Welcome to Today's Coach

(excerpted from one of the 100 Lessons of the Full Practice eCourse from CoachVille)

Every week, we receive requests for coaching services that we forward to the coaches listed in the CoachVille Referral Service.

The most common requests are for "strong" coaches.

And not just experienced or skilled coaches, but coaches with either a strong personality or what I call having "the Edge."

And, I've never met a very successful coach who didn't/doesn't have this Edge.

And as you develop this Edge, you will begin to attract more clients and keep the clients you have, longer. For whatever reason, the Edge works. And the marketplace will either dub you a 'nice person/nice coach' or a coach who can make something happen, because they have the Edge.

What, exactly, is the Edge?
The Edge is several things...

1. The Edge is a no-nonsense component in the tone of your voice.
In other words, you have something more important to do than coddle your clients. Or be bored by their lack of commitment. Or impatient with their success cycle. You've gotten to a certain place in your life, not just in your coaching, where you're just not that interested in the excuses, stories and wavering that clients tend to come with.

This is not to say that you're rude, pushy, obnoxious or insensitive to the realities that your clients are facing, especially as they make significant changes in their lives. In fact, most of the coaches with the Edge are fairly quiet in tone, but there is this underlying note that the client hears which the client responds to and respects. The benefit of having the Edge is that clients don't play games or do a number on you.

I think it's really important to realize that many clients are experiencing more than a twinge of fear around the goals they've set for themselves with your help. And, being human, when we're scared, we'll look for a way out, even to the point of distracting our coach or changing goals or being flaky. But when the coach has the Edge, the client just doesn't go there. Which saves everyone a lot of time.

2. The Edge means having a very sensitive b.s. detector.
I am NOT one to call the client on their b.s. It's my view that that approach is a power trip and not professional. However, I can/do detect inconsistencies in what the client is saying (and/or how they are saying it) and I do point those out, gently, simply, easily, fearlessly and in what's called a 'charge neutral' tone, meaning there's no 'charge' to my voice. It's a clean communication. And it's part of what the client is paying me for. Because most clients don't even know when they are b.s.'ing and they APPRECIATE your asking for a clarification. As a coach gains experience, they hear the subtle inconsistencies or things that just don't ring true. And, the coach who has the Edge brings this up within sixty seconds of hearing it. Not as a confrontational challenge (unsophisticated, unseemly, amateurish) but rather as a simple, shared observation or question. Just doing this will advance the relationship you have with your client, which leads to more honest communication and faster results.

3. The Edge means having an opinion and sharing it.
Some coaches receive training from schools where they are taught that the client has all of the answers and that the coach should suppress the coach's opinion so as to not get in the way of the client's process. This approach works for about 10% of the clients out there which means most of these coaches don't have very full practices and I think this is a shame. It's my view that a key part of why clients hire a coach is to hear the coach's opinion about the client's goals, situation, problem, dynamic or lifestyle. Even unsolicited opinions, if you have established that type of relationship/permission with your client, are immensely valuable and can forward the clients dramatically. We coaches provide so much to our clients: Support, wisdom, structure, questions, understanding, strategies, ideas, synergy and yes, opinions.

Like it or not, the edgier, stronger coaches are the most financially successful.

Let me be clear. I am not saying that we should be intolerant of our clients humanness...
...and be intolerant of excuses, explanations, delays, confusion, fear, reality, kids, obligations and the various things that life dishes out....

What I am saying is that when clients view us as a strong person, they'll straighten up and perform at levels that surprise themselves.
Indulge me for a second with a story about my dog, Fringe. That's Fringe at 2 months (he's a Maltese). He was just about as nervous and scared as a little ball of fluff could be. He wouldn't/couldn't walk up the 2 flights of stairs to my condo in Montreal. He couldn't walk on the sidewalk; he was too scared. He would freeze up if we put him outside on the balcony. He was sweet and scared to death and was like this wind up toy. With a timid heart of gold. But his personality was stunted because of his fears. (No, this is not autobiographical.)

