Coaching Network – Saturday 9 June 2018

This was the third of BSC’s four annual networks held in the North West (UK), and as always was a beautifully organised, inspiring event which left me feeling really energised and enthusiastic.  As well as excellent presentations from Ana Nacif (Positive Psychology and Coaching) and John Macdonald (Leadership and Coaching in the Middle East), there was the characteristically creative ice breaker activity led by Martin Hill which set the tone for the entire morning.

It is hard for me to choose highlights in what was a morning full of them but here are a few:

The ice breaker activity worked on several levels – as well as being engaging, fun and unusual, it was extremely effective in establishing “connections” between the delegates.  Everyone participated with enthusiasm and the energy generated was palpable.  Not so sure about the standard of kinaesthetic awareness!!  Graceful, we were not…

Martin Hill presented the concept of the “Experience Cube” (taken from “Clear Leadership” by Gervase Bushe) which provided insight into a potentially powerful tool for reflection, not only for our coachees but also for ourselves as coaches.

Ana Nacif’s presentation on Positive Psychology was a fascinating and comprehensive introduction into a topic that is becoming increasingly valued as a concept which has a multitude of possible applications.  Described as “the scientific study of what makes life most worth living” and promoted by Martin E. P. Seligman, an American psychologist, educator and author, positive psychology askes the question, “What is right with you?” as a direct counterpart to the focus on trying to “fix” what might be “wrong” with you.

We explored a number of different tools used in the practice of Positive Psychology including “The VIA Classification of 24 Character Strengths” which stimulated much discussion and provided us all with challenge and insight.

Ana’s presentation was followed by an equally interesting, but quite different presentation by John Macdonald on the state of coaching in the Middle East.   This linked in with Martyn Ellis’s introduction to ISQC, (International Society of Qualified Coaches), our associated coaching membership group.  As chairperson of the UK branch of the organisation, Martyn described the activities and progress of the UK.

John (representing ISQC in the Middle East) provided an overview of the region in general, and UAE in particular.  Topics explored were the economic and cultural climate of the region, challenges to business leaders there, the current understanding of coaching and recommendations of where the focus should be in terms of moving forward.  Johns’ conclusion was that the following are the areas where coaching and mentoring (with the recognition that in this region a “hybrid” of the two disciplines might be the most appropriate:
Retaining talent and developing talent
Transitioning from Management to Leadership

Certificates were then presented to successful learners on the Wellbeing Coaching Programme and the Level 7 Certificate Executive Coaching and Mentoring programme. After which Judith Barton, our Director of Coaching and Mentoring thanked everyone for coming and reminded attendees of upcoming events as detailed below.

The morning concluded with lunch, during which it was clear to hear the “buzz” that had been created during the previous hours.  Martin Hill hosted a group supervision programme from 2pm which has become an integral part of BSC network events.

Calendar of Events for 2018
June 19th                        Positive Psychology and Coaching – London
September 10th-11th    Wellbeing Coaching Programme – London
September 12th – 14th Coaching Supervision programme – London
September 15th              Coaching CPD Morning – London
September 21st-22nd    Business Coaching Course – