching and masterful coaching?
2. Where do you see beyond your current coaching practices?

Our Culture and Mission:
1. We build our dream house on strong coaching foundation – 9 Masteries
2. We design supportive environment for our creative growth
3. We contribute as a way to reciprocal
4. We care the core of coaching and simplify the rest

Our Format:
1. We meet once a month on a fix venue for 1.5 hours
2. We take turn to host the gathering
3. We have a theme for each gathering
4. We are a circle of collective wisdom, no teaching but coaching and sharing
5. We ask permission
6. We respect every opinion
7. We donate to maintain the running of the Chapter

Our Notice Board:
1. We run a Blog to list events and capture the inspirations

Our Founding Members:
1. Bonnie Chan
2. You
3. You............

If you are interested to join with us to grow, please email me at bonnie@coachlite.com for details.

Chapter Members' Corner

All IAC members are welcome to join the local chapter. If you are not yet an IAC member, you are also welcome to join and share our coaching passion.

• The Latest News
• Upcoming Activities Schedule
• Who has passed Test 1?
• Who has passed Test 2?
• Want to become a volunteer
• Want to contribute articles on to this Chapter Blog

Visitors' Corner

• What is IAC (International Association of Coaching)?
• What is IAC Local Chapter?
• Who should attend the Chapter meeting?
• What is the contribution and benefit being a IAC Local Chapter Member?
• What activities do IAC Local Chapter run?
• How could I be a member?

Non-Profit Coaching Organizations:

• IAC , an international certifying organization
• ICF, an international certifying organization
• EMCC, a Pan-European membership organization
• HKICC, a Hong Kong based international coaching community
• AC, an UK based coaching association

Chapter Hosts Corner

• How To Set Up a Local Chapter
• How To Run a Local Chapter
• Where to Get the Right Support
• How to Share your valuable thoughts and experiences to the new comers
• How do you benifit in your professional development by hosting a IAC Local Chapter

What's New in the IAC's Coach Certification System?

by Barbra Sundquist, IAC-CC (source: IAC VOICE, Jun 07 issue)

The IAC Certifying Team is excited to announce that as of July 1, 2007 we will be using the IAC Coaching Masteries™ to evaluate certification submissions (and for the balance of 2007 you can still elect to be evaluated using the 15 Proficiencies - more about that below).

To bring you up to date…

When the draft Coaching Masteries™ were released in January 2007, the Certifying Team began doing "dual" scoring. This means that we scored tapes twice – first against the 15 Proficiencies, and then against the Coaching Masteries™. The score that applicants received was the 15 Proficiencies score (because the Coaching Masteries™ were not yet the official scoring system).

Why have we been doing dual scoring?
For the past six months we've been doing dual scoring to compare the scores received under the "old system" (the 15 Proficiencies) with scores received under the "new system" (the Coaching Masteries™ ). We wanted to determine if there were any problems with the application of the Coaching Masteries™ and if the scores obtained under the two systems would differ significantly in any way.

What did we discover while using the Coaching Masteries™?
The certifiers found that they could score quite easily using the draft Coaching Masteries™. Each of the nine Masteries has a full page description that gives specific indicators of the behaviors and results that would occur when the Mastery is used at a masterful level. We used the same 1 – 5 point scale as we have been using with the 15 Proficiencies, with 5 points indicating "highly effective" use of the Mastery.

Generally speaking, the scores between the Coaching Masteries™ and the 15 Proficiencies were consistent to within a few percentage points. Although we weren't necessarily aiming to have consistency between the two scoring systems, the results do underscore our belief that "great coaching is great coaching", no matter what scoring system is used.

Having said that, we did notice a few places where there is some variability based on scoring of specific masteries vs. specific proficiencies. For example, in the Coaching Masteries™ there is a greater emphasis on appropriate use of silence than in the 15 Proficiencies. So a coach who has a problem with silence may only see that reflected to a minor degree in their 15 Proficiency scoring, whereas it would "score them down" more heavily under the Coaching Masteries™ . On the other hand, under the 15 Proficiencies there is a specific Proficiency that measures "navigating via curiosity". An applicant could blow an entire Proficiency (and many do!) by failing to demonstrate a curious attitude. In contrast, while the Coaching Masteries™ do measure curiosity, it is just part of one Mastery and does not have as great an effect on the applicant's overall results.

We did make some recommendations for changes
During the past six months while the certifiers were doing dual scoring, we noticed some areas of the Masteries that needed tweaking. For instance, there were some behaviors that were duplicated in two or more Masteries. The problem with that is that it tends to "double-credit" or "double-penalize" an applicant. We wanted to avoid that.

The certifiers spent many hours testing and discussing these types of application issues and made recommendations to the IAC Board for changes in wording (most of the recommendations were minor wording changes). We're happy to report that the Board has accepted and endorsed all of our recommendations.

We're now ready to do "real" scoring using the Coaching Masteries™
Yippee! Starting July 1, 2007 the Coaching Masteries™ will be the official IAC scoring instrument. That means that unless you specify otherwise, your tapes will be evaluated using the Coaching Masteries™. You do have the option of being evaluated under the 15 Proficiencies until the end of 2007. If you want us to use the 15 Proficiencies in scoring your tapes, you must specify that in writing at the time of your application.

