A Special Hello and Note to Newer Coaches!
It’s come to our attention that some of the big projects at The Coaching Commons may be rather impressive-sounding, so much so that a newer coach or two has asked us:
- “How do I know if The Coaching Commons is for me?”
- “What do I want to read first?”
- “Gosh, I’d like to join a conversation or two, where do I begin?”
http://www.coachingcommons.org/featured/what-is-the-coaching-commons/
We at The Coaching Commons are inspired by every one of you and what you have to say about the coaching profession. We want you to know that you are invited, welcomed, encouraged, and supported to be here — to be really here in the midst of meaningful, robust conversations, where you know there are many diverse ways to actively contribute’. This place is meant to be for “unleashing untapped capacity” and “where the heart of coaching beats freely”!
Come with us on this adventure! What will you explore first?…and next?
Popularity: 44% [?]
Comment by Chris Owen on 21 March 2008:
It’s interesting you say this! Not that I am a new coach as such, just a small one (practice size that is).
While I’ve enjoyed the rigorous intellectual prowess and arguments of many of the posts on Coaching Commons, it DOES feel daunting and a little “out of my league”. I had toyed with seeking to contribute the occasional post, but definitely feel like I would be not on the same level as the writers here. So I could understand that newer coaches might be a bit daunted.
I guess it boils down to what The Coaching Commons’ aims and intentions are and who its market really is.
Comment by Elizabeth Crouch on 21 March 2008:
Hi Chris,
YES! Thank you with applause!
Each day offers the opportunity for new beginnings. Everyone can shed the residue of the previous day and bring forward just what will be useful. I like a ‘fresh start’ attitude….
So here’s an invitation: Dare to wear your heart, soul and mind on the outside!
There may be BIG leagues and little leagues. In the Commons, I want there to be simply leagues of coaches talking with each other.
So what do you want to talk about? What and who is creating ‘a buzz’? Who will you invite to The Coaching Commons today?
Comment by Chris Owen on 21 March 2008:
Hi Elizabeth,
Well THAT’s not the response I expected! I suppose I expected some spirited defense of intellectual and coaching rigor.
And I don’t have a problem with those at all!
I just wonder how useful that kind of rigor is to the new coach except as an intellectual stimulant. Perhaps it’s a little esoteric when you’re just trying to find clients and get your head around being in this business.
I hear the challenge though! Thanks for being welcoming.
Comment by Gail Blesch on 22 March 2008:
As one who is drawn to the original intention of this site to create a gathering place for all coaches - new, established, certified or not - and also for anyone interested in learning more about ‘coaching’ through discussion and inquiry, I am thrilled to see the invitation repeated here. It seems that when anything has the potential to change the world the way coaching does, a corresponding desire arises to sort the players; be it on a continuum, by degree or category of knowledge, by length or style of participation, etc. When the focus shifts and lingers too long in this arena, it becomes an exercise in sorting and the ‘Welcome All’ feeling weakens.
Chris, I too have felt the esoteric rigor that you refer to and find it both intellectually stimulating and irritating at the same time. Coaching to me is very much a heart driven discipline, using the intellect as its servant and sometimes a conversation that is simple, sincere and direct would do the trick. So, Chris and others out there just wanting to share what’s on their mind or in their hearts, I for one, would love to chat.