So, we brought in a doggie coach for 3 sessions. The moment that dog trainer walked in the room and spoke (with an edge in his voice) to Fringe, Fringe stood up straight and paid attention. And took risks. And paid more attention. And pretty soon was running up and down the stairs ahead of us and barking until we made it up ourselves. He had found his confidence; thanks to the doggie coach. For whatever reason, he woke up. And rose to the occasion. Or, to the new environment created by the doggie coach.

A jargon term for this process is called 'showing up.'
I'm not sure which of the personal development courses/genre popularized that term, but it's an apt description of the inner change that people can make and how this internal shift evidences itself so that others see the difference as well.

So, how to be edgy/strong without being intolerant?
Personally, I'd warn/educate your clients before they start with you that you just don't have the time for excuses, complaining, whining, waiting, resisting, hoping, over thinking, etc. Just tell them that is just not how you work.

(You CAN say this very cleanly, without a tinge of arrogance, criticism, patronization. And, fyi, if you wait to long to say something along this line, you'll probably say something cuz you're frustrated with a client. Actually, you're frustrated with yourself for not speaking up sooner, but that's another course...)

If it's true for you that you're not interested in excuses, then you can say so in a matter of fact of way. I'm at the place in my life and practice where I don't have much interest in hand holding. Remember, coaching is a partnership as much as it is a professional service.

Educate your clients how to be a great partner and many will respond accordingly.

Why is it difficult for coaches to develop the Edge?
The short answer is that the coach is afraid of losing the client so they don't press enough. The single, proven solution is to rearrange your finances so that you have 50% more revenue coming from coaching clients than you need to live on. Which might mean you'll need to keep a day job, or simplify your lifestyle significantly. This 50% reserve factor will give you the freedom to be honest with your clients, and while sensitive to their needs, not afraid of swinging out. If you cannot afford financially to lose your clients, you WILL be a mouse. Guaranteed. Again, the simple solution is money. Don't put yourself in a position where paying your mortgage is more important than your being an honest coach to your clients.

When does the Edge turn into a weapon?
There's a pretty fine line between having the Edge and using the Edge. The best coaches have the Edge and they don't have to use it. The coach learning about the edge and developing it for themselves, tends to use the Edge as if it's a tool. And in some cases, a weapon. You know the Edge is a weapon when you're feeling frustrated or having another emotional reaction to the client and you put an Edge into your voice that isn't natural or you say something with an emotional charge to it. At that point, you're simply venting. Which is not the Edge.

Ironically, the reason that coaches get frustrated isn't because the client isn't making progress, but rather because the coach has put up with it for too long and then by the time they do speak up, they are upset.

How will developing the Edge help me get more clients?
As you develop the Edge, you'll build self confidence. And self confidence is something that potential clients can feel and they tend to hire coaches who have this self confidence. You'll also find that clients are getting more results because of your Edge; that leads to more referrals and longer terms with current clients. And, you'll simply be a better coach because you're openly communicating at all times with your client, instead of holding back and trying to "be supportive." Most clients want/need more than support. Most client orient to coaches with the Edge.

I hope this is useful.

Best,

Thomas

Could your Coaching Skills use sharpening? Your Practice building/filling muscles more exercise?

Ready to develop the Edge? Read on...

Why should I attend a live training with CoachVille?
kudos from previous attendees
used with permission and thanks!

