Truth About Life Coaching School Accreditation

While researching keywords for School of Coaching Mastery, I came across the following article, written by a coaching student who researched coaching schools and coaching school accreditations and arrived at pretty much the same conclusions that I did about accreditation ~ and that's why we're not seeking accreditation for School of Coaching Mastery.

My conclusions were based on an insider's perspective. I originally studied at an accredited coaching school and found that although there was plenty of good material, the certification requirements left me stuck in boring, repetitive classes, in order to graduate and get a plaque to hang on my wall. 

Meanwhile, I also studied at a brilliant new school that wasn't accredited, and found it far more engaging and inspiring. Later, after the school changed hands and names, I taught for it both while it was un-accredited and later when it was applying for accreditation. As a result of accreditation, the already laser-sharp curriculum became bloated with extra classes that added little to students' learning and instead of consistently inspired coaching students, I noticed some coaches seemed to simply be waiting for the end of class to come, so they could get a password to prove they attended.

Ugh.

We chose IAC Coach Certification, because it's based on the quality of the coach's coaching, not on whether they attended an accredited school. IAC doesn't accredit coaching schools, because they want to avoid the conflicts of interest that other organizations have been accused of. IAC does license schools to use the IAC Coaching Masteries(tm).

Here's a link to the "Truth About Life Coaching School Accreditation". I don't know the writer, 

nor am I familiar with the coaching school that the writer chose.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Truth-About-Life-Coaching-School-Accreditation&id=59088

By the way, writing articles like this one and submiting them to sites, like ezinearticles.com is a great way to become known as a coach.

Copyright, Julia Stewart, 2008

All rights reserved.

What makes School of Coaching Mastery Special?

Here are just a few ways we surpass other coaching schools:

1. All of our instructors are IAC Certified Coaches (considered the Gold Standard in Coach Certification). They are all masters in their unique areas and most importantly, they are incredible teachers. Other coaching schools staff their faculties with recent grads and uncertified coaches who are new to coaching and a few schools even have volunteers teaching their classes! SCM pays our instructors more than any other school we know of, because masterful coaches are worth more.

2. We prepare our student/coaches for IAC Certification. The founder of the coaching profession, the late Thomas J. Leonard, founded the IAC in 2003 to raise the quality of coaching worldwide. Up until then, there was no independent certifying organization that was certifying coaches at a standard that Thomas believed was necessary for coaching to be highly effective. Why would you prepare for anything else?

3. We prepare our student/coaches for mastery, not just competence. As Thomas said, “Competence will keep you from getting sued. Mastery will attract people, opportunities and success to you like a magnet.” Most coaching schools prepare you for competency. Why stop there?

3. Our classes are limited to just 12 students, each, because that allows every coach to practice coaching in class and get feedback from their peers and their master instructor (both written and verbal feedback from the instructor). You won’t get lost in a crowd at SCM.

4. We use the best technology to deliver the best teaching, learning and coaching. Most of our classes are virtual and combine the ease and convenience of teleconferencing with the up-to-date benefits of online learning. We can do anything in our virtual classrooms that you can do in a live classroom, except shake hands. Plus virtual learning saves you money and time and it is way kinder to the environment than traveling to meet in person.

5. Our students are amazing. You can imagine the level of passion, dedication and talent it takes to commit to coaching in front of experts day after day. If you want to join a community of peers who are smart, talented, fast learners, you’ve found it. And if that sounds like you, we need to talk.

6. All our classes are recorded on audio and some on video, as well. You can listen as often as you like and hear yourself coach - a priceless way to learn. Plus, class recordings are posted to our private, members-only area, so you can hear each class, taught by every instructor, 24/7. You’ll learn something different from each one. This is an amazing value add. (download to your iPod to make it even more convenient)

7. All our original written materials are included with your live training package in the form of written Coaching Guides (.PDF format). There are no text books to buy, as there are with some coaching schools. We also share materials in the form of audio and video recordings, power-point presentations and coaching demonstrations and practice. Regardless of your personal learning style, you’ll find options for maximizing your own learning, here.