And since I know someone will ask… no, you can't have your tapes scored under both systems and then pick the highest marks!

All members have access to the same descriptions of the Masteries that the certifiers use. As a result, we feel that it will be easier for applicants to choose which of their tapes to submit for certification.

Best of luck to everyone!

About the author: Barbra Sundquist is an IAC Certifier and Certified Mentor Coach who enjoys demystifying the whole certification process! To pre-register for Barbra's brand new 11-CD IAC Masteries self-study program, please go to www.BecomeACertifiedCoach.com.

Our GO-al Statement

Dear Kerri,

I admire your endeavor and like the idea of IAC Chapter, in particular to create the presence of IAC worldwide and let more coaches and potential coaches to know about this profession and be attracted together for our/their personal and professional development.

My vision is to set up a HK Chapter this year, and then extend to have 2 more IAC Chapters in China, say Shenzhen and Shanghai in 1-2 years time. I would also like to liaise with any of our member(s) located in Japan (or even VOCIE subscriber) to give him/her support to create a Tokyo Chapter. Kerri, I agree with you that a guideline and a successful Model is a must to kick off. Let’s dream to double and triple our Chapter in the upcoming 2 years.

Cheers, bonnie

First Step to a Chapter

From: Coach Bonnie [mailto:bonnie@coachlite.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2007 1:21 AM
To: kerri@thecoachingweb.com
Subject: IAC Local Chapter

Hi Kerri,
I am Bonnie Chan, an IAC-CC from Hong Kong. I am glad to learn of your Local Chapter topic in VOICE Mar Issue. I would have interest to follow your footprint to extend our experience sharing with my local coaching buddies. To let you know more about me, I answered your listed questions as below.
Cheers, bonnie email: bonnie@coachlite.com


· Why do you want to start a chapter?
Bonnie>> I found the factual information and experience sharing about IAC certification are not clear and insufficient in this part of the world. Thus, un-clarity creates fear and hesitation. Moreover, the language barrier defeats many passionate attempts. Being the first IAC-CC in Hong Kong and China areas who spent her lonely journey for 8 months wants to share the HOPE to those interest and serious players in IAC certification.

· What is your motivation?
Bonnie>> My motivation is to fan the flame. I am a small potato but I am growing so as to attract those who want to grow in this remarkable coaching profession.

· What would be the benefits to chapter members?
Bonnie>> I dare not to say what benefit I could provide for the chapter members at this moment. Yet, I believe a Chinese saying that “Path is built by people who walked it through.” I believe my open sharing and supportive encouragement would be one of the environmental supports for coaches here. And usually coaches are life learners and creative leaders, I believe they will create their own dreams. I just am the starter who is lucky to have a lighting match in hand. Or as a bottom line, I need them to around me too in order to sustain.

· What would be the defining characteristics of your local chapter?
Bonnie>> My local chapter will be a chapter which shares coaching as a life style in both profession and private life. As a professional coach, we are willing to challenge the masterful standard of IAC for personal growth and assurance to our clients.

History in the Making - The First Local IAC Chapter Launch by Kerri Laryea, IAC-CC

My IAC certification journey provided a rich, distinctive texture to the fabric of my coaching and my life. If I hadn't worked so hard at mastering the proficiencies, I wouldn't have experienced the same level of personal growth and professional confidence. I might even have missed out on friendships I expect will last a lifetime. I've noticed that when coaches on this certification journey get together, exchange stories and celebrate the moment, we embroider beautiful accents into our "coaching" fabric. My inspiration for starting the first IAC local chapter was to weave an even richer brocade of connections into my life.

This month we launched the first ever IAC sanctioned chapter meeting here in Phoenix, Arizona. Invitations were sent out to all Arizona coaches in the IAC database. I looked forward to many eager coaching souls from every part of the state flocking to a function that promised, above all, face-to-face connections, fun and celebration.

We were a smaller group than I'd hoped for, but those who did attend brought with them the excitement, enthusiasm and energy so often found when people connect in meaningful, soulful ways. We shared visions for local collaboration and ways of promoting excellence in coaching; we traded stories about our coaching professions and we basked in the pleasure of each other's company.

Here's what Pat Beck of Phoenix, Arizona commented: "It is so nice to make face-to-face connections with coaches who are really serious about our profession. I'm looking forward to the next meeting!"

For those of you IAC members interested in starting your own local chapter, I'd like to support you. Let's work together to strengthen our membership on a local level, connect on an international level, and support the IAC's mission to inspire the on-going evolution and application of universal coaching standards. If you think you're ready to start a chapter, ask yourself these questions (questions asked of me by my coach in Scotland):

Why do you want to start a chapter?
What is your motivation?
What would be the benefits to chapter members?
What would be the defining characteristics of your local chapter?

Please let me know how I can support you.
Kerri Laryea, MPA, IAC-CChttp://www.thecoachingweb.com/, kerri@thecoachingweb.com.
Kerri is a coach, mentor, wife and mother living in Scottsdale, AZ. Her passion is spinning a web of connections - threads that connect clients to coaches, employers to employees, collaborators to projects, and resources to seekers.

source: IAC VOICE March 2007 issue