A clear means of structuring my coaching work...
“In less than 48 hours, I feel I’ve made some major shifts in my coaching focus and skills. Although I’ve trained at other venues and worked as a coach for some time, the discussion and practice around the 15 Proficiencies, Clarifiers, Deliverables, etc. FINALLY gave me a clear means of structuring my work and sharing it with others. In addition, the real-time experience of putting these tools and concepts into practice and receiving feedback on their use accelerated my learning process dramatically. I finally KNOW how I’m doing as a coach, what my greatest strengths and gifts are, and what areas need greater attention. Thank you for making all this not only possible but so easily accessible.”
Warm regards,
Charlie Siegel
coachcharlie@theperfectpath.com
http://www.theperfectpath.com
+1-626-799-5611

It can't be this easy, yet it is...
"Just a note to thank you for a fantastic "intensive training" in Phoenix. The five-15's are brilliant and have already made a difference in my coaching, and in my life. In using the 15's, I feel like I have a tremendous amount of freedom to provide exactly what my clients need...and an incredible guide for communicating with my clients in a manner that has coaching be much easier and more focused. The first time I used the 15's after returning from Phoenix, I got off my coaching call thinking "it can't be that easy," but my client got what she wanted and I enjoyed her immensely!"
Thank you,
Christine Kloser
christine@loveyourlife.com

Intensive, and delightful...
"What a fun experience the Phoenix Certified Coach Intensive was! Yes it was an intensive - yet delightful to have 'The 15s" presented with lightness and humor. If you want a jumpstart on coaching, this is your ticket. I can hardly wait for Toronto!"
Judy Irving, CMC, PCC
judy@MovingOn.net

Far more than what I paid for...
"Thomas and Dave, once again, you've outdone yourselves! The conference in Phoenix had a million times more value that what we all paid for! I would say your five 15s are the basic principles of a coaching session that are lessons we'll use daily and carry through for the rest of our lives. Thank you for being so insightful to put this together is such an understandable, concise manner in which to use forever!"
Adrienne Chase
aichase@comcast.net

My first live CoachVille event...
"This was my first "live" Coachville event and it was a wonderful experience. I was apprehensive about taking this course since I am a graduate of another major coaching program, but found the Coachville intensive to be complementary to my earlier education and helped me refine my "thinking and clarify approaches in methodology of coaching". As with any event of this type I am strong advocate of the networking and meeting fellow coaches as you can learn a great deal from working with your peers and this course did not disappoint. I met many magnificent and gifted coaches and felt very much part of the CoachVille family. We are indeed a group of dedicated, talented, hardworking coaches all striving to serve our clients and in so doing...serving the future of the profession.

"I strongly recommend this course for those seeking credentialing as it is well worth the price of admission and as someone who is leading a study group in my area I will be encouraging all CoachVille members in my area to make the effort to attend for interaction with your peers is a beautiful thing."
Bob Stack
bobstack@att.net
Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Much more confidence....
"I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to attend the Coachville conference in Phoenix! Just three months ago, I began my journey in formal coach training but have suffered somewhat from lack of direction and overwhelm. Thomas' frameworks, the five 15's, have given me so much confidence to move forward in my business. It's incredible. Thank you, CoachVille!"
TheWORDCoaching@aol.com

Added depth was an exciting challenge...
"It was an exciting challenge to look at my coaching through the CoachVille System. Each piece; the Clarifiers, Proficiencies, Deliverables, Style Points and Frameworks add a depth and structure to the work we do. My analogy is taking a walk through the woods while having the leisure to look at every small and interesting thing along the path. On occasion I could stop and smell the flowers (participate in the triads and demos). And the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and with rich and interesting lives allowed me to develop referrals, gain interesting ideas and meet new friends.

"I want to acknowledge Thomas as one of this century’s greatest synthesizers of information. I see him as a visionary with an incredible capacity to make fine distinctions. His work allows us to work ever more effectively with our clients while developing ourselves as people. I look forward to joining Thomas and Dave in other cities."
Alicia Smith
www.discninja.com

Treat yourself...
"I am an experienced, Coach U-trained corporate coach. I went to the CoachVille Intensive for continuing education not having participated in coaching classes in two years. What I came home with was an upliftment (cool word) and change in attitude that I can scarcely describe. The intensive, itself, is:
---A joy to participate in - there's abundant humor when working with Thomas
---Clear - you'll have many, many opportunities to ask questions and practice skills.
---A context into which you may place yourself, your personality, your style and expertise and come out the better for it.
---A wealth (and I do mean wealth) of information made up of a generous, talented community of like-intended folks who will enhance your week-end experience.