8. Our Full Coach Training Program includes three levels of training: Foundations for the new coach, Mastery training for the intermediate coach, and Advanced training for the masterful coach, who is ready to create the next iteration of coaching mastery. We also provide personal development training and business training, so you master yourself, as well as your business.

9. We’re here to speed your learning, not just keep you busy. If you ask master coaches, most of them will tell you of the hours of unproductive time they spent in boring coaching classes that they were required to take in order to graduate or qualify for a particular certification. None of our classes are required for certification, because our certifications are based on the quality of your coaching, period. If you want to take them all, that’s great. If not, that’s fine also.

10. Our one requirement, if you want SCM Graduation, is that you complete our Mastermind Seminar after becoming certified. This is where you spread your wings as a master coach and invent, integrate, connect, deliver, share, streamline, upgrade and/or teach your unique coaching brilliance through a final coaching project that will establish you as a true master in your area of coaching and will launch (or re-launch) your coaching business.

“Becoming a masterful coach is like diving off a cliff over and over until you grow wings. Fortunately, there are never any broken bones!” – Julia Stewart, SCM President

Still curious about School of Coaching Mastery? That’s a good sign. Call 1-877-224-2780 or email to make an appointment with our Enrollment Advisor, Elizabeth Nofziger, IAC-CC , or with SCM President, Julia Stewart, IAC-CC

As Coaches by Natalie Tucker Miller, IAC-CC

As coaches, we know the drill: True transformation with our clients can only happen when we are free of an agenda.

But why is this so important and how do we achieve this all important agenda-free status?

The answers to these questions can be found in modern neuroscience research and a self- reflective look into how you, as a coach, could be just as susceptible as your clients to inferential thinking.

First, let’s define what we mean by agenda. An agenda implies having a list of discrete items for which certain outcomes are expected. Many of us share a common conditioning that comes from cultural socializing that has us ask questions in which we have an expectation of an answer. In other words, questions are often used as tools to elicit a specific response. When this approach is used in coaching it considerably limits the possibilities for transformation.

“Neuroscience is showing us how thoughts shape reality. The brain’s 100 billion neurons connect in diverse combinations called neural networks. When we welcome new thoughts and experiences, our neurons respond by wiring together, a learning process termed neural plasticity. Through concentration and repetition of thoughts, neural circuits become ‘hard wired’.” (Your Immortal Brain, by Dr. Joe Dispenza ). When questions are used simply to reinforce what someone already knows, this maintains the hard wiring of neural circuitry and transformation doesn’t stand much of a chance!

In contrast, the coach who listens without the distraction of their own thoughts hears what the client is expressing on all levels and is able to form questions without any expectation of a “correct” response. This opens the possibility for the client to re-wire their neural networks and allows new connections to grow.

Look at how powerfully this supports some of the coaching principles that define our profession:

· Cultivating mutual trust and respect happens organically when the client is free to express fully without concern that someone’s will is being imposed upon them.

· Your ability to remain centered on the client and in the present moment increases dramatically.

· Tailoring systems that support and sustain growth are also often the result of not having an agenda.

This has the potential to become a feedback loop of transformation which can benefit both you and your clients exponentially.

Copyright, Natalie Tucker Miller, 2008

Used with permission.

Did the Perfect Moment to Become a Coach Just Arrive?

It's often said that investing in your business and/or your education is one of the smartest ways to invest your money, because both will pay for themselves many times over. It's especially smart to invest when prices are low.

That's good to remember in today's economy.

It's also said that people who wait for the ideal moment, before they begin a lifelong dream, never get started, because their lives are never ideal.

Well, what if the ideal moment were to arrive and you could invest in BOTH your education AND your business while prices were low? Would you be ready to dive into your lifelong dream of becoming a great coach?

