| The Venice of China
by Marilyn Atkinson, PhD |
 The Venice of China Earlier this month, I was training in China. Jack Huang took the Art & Science class to an outing to a tourist area near Shanghai, a "boat town" with canals like Venice.
I had my lunch while I was sitting by the canal in the ancient Chinese "boat town". During my lunch I observed at least 40 canal boats pass. They each had one oarsperson and 8 passengers. About half of the boats were rowed by a person who sang the ancient "rowing song" of the region, a beautiful rhythmic melody. The other half were being rowed by someone who was silent, "in their thoughts", perhaps gripping a cigarette between their teeth.
For 40 boats there was a consistent algorhythm: If the oarsperson was singing, the whole boat looked happy and alert. If the oarsperson was "in their thoughts" the entire group of passengers on board seemed dissociated, disinterested and disengaged. Your thoughts?
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"Got Advice? Try a Question Instead"
By Rae T. Chois, MCC
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Have you ever given a friend advice and had it fall on deaf ears? Many of us know this experience: A friend has a dilemma, you give her advice-good advice!-and she doesn't take it.
It can be frustrating when your wise words don't get through. But what if your advice is the last thing your friend needs? What if, instead, the better support came in the form of powerful questions?
As coaches-in-training we get to explore the power of great questions rather than relying on the assumptions and judgments that come with advice-giving.
Powerful questions can move people beyond entangled loops and old internal commentary into a place of true empowerment and change. This is why transformational communicators ask open-ended questions rather than tell people what to do. Let's explore how this works in more detail.
Why Advice Doesn't Work
Advice-giving makes one general assumption: that your friend or colleague or client doesn't have the necessary resources within to successfully track their own best choices. And, whether you're aware of it or not, there's often an assumption embedded in the message of your advice: that the recipient could never come up with the best answer on their own!
Also, when you subtly or blatantly offer advice, your suggestion controls the flow of the other people's thoughts and conversations. The consequences of advice-giving can impede others from listening to their own inner guidance and wisdom.
Why Questions Work
When you ask strong questions of others with appreciation and curiosity, something very important takes place: the recipients get to hear his or her answers out loud as well as inwardly and make a conclusion along the lines of: "I am competent and completely able to think through this for myself." The aim of asking thoughtful questions is to show people how they can build their own strong self-questioning system. In time, the practice will become a natural habit for their own personal inner and outer decision-making and leadership.
Try this: Put yourself in the role of the person being told what to do in a given circumstance. How do you tend to react to this? Of course it depends on the context and who's advising and whether it's been solicited or not; but generally speaking, when we receive advice from others we act in one of two ways: We either find a way to reject it or to comply with it. Does this sound familiar?
How This Applies to Coaching
When we apply advice-giving to coaching, it can produce the kind of results mentioned about, and get in the way of a client's natural process of finding his own perfect answer. If a client rejects your advice, he also discards any value in your message and perhaps could reject or devalue you as a coach. And if he accepts your advice and take action on it, he'll likely give you responsibility for their success...or failure. Clearly we do not want our clients to give us full responsibility for their lives or become addicted to us, do we?
In contrast, when you ask the kind of questions that are oriented toward self-discovery, you assist people in accessing their own inner knowledge. Consequently, they begin to fully trust themselves to find their own best choices. In this way, they take full responsibility for their lives.
To illustrate this point, let's consider the following issue that our make-believe client Sally would like help with: "For the past six months, my husband has been spending all of his free time and all of our extra money on his motorcycle restoring hobbies. I'm trying to support him but I've come to feel resentful of his lack of regard for me and my needs in our relationship. And now, my marriage feels like it's failing. What should I do?"
Now let's look at the two ways this problem can be approached-through advice and through powerful questions.
1. Advice
Dear Sally,
You need to develop interests of your own or learn to enjoy your husband's interests with him. The only way your marriage will work is for you to be your own person with your own interests and to enjoy and accept your husband for who he is.
2. Powerful questions
I wonder, are you feeling frustrated because you desire more connection with your husband? Or perhaps you're feeling disheartened because you really want both your and your husband's needs to be met? What is your truth?
As you consider this, may I ask you a few questions?
· What might be worthwhile for you on an even deeper level?
· As you consider your aims, what would be the best results?
· What do you really want in this situation?
· What sort of person would you need to become to get what you want with ease?
· What are some first steps you might take to best handle the situation?
· What other alternative solutions might be available for you?
· What seems to be the best thing to do first?
Sally, I realize that these questions might be challenging to answer-and at the same time, only you know the true path to getting what you want. It might be hard to believe sometimes, but you have all the answers inside of you.