"I left home bogged down in business and slogging through some personal issues. I arrived home with a new experience of my business and, surprisingly, a fresh perspective of my personal dilemma, too."

Treat yourself!
Suzanne Lagay
slagay@hunterdon-chamber.org

Integrating all that you already know...
"Thomas Wolfe was wrong! You can go home again. I have found mine at CoachVille and in the concepts and ideas taught during this last week-end in Phoenix. Everything I've learned through 30 years of training, consulting, developing businesses, inspiring and guiding people to reach new heights- all of me has found a final home! During my entire life, I have had to segment my skills, knowledge and training into separate categories and limit their use. I knew coaching was a way to integrate them all but it took this week-end for me to feel totally at home with the concept and the framework. I now see the big picture! I know how to implement concepts and strategies. I know how to bring value to clients. And wow - is that awesome! I can't wait for the next session."
Saralyn Collins
The Training Bridge
http://www.thetrainingbridge.com
consultantsc@cfl.rr.com

Vibrant and interactive environment...
"The Certified Coach Intensive in Phoenix was GREAT! Thank you for providing an exciting, vibrant, and interactive environment within which we all could explore and learn how to use the 15 Proficiencies. The real-time coaching Thomas and Dave offered was the best way for me to "see" how effective these proficiencies can be. I came away with the confidence to use these very real tools in providing my clients with greater coaching value."

Garrick Colwell
Certified Fearless Living Coach
gcolwell@fearlessliving.org

It works in the real world...
"The Coaching Intensive experience and materials are by far the most stimulating, valuable, and applicable learning in my coaching development thus far. Just back from Phoenix, in my first client call this morning, my mind surfaced the Clarifier, "Accurate vs. Interpretation" in response to her comment about ' I just know that he wouldn't call me back." By asking whether she truly knew of perceived/interpreted that he wouldn't call her back, she leapt to the realization that she's been limiting her own marketing efforts based on inaccurate self-limiting beliefs/interpretations. I was excited about this because I wasn't looking at the list; I was just doing what you suggested, having a stimulating conversation with the client, and the stuff from the Intensive came flashing through my mind. Bravo, Thomas! Great stuff that I'm excited about using more, and regularly. THANK YOU."

The Wonder Coach
Susan E. Race, PCC
www.personalgrowthsystems.com
coach@personalgrowthsystems.com
+1-610-695-0464

Significantly reduce the learning curve...
"I believe the 2 day intensive is a must for any serious-minded coach (or want-a-be) who wants to significantly reduce the learning curve to becoming a masterful coach...certified or not. The "live" presentation of the material, the examples, role plays, and triad discussions add a dimension that is not available in any other format. For those seeking to become mentor coaches the two-day experience provides insights that will increase their ability to guide their mentee client toward certification and higher levels of proficiency."
Enthusiastically,
Bob Moore, CMC, MCC
The Effectiveness Coach™
http://www.theeffectivenesscoach.com
bob@effectiveness.com
+1-813-286-7320

By attending CoachVille's Certified Coach Intensive, you WILL GROW exponentially as a Coach, in the company of other like-minded Coaches.

CoachVille's Certified Coach Intensive training will be held in 11 cities starting in September 2002

....which city is nearest you?
click to find out

Are you a coach who...

Has heard about the 15 Coaching Proficiencies from CoachVille and is eager to learn them in an immersion weekend?

Has been looking for a universal coaching model that can be adapted to a wide variety of client types and situations?

Is considering the Certified Coach designation track and wishes to prepare yourself for the Certified Coach exam?