I'm asking because until this Monday, June 30th, you have an opportunity to join, for less than you'll ever have to pay again, the School of Coaching Mastery, the only school, worldwide, that trains coaches from the ground up for the Gold Standard in masterful coaching, the IAC Certified Coach designation.

Not only that, but the already low introductory fees for the School of Coaching Mastery will rise substantially later this summer.

It's the best school at the best price. Do you believe in coaching enough to invest in yourself, your business and your education?

If so, here is the discount coupon code, good for $100 off one of our Coach Training Programs: HAPPYBIRTHDAY

Just copy it into the appropriate box when you register online and click "Apply". Go here to choose your coach training program and to register: http://www.schoolofcoachingmastery.com/programs.html

Or call 1-877-224-2780 for more information, to register by phone, or to set up a payment plan.

Whether it's advanced coaching skills, improved business and marketing skills, or greater personal development you're after, embarking on excellent coach training is an exciting and fulfilling adventure.

Is it time for you to get started now?

Let's do great work together!

Coaching vs. Therapy: The Ick Factor

The coaching vs. therapy issue came up for me in two completely different episodes the other day. One was in a coaching session that I observed where a coach/therapist brilliantly used a therapy technique and got the response they were after, but elicited considerable resistance from the client, in the process.* It took me by surprise, because it clearly wasn't part of the coaching "rule book" and it became a catalyst for some reflection, on my part, about what actually defines a boundary between coaching and therapy, because as you know, they are very different professional services that do overlap in a number of areas.

The other situation was with a coach/therapist who I had reason to talk to for a few minutes, who was clearly not happy that I hadn't done more of something that they thought I should be doing.* It was a really icky conversation that reminded me of how there are times when neither coaching nor therapy is appropriate.

Why therapy and counseling don't work with coaching clients: This is simple. High-functioning people hate being put in too small a box and in most cases therapy or counseling feels way too small to them. The exception to this is when someone gives permission to a therapist to counsel them. Permission is everything in relationships. Coaching clients do not give permission for therapy. Period.

People with therapy or counseling backgrounds often assume that coaching will come easy to them, because of the communication skills or techniques that they have already mastered. In some cases this is true. In many more, it is actually a hindrance, because the style of communicating that may have served them well within counseling situations, irritates coaching clients. I remember observing a coach who had previously been a child counselor.* Their clients, who normally were quite open to coaching, kept shutting down. It was because they were using their "child counselor" voice, which was offensive to their high-functioning adult coaching clients!

Subtleties make all the difference.

Even when the communication style is completely appropriate, therapy techniques will feel manipulative to a coaching client, because in therapy there tends to be a bit of a "one up, one down" relationship, where the client has agreed that there is something wrong that they need the therapist's help with. In coaching, the relationship is always between equals and the client doesn't need to be fixed. Get tricky with a coaching client and, even if you succeed in the short run, you'll pay for it down the line with a less open and less trusting client. 

That brings me to my icky conversation. The person I talked with tends to communicate with me from a coaching/counseling approach, even in emails. This is always inappropriate, unless the person you're communicating with gives permission. It is presumptive and rude. Virtually always, when a coach thinks someone needs their help, their ego is getting in the way. The other person will sense this and shut down.

It's like that old saying about why one should never try to teach a pig to sing. It doesn't work and it irritates the pig.

In this case, calling the coach on what they were doing didn't help. To make matters worse, they seemed to be using their "therapist voice". Yucko. When the conversation was over, I remember thinking, "God I hope I never run into that person again!"

I was one irritated little piggy.

After later reflection, I realized that while there were many reasons I chose the path I took, which this person clearly wasn't satisfied with, there was another, more subtle reason: I had gradually shut down over a period of months, because of their meddlesome, coach-y, I-know-what-you-should-be-doing-better-then-you-do style of communication. By the time we came face to face, it was already over.

Why coaching people without their permission doesn't work: High-functioning people hate being "helped" unless they've given permission. It implies they're incompetent. Don't try to coach them and definitely don't try to counsel them, unless they've told you they want it.