Using Questions Over Advice in Your Coaching
As you consider the above two approaches, notice what your current approach is with your clients and in your other relationships. Do you give advice or ask questions? You can also notice how you approach yourself, and ask: How will taking a powerful questioning approach impact or transform my life?
This article represents principles and practices taught at the Erickson College of Coaching. To learn more about Erickson's curriculum including how to ask powerful questioning and using the coach approach in your life work, please visit: www.Erickson.edu
Rae T. Chois,
ICF Master Certified Coach
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"The Power of Influence: A concept that changed my life" - Part 2 - by Teresia LaRocque, ICF MCC
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"The most effective way to achieve right relations with any living thing is to look for the best in it, and then help that best into the fullest expression".
~ Allen J. Boone
Read PART 1 in the September 2010 Newsletter
PART 2
The Ability to Influence oneself:
Research shows that top salespeople believe that selling is the transference of emotion. They are extremely aware of the importance of being in a powerful emotional state of mind before talking with a customer. The ability to influence ourselves is about learning to manage our own emotions. Sorry to say it wasn't your ability alone that produced a particular result, it was the emotional state you were in at that moment.
Do you feel in every cell of your body, that your prospect can get what they need from your product or service? Do you believe without a shadow of a doubt that you're worth what you charge? Influencing yourself on these issues may be the most important factor of all in your ability to influence your prospective clients and customers. Your level of confidence, conviction and congruency must be strong before the influencing process even begins.
Does your business depend on your ability to influence?
I am very passionate about helping others enjoy and increase their effectiveness with what I call the enrollment conversation: the conversation that moves from "hello!" to the sale. A workbook and two audios called How to Turn Prospects into Clients with the Complimentary Session can help you to move easily to the sale (http://teresia.com/products/prospects.html). It's an inside look at a system that I have developed over the years to put the fun and authenticity back into "sales".
When you can develop this ability to influence, it helps people:
- Feel more authentic, confident and comfortable talking to people about your business;
- Know what questions to ask to connect deeply with people and ignite their motivation;
- Develop a deeper understanding of the psychology behind influence, not just what works, but WHY it works;
- Develop the skill and confidence to approach potential clients and effectively guide them to do business with you;
- Better qualify prospects so you don't waste time with the wrong people.
In the end, your power of influence is a huge asset to your business, certainly one worth investing in. You'll collect the dividends for the rest of your life! Be sure to join me next month for 2 more critical factors in becoming a master of influence.
"See" you next month!
Your catalyst in transforming your bottom line,
Teresia LaRocque, MCC
To find out more about Turning Prospects in Clients with the Complimentary session visit www.teresia.com/products/prospects.html
Teresia LaRocque is an expert in how to build a successful coaching practice. She is an ICF Master Certified Coach, Erickson trainer, creator of How to Turn Prospect into Clients and Passion in Profit for Coaches, and columnist for The Province and Mompreneur Magazine. See Programs for dates and upcoming information call on October 21st. www.passionintoprofitforcoaches.com
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Los Angeles & Orlando Coach Training Intensives
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The time to achieve Certification can take as long as 12 months. If your aim is to complete coach training in as little time as possible, we invite you to take Erickson's International Coach Federation Accredited Fast Track "The Art & Science of Coaching"! The Fast Track training lets you complete all 4 core training modules in as little as 8 weeks in a two part training format.
Erickson's unique approach to coaching using a Solution Focused approach is not offered in any other coach training program currently available! The Art & Science of Coaching equips you with the complete skills to work in business and as a personal professional coach. Take the opportunity to make coaching excellence your reality.
Become the coach you imagine yourself to be!
Module I - IV starts April 2010. Dates to be announced.
Venue: Sheraton Gateway Hotel
Click here to learn more
Module I: December 6 - 9
Module II: December 11 - 14
Module III: January 16 - 19
Module IV: January 21- 24
Venue: The DoubleTree Castle Hotel
Click here to learn more
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Upcoming Coach Training Programs
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For additional information about the programs or to register, please contact our enrollment advisors at 604.879.5600 Toll Free 1.800.665.6949 or via email info@erickson.edu
COACHING FORWARD - FREE PROGRAM ONLINE: Saturday November 14th  Experience this energetic, dynamic and fun initiation into coaching. This powerful information will give you an insight into a useful set of coaching skills that draw on dynamic frameworks of Erickson's Solution-Focused Coaching.
This 4 hour course is designed so you have a taste of the Erickson appoach to coaching for those interested in in-person training or the online programs
Date: Saturday, November 14th, 9 am - 1 pm
Click here to learn more and WATCH Richard Hyams, Senior Trainer and Program Developer, and the originator of the Coaching Forward program, describe this exciting program!
THE ART & SCIENCE OF COACHING
PROFESSIONAL COACH CERTIFICATE COURSE
 The ICF Accredited Coach Training Program.
