Creating Authentic (Coaching) Communities
Friday, December 11th, 2009Last week I had the amazing experience of connecting with members of the ICA community. Trainers, graduates and students flew in from all around the world, Bronwyn flew in from Shanghai and I flew in from Melbourne.
It was extraordinary, all of a sudden there we were - a room full of people who talk to each other 3 and 4 times a week on the telephone, sitting across the table from each other. The joy in the room was tangible. I know it sounds like a cliche - but seriously it felt like a family reunion.
It was no surprise then that when I asked everyone to write 2 quick sentences describing their conference highlight the main theme was the strength, diversity and wonder of our community (see below)
So now as I sit back here in my office I find myself reflecting on the nature of ‘community’ and how is it that we have built something so strong, so solid. My musings take me to Peter Block’s book ‘Community: The Structure of Belonging’. Peter was the keynote speaker at the ICF conference and his session was one of my favorites.
This is what I found in Block’s description of an “authentic community”:
“Community occurs in part as a shift in context…The following are the shift in context that would signal a transformation into authentic community:
- We are a community of possibilities, not a community of problems.
- Community exists for the sake of belonging and takes its identity from the gifts, generosity, and accountability of its citizens. It is not defined by its fears, its isolation, or its penchant for retribution.
- We currently have all the capacity, expertise, programs, leaders, regulations, and wealth required to end unnecessary suffering and create an alternative future.”
The ICA community is a living, breathing representation of Block’s description of an “authentic community” and I believe one of the causes of this is the power of coaching. We use the coaching process in everything we do at ICA. It underpins our management, our training – every aspect of running our business.
Consider Block’s points as a way of describing coaching, rather than community:
• Coaching holds a space and focus of possibilities, not a focus of problems.
• Coaching views each of us as our best selves- taking our identity from our gifts, generosity and accountability. Coaching does not define us by our fears.
• Coaching views each of us as authentically whole- already possessing the capacity, expertise, wisdom, leadership and ability to create an alternative future and live a life that is in alignment with our greatest selves.
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Continue reading to hear from some of the many ICA trainers, graduates and students who attended the ICF conference.
“The best part of attending the ICF conference for me was connecting “in person!” with ICA colleagues, students and grads. The full moon shone down upon us as we came together for drinks and fun! Next best, Peter Block’s keynote. This expert on building community was insightful and inspiring and I took away a few great quotes!”
-Sheri Boone
“The evening when I arrived at the TuTu Tango restaurant and saw all the faces that make up ICA I knew why it is such a fun place to belong. It is a family and one that cares. The ICA students completed the picture and made me proud to say that I am a part of this funky family - A joyful experience that I will always carry with me. “
-Prabha Chandrasekhar
“The best experience for me was the connection I made. It was a great opportunity to meet wonderful coaches, ICA trainers, and current and graduated students. Being part of ICA has created a great community and it was wonderful to see the energy and connections remain virtual and in person!”
-Michael Moniz
“For me…seeing and hearing of those of our own ICA family who are either recognized, awarded, or presenting in front of a global audience …to me is the ultimate reminder we are the number one global leader in coach training.”
-Bill Turpin
“Highlights from the conference… a stand-up, proper hug from Robyn Logan; the generosity, wit, wisdom and delight of Bronwyn; fun at the Cafe Tu Tu Tango; midnight chats with Joanne; getting to know Sheri even better; Bill’s edgy humor; shopping with Michael- chauffeur to the stars; experiencing Giuseppe’s first encounter with a root beer float; listening to the lovely french language as spoken by Isabelle and Claire; the joy of seeing Kathy Munoz and meeting her family; being in the presence of Angela’s sweetness; basking in the light of Prabha; a free book from Alan Seale; a core competency workshop on active listening; meeting students and alunmi; coming back with a greater appreciation of the whole ICA community!”
-Merci Miglino
“The highlight for me was meeting all of you for dinner on Wednesday evening and having the delicious pumpkin and banana pizza - mmmmmmmmmmmmm! The meet and greet with the students and staff the following day was equally wonderful!
What I found most interesting (and touching) was that although I didn’t have a chance to spend any significant amount of time with any one person, I felt connected at a very deep level to each of you.
On the plane ride home I realized that our community is so rich and so safe, I did not for one moment feel the least bit uncomfortable or awkward in meeting everyone for the first time. In fact, I genuinely feel as if I’ve known all of you my entire life. It was like a homecoming or reunion with friends you haven’t seen in a very long time - SIMPLY AWESOME!!”
-Kathy Munoz
“Ditto on everything Merci said. And a highlight for me is experiencing new even deeper ways of listening and being amazed by my immeasurable physical and inner strength while connecting to my Hara”.
-Isabelle King
“The highlight for me truly was the incredible connection that I felt with everyone from ICA. Having the opportunity to meet with and connect in person only deepened my appreciation for each and every one of the individuals who make ICA what it is! I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing community!”
-Angela Wahl