The Ick Factor will get you. Clients will shut down. Friends and acquaintances will avoid you. People will do less of what you want, instead of more. (They may even blog about it! ;-)

*I purposely made these stories vague, because the details aren't important, but the ramifications are.

Copyright, Julia Stewart, 2008

Learn Coaching Skills/Save Tibet

SCM is creating a win-win-win approach to spreading the power of coaching, while supporting a wonderful cause. We believe this coaching program will change your life and giving is the just your first step.

For a short time, you can gain admission to our signature training program for new coaches, Coaching Groundwork, by making a donation to the Intenational Campaign for Tibet.

Why are we doing this? The Coaching for Tibet Project came to me while walking the labyrinth at the St. Louis Center for Spiritual Living. I'd set an intention to introduce 100 people to coaching skills via SCM in 2008. I realized I could do this quickly if I offered Coaching Groundwork for free, but why not ask each student to make a donation to a great cause? The value they'd receive from the program would be multiplied by their generosity!

Why the Campaign for Tibet? Because this is the cause that came to me as part of the inspiration. However, you may have heard about the recent crackdown on Tibet by the Chinese government. They need out help. On a personal note, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet has influenced me as much or more as anyone else in my evolution to become a coach. It's my turn to give back.

Minimum donation is $20USD to gain admission to Coaching Groundwork (you may of course, donate more). We normally sell this eight-hour training program for $200USD and now you can attend the live teleclasses and receive the Coaching Guides for as little as 10% of the regular fee.

If you've ever thought you might want powerful coaching skills to improve your relationships, your life, your business and everything you do, then this is the perfect opportunity. Join the Coaching for Tibet Project for as little as $20USD. Read on for details.

More info about the Coaching Groundwork program is located here. The Coaching for Tibet version is identical, except that we will allow more people to attend, so we can raise more money for Tibet. Stay tuned for the schedule of classes.

Our goal is to raise $2000USD for Tibet and spread coaching skills to 100 new coaches. Please help us by donating at least $20USD AND by spreading word of this project to everyone you know who would be interested in joining us.

You get to support a good cause, learn a powerful skill set and perhaps save money, too. Win. Win. Win.

To participate in the Coaching for Tibet/Coaching Groundwork project here are your steps:

1. Go here to make an online minimum $20USD donation to the International Campaign for Tibet. We encourage you to increase the amount of your donation until you want to say "Ouch!" (Remember, you're receiving a program that sells for $200USD and is known to change lives.) However, we're grateful for your donation, regardless!

2. You'll immediately receive a thank-you email from ICT. Forward that email to Julia Stewart here. This is your proof that you donated.

3. We'll email you to thank you for helping us raise money for this great cause and that email will also include details on how to access your eight-hour coach training program.

4. Pay it forward. Tell everyone you know who is interested in coaching or Tibet. The more people who support this project, the more good we can do. This is a win-win-win project.

For more on the Coaching for Tibet Project, go here.

Why Do Most Marketing Programs for Coaches Fail?

Do you remember those paint-by-numbers kits that kids used to buy at the craft store? You'd get a canvas with lines and numbers all over it and several pots of paint with corresponding numbers. Just match up the numbers and Voila! You had an "original" oil painting. What a fun way to pretend you're an artist! My mother used to occupy us with such things on snow days (I'm getting snowed in again, right now, which is why I'm glad I work at home)!

Most marketing and sales books, seminars, products and trainings are like paint-by-numbers. You get sure-fire steps to marketing your business (and oh-by-the-way, the person who created it claims to have made millions with exactly this method). Just follow their steps and you'll be successful too!

What a fun way to pretend you're a marketer. Are you making millions yet?

If not, I may know why: You and your business, not to mention your market, time and place; are all different from the person who "made millions" and that's a really good thing, because if you weren't, you wouldn't have a prayer of standing out amongst the sea of other marketers.

What to do? Well instead of copying someone else's recipe, perhaps it's time for you to become just as professional with your marketing as you are with your business.