Is currently coaching and interested in expanding the number of ways you coach, and the types of models you use?

Is working with clients who you sense are wanting more from you as you coach them?

Is new to the coaching game and wants to quickly understand how to coach well instead of waiting years to learn by trial and error?

Is working internally or externally for a company and is seeking an open-architecture approach to coach leaders in the company?

If any of the above are true for you, then the CoachVille Intensive is for you. Offered in just 12 cities worldwide this year, and led by the coach's coach Thomas J. Leonard, founder of CoachVille and the Graduate School of Coaching, this 2-day training is the type of immersion, highly experiential and fast-paced training that you've been looking for. And it leads to the Certified Coach designation offered by the ICA (International Coaching Association), should that be a part of your professional plans.

Certified Coach Intensive - 2002

Register Now!
City	Max	Status	To register
Dallas, TX September 20, 21, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register save $70 by registering by August 15, 2002
San Francisco, CA September 27, 28, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register save $70 by registering by August 15, 2002
Chicago, IL October 4, 5, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register save $70 by registering by August 15, 2002
Philadelphia, PA October 11, 12, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register save $70 by registering by August 15, 2002
London, England October 18, 19, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register
Boston, MA October 25, 26, 2002	250	Available just opened	Click to Register
Sydney, Australia November 1, 2, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register
Atlanta, GA November 15, 16, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register
Denver, CO November 22, 23, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register
Seattle, WA December 6, 7, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register
Ft. Lauderdale, FL December 13, 14, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register

Training fee
$179 if you register before early bird discount offer expires (deadline varies from city to city)
$249 or $279 if you register after the early bird deadline. (varies from city to city.)
Click on the city of your choice above for exact details.

What will I learn at the Certified Coach intensive?
1. The 15 Coaching Proficiencies (coaching competencies)
2. The 15 Coaching StylePoints (communication style)
3. The 15 Coaching Frameworks (the place from which you look at life)
Please note: You will not be certified at the end of the training. That is a separate step, but the training is 100% focused on 15 Proficiencies, StylePoints and Frameworks which are the basis of the Certified Coach designation/testing.

How is the Intensive organized?
We are keeping the training as interactive, effective, and simple as possible. You'll have plenty of free time for networking.
1. Everyone is in the same event room during the training.
2. Thomas Leonard is leading the segments.
3. All sessions are interactive (and include step-by-step handouts).
4. You are on your own for meals. Beverages are served both days during the breaks.

Guarantee of Satisfaction
If, at the end of the Intensive, you feel that the conference was not worth the fee you paid, you will be refunded your Intensive fee in its entirety, no questions asked. (We're quite serious about this.)

What You Will Be Learning
The 5-Element CoachVille Coaching System

Key Points

About the CoachVille Coaching System
Is there an open-architecture coaching system available that is effective with a wide range of clients, and usable by coaches at all skill levels? Yes! In this intensive, you will learn -- and become effective with -- the newly released CoachVille Coaching System. The highly flexible system includes the 5 elements illustrated above, and described below.

The 15 Coaching Proficiencies
The Coaching Proficiencies are the engine of the coaching process; this is what the coach spends 90% of his/her time doing during a typical coaching call.   The list of the proficiencies is here.

The 15 Listening Clarifiers
In order to know which of the proficiencies to use at any given time, the coach needs to know, and sort through, what they are hearing. Thus the 15 Clarifiers which help the coach know the nature of what they are hearing and guides them to select the most important element of what they are hearing. Once this is clear (it can take just a millisecond), the coach will naturally choose the most fitting proficiency. The list of the clarifiers is here.

The 15 Deliverables
Deliverables are what the coach delivers. Which is distinct from the outcomes that the client may have or cause as a result of the coach's deliverables. (Deliverables vs outcomes is a key distinction in coaching.).   The list of the deliverables is here.