Erickson offers you a unique approach to coaching that is not offered in any other coach training program currently available. Take the opportunity to make coaching excellence your reality. Become the coach you imagine yourself to be.
Click here for more information about the program, venues and times.
Modules 1 to 4 can be taken in person or online, or in combination.
Module 5 can be taken in one of three classes offered each year.
MODULE V: If you wish to become ICF credentialing and are ready to begin Module V, call Erickson College Vancouver for Winter (class full) and Spring 2010 scheduling information and details.
MODULES I-IV:
Vancouver: Module I starts October 22 & November 19
Calgary: Module I starts November 19
Edmonton: Module I starts November 12
Ottawa: Module I starts October 22
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF COACHING
ONLINE LIVE - DISTANCE LEARNING
Module I Starts October 28th, 2009
Wednesdays, 3:30-7-30 pm PST
 With The Art & Science of Coaching ONLINE L.I.V.E. you gain coaching skills that you can apply right away. This course is the same as our comprehensive in person coach training, only done from the comfort of your own home or office, from anywhere in the world.It is a dynamic learning environment and a wonderful unfolding of our professional training program, that we are certain you will enjoy!
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NLP MASTER PRACTITIONER PROGRAM
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 NLP MASTER Practitioner Certification Course
Coaching EXPERT PERFORMANCE
Starts December 3 2010
True Master Practitioners are masters of language and behavior. This program will assist you to influence, inspire and communicate with great effectiveness and a deep sense of integrity for the principles trained in all of Erickson College's programs. Ideal for Coaches, Counsellors, Managers, Consultants.
INTEGRAL NLP at Erickson College is based upon the perception that an underlying structural integrity and order exists at the deepest level of human experience, and that this integrity manifests in the form, the structures, the processes and the contents of our actions, relationships, abilities and effective learning. What are the results of practicing this perception through systemic exercise? Deep heart-mind-body connection!
click here for more information
VANCOUVER, BC
Dates:
Component 1: December 3 - 6
Component 2: January 7 - 10
Component 3: January 28 - 31
"Excellent, excellent course. It has provided me with a whole new way of living." - Eva Tinktin, University Professor
"This course gave me powerful tools to enhance the quality of my
life and those I am in contact with." - Bob Gottfried, TMG Inc.
"This has been the most beneficial course I have ever taken."
- Bill Fraser
"One of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had.
I have never felt as charged as I do now, thank you."
-Tony DiGiovanni, Paragon Development Center
"Excellent course. I will live this moment on with a zest for life.
It has allowed me to see things in a totally different perspective."
- Delphine Smith, Realtor
"I personally grew taller and richer thanks to the course!!!
(figuratively and spiritually)" - Jim McConnell, Counsellor
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More Programs
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PASSION INTO PROFIT - starts November 3rd!
Join Teresia LaRocque on October 21st where she will share the three critical factors to build a profitable and sustainable coaching business.
Here is a glimpse of what she will be talking about:
1.Embracing the entrepreneurial mindset. People don't buy coaching, they buy results.
2. Clarity on your enrolment process and stating your fees with conviction.
3.Letting go of the lone ranger mentality: What it really means to be part of a world class support team.
On October 21st she will dive deeper into these topics, exploring if the Passion into Profit program is the next best step for you. Passion into Profit is a customized business building program for coaches specifically focused on a system to get results.
"For over a decade I have supported coaches in building profitable business, over and over again I have met coaches who have a passion and great talent for what they do but struggle with getting paid clients. Can you relate? I can help!" ~Teresia LaRocque, MCC
Next course: November 3rd, 2009 Information Call: October 21st 10:00am PST - 11:30am PST (1:00pm EST - 2:30pm EST) Click here to register! (Put 'Register Me' in the Subject Line) (Don't worry if you cannot make the call you will be sent a recording.) Bonus: you will also have the opportunity to meet and be inspired by fellow Erickson students and graduates of the current "Passion into Profit" program. Connect with people who have been where you are and are now stepping into building the coaching business of their dreams! Watch this 5-minute video and hear what Rae Chois, MCC, Director of Erickson International Training & Certification Faculty has to say about the program... Click here to watch If you missed the business building tips last time, click here and watchthe 9-minute video clip on business building strategies you can act on now! Click to view the tips. May these tips inspire you and help you take your business to the next level! Transform your bottomline. Leverage your business. Love your life! www.passionintoprofitforcoaches.com
BLISScipline A.I.M. - FREE Live Guided Practice
 BLISScipline A.I.M.
FREE, live, 28-day guided practice.
The BLISScipline Energy Practice is a 25-30 minute daily practice combines appreciation, meditation, future visioning, mind and heart expansion, and action planning for the day. Our participants are people (and fellow coaches) who are ready to step away from daily "overwhelm" and stress into a joy-filled, energized, engaging new daily habit of both BLISS and inner discipline.