Do I have sure-fire steps to follow so you can do this? Sorry, no.

"News flash: almost every time, the sure-fire recipe for success is actually a sure-fire recipe for disappointment." - Seth Godin

There are no sure-fire steps to your success, but there is one secret to marketing success that I'm willing to share with you here: Start experimenting to find out what works for your business, with your market, right now.

It's not a daunting task if you're having fun and if you're surrounded by people who can spark your creativity, acknowledge your brilliance and help bring out your best, week after week.

And oh-by-the-way, it's nice if some of them are already experts at marketing, but also have the integrity to help you find the answers that work for you, rather than imposing on you the answers that worked for them.

Do you know where you can find these people? I do.

They will be meeting with each other via teleconference line for the next several months. Six to eight coaches like you, who are tired of kidding around and ready to succeed.

And with them will be four expert coaches who will answer your questions about networking, "niching", serving to succeed, and mastering the art of web presence, product creation and/or public speaking.

You see, somewhere in what we know and in who you are, is your secret recipe to success, only you haven't discovered it, yet. And no one can do that but you.

Are you ready to rub shoulders with savvy coaches and expert marketers who will design a strategic habitat to evolve you to success?

Please don't join us unless you're committed to building a great coaching business - and you're ready to do the work!

If you are ready, then ask yourself if the best sales & marketing coach, the best product creation coach, the best search engine optimization coach and the best coaching mastery coach can teach you things you need to know, know the questions you need to ask and coach you to your brilliance over the next six months.

Who are these expert coaches?

* ANDREA J LEE http://www.andreajlee.com/ is famous in the coaching industry for helping coaches make money and meaning with products and online marketing. I first met her when she was Thomas J Leonard's General Manager and I've always considered her his secret weapon. Andrea will teach you about making money online as only she can.

* MATTISON GREY http://greystoneguides.com/ is the best sales and marketing coach, worldwide and she built her business with nothing but an email address and a business card. (How's that for different?) Mattison is Program Director of the University of Houston's Executive Coaching Institute and she'll teach you how to build a robust business by leveraging service & relationships (withOUT manipulation).

* MICHELE CARON http://www.mylifecoach.com/created Google's #1 Life Coaching site and is the only full-time coach I know who gets ALL of her coaching clients from her website. [Another famous coach, who sells a very expensive online business-building product ($3000), proudly displays screen shots of his rankings, including the one where he's #2 on Google, right behind Michele!] How does she do that? Ask her yourself!
* JULIA STEWART (me!), http://www.schoolofcoachingmastery.com I learned a lot from the hundreds of coaches who I've helped with the Coach 100 approach to business building at http://www.experiencedcoach.com and now that I'm President of the School of Coaching Mastery, I've re-committed myself to seeing that every coach I work with succeeds. That's why I've brought in reinforcements!

What are your dreams for your business? What are your unique gifts? What does the Universe want you to do and what's so fun for you that you'd do it, even if you didn't get paid? Plug the answers to these questions into the combined knowledge base of our expert coaches and you'll quickly discover ideas that can take your business from ho-hum to hallelujah!

If you're ready right now to discover your own unique recipe for success AND you're ready to jump in, put it to work and have the time of your life succeeding at it, this group might just be the perfect fit for you.

Previous members of this program have filled their coaching businesses within a few months. What will you do with it?

If now's the time, then register right away, because openings in this new group are filling up.

The entire program is only $1080. (Less than $200 per month) Register here: http://tinyurl.com/2b3fw8

Or pay in five installments ($1200 total).
Register here: http://tinyurl.com/2a3lob

Questions? No problem. Call 877-224-2780 or email Julia@schoolofcoachingmastery.com

More info on this group here: http://www.experiencedcoach.com/mentor.html

Will your difference be the secret to your success in 6 months? I can't wait to find out! =)

Copyright, Julia Stewart, 2008
www.schoolofcoachingmastery.com