The 15 Life Frameworks
Frameworks are places that the coach (and client) come from in their thinking, perception, behavior and attitudes. Frameworks expand thinking, which can result in clients moving forward more quickly and with less effort. Think of a space ship being launched. It needs the thrust of booster rockets to break the inertia/gravity/weight to get the rocket beyond the pull/heaviness of Earth's atmosphere so that it can play effortlessly in space, where there is no resistance. Something similar happens to the client when their frameworks are expanded. Blocks to success are reduced and progress accelerates. The list of the frameworks is here.

The 15 Communication StylePoints
How you come across and interact/relate with your client can accelerate or slow down the coaching process. We've identified 15 aspects of communication that we call the StylePoints. Each of these 15 StylePoints can help you become more effective coach by tweaking your coaching communication style. The list of the StylePoints is here.

Here's how you will benefit by attending the 2-day Certified Coach Intensive

As a participant, you will learn how to...
	Learn and discover how strong you are in the 15 Coaching Proficiencies
	Expand your thinking and approach via the 15 Life Frameworks
	Polish how you relate with your clients via the 15 Communication Style Points
	Quickly identify exactly what the client is saying via the 15 Client Clarifiers
	Immediately add value to your clients by offering the 15 Coaching Deliverables
	Gain confidence as a coach by building on what you already know.
	Get your arms around the entire coaching process; no more surprises.
	Learn how to articulate what you can offer your clients.
	Learn about the future of coaching; what clients will be wanting and needing from coaches over the next 5 to 10 years.
	And, from 4 to 5pm on Saturday, we'll be offering a special one-hour program called the Strategies for the Six-Figure Coaching Practice which will include everything from selecting a niche, to positioning your brand, to using emarketing to developing passive revenue sources. This segment is free for all registrants in the Intensive.
	Meet and network with other coaches from you area and from around the world who share common interests with you.

How is the Intensive designed?

The intensive has been designed as a powerful learning experience...
	Multimedia presentations to quickly and graphically convey the key points, principles and theory.
	"Front of the room demos" by Thomas Leonard so that you can see real world demonstrations of optimal form.
	"From the podium" discussions between Thomas Leonard and you so that you can benefit from the wisdom of other coaches in the room. (We use floating wireless microphones.)
	Highly interactive dyads and triads so that you can practice and perfect what you are learning using scorecards and guides.
	Case study examples and 'team solution' methods to prepare you for the types of client situations that you will be encountering in the real world.
	Networking opportunities before and after each day's sessions.

Cancellations/Transfers
We offer 100% refund of your payment/tuition if you withdraw by July 31, 2002. Between August 1 and August 31, there is a 50% refund available. No refund as of September 1, 2002. However, you may transfer your registration to another city anytime without a fee or penalty, and you may transfer your registration to another person anytime without a fee or penalty..

Need a roommate?
When you register, we'll let you know how to connect with other attendees to share a room.

Questions/Requests
Please email support@coachville.com

The Certified Coach Intensive is available during 2002 in
Dallas | San Francisco | Chicago | Philadelphia | London | Boston | Sydney | Atlanta | Denver | Seattle | Ft. Lauderdale

Certified Coach Intensive - 2002

Register Now!
City	Max	Status	To register
Dallas, TX September 20, 21, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register save $70 by registering by August 15, 2002
San Francisco, CA September 27, 28, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register save $70 by registering by August 15, 2002
Chicago, IL October 4, 5, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register save $70 by registering by August 15, 2002
Philadelphia, PA October 11, 12, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register save $70 by registering by August 15, 2002
London, England October 18, 19, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register
Boston, MA October 25, 26, 2002	250	Available just opened	Click to Register
Sydney, Australia November 1, 2, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register
Atlanta, GA November 15, 16, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register
Denver, CO November 22, 23, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register
Seattle, WA December 6, 7, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register
Ft. Lauderdale, FL December 13, 14, 2002	250	Available filling well!	Click to Register