For more info and practice times: www.BLISSciplineAIM.com
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| What Participants Say... |
Watch an interview with Rae T. Chois, Master Certified Coach and Erickson's Senior Trainer: "Education through Erickson College" (please click on the icon)  THE ART AND SCIENCE OF COACHING"Erickson College fully provides the coach with a complete package that supports the knowledge required to place every customer in the driver's seat of self-discovery. Thank you Erickson for standing as a leader in the coaching field with principles that put the customer first. I applaud your integrity and am proud to be an Erickson Graduate." Mark Marcynuk"Layer upon layer, a picture of an entirely different way of life emerges." Mike McCarthy"The atmosphere was one of the most supportive & safe I have experienced. It provided an environment for opening and moving through apprehension to potential." Blake Wright"Very practical and result-oriented. The theory and the practise worked very well." Ellen Gerde"So motivational & inspirational. An amazing learning opportunity. Wonderful people." Andea Ferguson |
Solution Focused Coaches Association Monthly Meeting: A Glimpse at Extra Ordinary
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When Authenticity has Space, Extra Ordinary Happens
What is authenticity and how do you have it?
Presented by: Barry Braun
Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
Venue: Erickson College, 2021 Columbia Street
Meeting: 7 - 9 pm Networking 6:30 - 7 pm
This month's meeting is a presentation by Barry Braun on BEING EXTRA ORDINARY.
This is a special visit to Vancouver for Barry ... don't miss this great opportunity to hear him speak!
Barry Braun is a Coach and Consultant and makes use of his NLP background to work successfully with his clients in the areas of communication, effectiveness and behavioural change. While he is here in Vancouver for only a short time (visiting from Halifax), he has generously made himself available to speak with our group and let us in on some of his discoveries and his work with his clients around Authenticity and Creating the Extra Ordinary.
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SFCA MEETINGS are held every 3rd Tuesday of the month. No dues however $5 contribution (by donation) is welcome.
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For.Your.Information: Liability Insurance
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As a professional coach, you may have questions about Liability Insurance: what is necessary and what is actually available for coaches. Seasoned coaches are a good source when gathering information about such issues. It is useful to also know where you can find a good insurance provider as a working professional.
"To my knowledge (many years hanging around the ICF) I have only heard of two liability cases against coaches. Both were easily avoidable if the coaches were aware of the ICF Code of Ethics. (I.E. - did not disclose private info and did not promise results.) The general opinion of the folks I have talked to is that if you simply coach and train, and do not consult, your liability exposure is quite low."
~ Steve Mitten President of the International Coach Federation 2005
The Stirling Insurance Group Ltd. offers insurance to Canadian coaches for about $900. Phone (403) 720 1939 or (403) 720 1938. www.stirlinginsurancegroup.ca Building "Sterling" Solutions.
BCAA has an incredible homeowners package with NO requirement for CGL. Contact Angelika Pataki 604-268-5096 or at angelica.pataki@bcaa.com. She's fabulous and is very coachlike in making sure all your needs are covered.
If you do decide to take out separate Comprehensive General Liability (a CGL; not a home extension package), the insurer will also require you to take out Professional Liability Insurance (errors and omissions insurance).
You can get Professional Liability Insurance only if you choose. Click here http://assurancesbourgon.com/en/indexStart.php for the Insurance provider for Canadian ICF coaches. Thier policies are very reasonably priced ($400-700) and will simultaneously cover you for other work too.
Another option for ICF members (coaches) who want both CGL and PL insurance (for around $1200) can do so through LMS PROLINK Ltd. Contact Andrew Spencer at 416-644-7715 or 800-663-6828 ext. 7715, 800 - 480 University Avenue, TORONTO, ON.
Teresia LaRocque,
Master Certified Coach and Professional Speaker
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The Art and Science of Coaching
ONLINE LIVE
Starts October 28
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With The Art &
Science of Coaching ONLINE L.I.V.E. you gain coaching skills that you can apply
right away.
This course is the same as our in person coach training,
only
done from the comfort of your own home or office, from anywhere in the
world.
It is a dynamic learning environment and a wonderful unfolding
of our professional training program, that we are certain you will
enjoy!
Module I Starts October 28 (Times & Dates To be Announced)Click here to learn more |
Coaching Forward
ONLINE
November 14
9 am - 1pm PST
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Experience this energetic, dynamic and fun initiation into coaching.
FREE PROGRAM
limited enrollment
This powerful information will give you an insight into useful set of coaching
skills that draw on dynamic frameworks of Solution-Focused
Coaching
Online:
November 14
9 am - 1pm PST Click hereto learn more
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