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Cathy Mott,
ICF Michigan
Board Secretary
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In a world where so many are feeling unheard, Active Listening can be
such a gift. This type of Listening involves so much, and coaches
spend a lot of time learning how to be highly skilled in this
space. It involves quieting your mind, setting aside your
thoughts, war stories, and judgment for the good of the coachee. This
process includes opening your heart to hear what is being said but
also listening for what is
not being said.
Active Listening also focuses on body language, which is 55% of human
communication, so when the client says something their body
doesn't agree with, we notice that and explore the disconnect.
This kind of Listening is in service to others, yes...servant
leadership.
I have spent many days this month, creating a space of safety for my
clients to express themselves openly, to be validated, acknowledged,
and to feel heard. Some clients have lost several members of their
family to COVID-19, and some wanted to discuss their emotions
regarding the injustice we see in the world today.
To my surprise, I had a check-in call with a newfound friend who
surprisingly created that space for me. During this call, I was
able to tap into some feelings and emotions that I wasn't aware of
was lurking beneath the surface.
She was checking in on me as an African American woman to see how my
family and I were doing with all of the racial injustice that has
taken place. Initially, I said, "I'm okay; I think we are
okay," and she remained silent, not rushing to say "that's
good."
In the silence of that quiet moment, I began to share a few things
that I now experience differently due to the death of George Floyd
and Ahmaud Arbery. I live in a neighborhood where I am the
minority for sure. I have lived here for two years. During this time,
I have frequently gone running through my neighborhood, but for the
first time, I find myself asking the question, "Am I
safe?" That's kind of scary. When I see a pickup truck, I
wave. When the driver does not respond, in my head, I think,
"they don't want me here." I have never had that
internal dialogue before Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd.
Because I run early in the morning while my husband is still asleep,
I now leave a note on the refrigerator that says, "I have gone
running in the neighborhood." Just in case I don't return
home. After this statement, I take a look at my active
listener, and I notice her body language. Her heart is
wide open, her eyes are looking into my soul, and at this moment, I
reach the core of my inner being to answer the question, "How
are you truly?" My "aha moment" came when I heard
myself say, "I have lost my sense of security in my own neighborhood."
Wow, so powerful. What a space of discovery she created for me just
by actively listening.
Anne (my active listener) was the first person to listen to me on
this subject without a need to share how she was feeling. I was
able, on a very deep level come to appreciate the profession of
coaching and, in particular, the ICF Competency of Listening
Actively. Thank you, ICF Global and ICF, Michigan, for setting the
gold standard of coaching that creates the space for humankind to be
heard, validated, acknowledged, and empowered.
I still run in my neighborhood, but now that I have heard myself
confess my fear out loud, I can muster up the courage to move beyond
my fear and still enjoy my morning neighborhood run.
Aahh...Active Listening...Priceless.
Cathy Mott
2020
ICF Michigan Board Secretary
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NEWS & RESOURCES FROM ICF
MICHIGAN
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REFER TO OUR EVENTS CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING WEBINARS AND
OTHER EVENTS
SBAM (Small Business Association of Michigan) UPDATES
AND RESOURCES
COVID-19 is affecting all of our daily lives and our
businesses. SBAM is dedicated to helping all of our members through
these unprecedented times, weeding through the gossip and providing
you the facts.
Please join us daily at 3:00pm on Facebook
for a briefing from Rob Fowler and Brian Calley in regard to the most
updated news. Please share the information in regard to the briefings
in your e-newsletters so our members can join in as well.
Check out The
Civility Project on July 15th at 2 pm. This
judgment-free workshop is a safe place to talk, express yourself, and
be ok with the outcome. The goal is to build healthy disagreement and
dialogue. More information here.
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ICF CREDENTIALS AND STANDARDS UPDATE
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to impact how we all
live and work, the ICF Credentials and Standards Global Board has
approved three temporary measures to support coaches on their
professional development journeys while continuing to ensure the
highest standards for the credentialing process. Learn more about these changes.
For general information about the
credentialing process, various paths, and
next steps, please
watch this overview video. Also note on this same
page information and registration links for upcoming credentialing
Q/A calls. Next call will be July 28th with 2 choices (11 am
and 9 pm EDT).
UPDATE REGARDING 2020 RENEWAL TIMELINE
As
we face an enormous global crisis, ICF coaches like you are working
hard to make a difference every day for your families, your clients,
your communities and the world.
We
recognize the hardship that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on many
ICF Members and your coaching businesses. To better meet your needs
during these uncertain times, we are changing our timeline and
renewal process
ICF
Memberships will now expire on June 30, 2020.
If you are unable to renew your ICF Membership by June
30 you will have a two-month grace period. If you are unable to renew
by August 31, 2020, you will lose access to your Member Benefits on
that date. For more information, go to https://coachfederation.org/renew-membership
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Please don't hesitate to contact our dedicated Board
members with questions, observations or suggestions.
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A
dynamic, diverse community of coaches, which grows, develops,
connects, and serves
our
members, supporting communities and individuals with the highest
standards of professional coaching.
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UPCOMING
WEBINARS AND VIRTUAL EVENTS
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Topic:
"Direct
Communication"
July 14 at 2:30 pm
Click here for more info
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR
Topic:
"Cultivating
Coaching Presence Outside the Coaching Container"
June 25 at
1:00 pm
Click here for more info
COACH
CAFÉ in JULY
is VIRTUAL
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TOP
10 REASONS TO
JOIN ICF MICHIGAN
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There are lots of great reasons to join ICF Michigan,
whether you are just starting out as a coach or have an established
career...
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MEMBER
COACH
CELEBRATIONS
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DO
YOU HAVE A COACH CELEBRATION?
If
you are an ICF Michigan member who would like to share your coaching
celebration with our newsletter community, please send the (brief)
info to our administrator, Kathy, at support@icfmichigan.org
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WOULD
YOU LIKE TO JOIN ICF MICHIGAN?
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Click here for information about our
membership options and rates.
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SMALL
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN (SBAM)
PARTNERSHIP
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We
have renewed our partnership with the Small Business
Association of Michigan (SBAM) and have provided for each
member the benefit of a premium level membership.
ICF Michigan supports our members with access to the benefits of an
SBAM membership. You can 'buy up' for a VIP status or opt out should
you choose not to participate.
SBAM
has a wide range of benefits and services available and we hope you
will take the time to explore how this partnership might benefit your
coaching business.
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Join us for Collaborative
Coaching Conversations throughout Michigan!!
Check out the Events section of our Facebook page for upcoming Coach
Cafes,currently offered in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Royal
Oak.
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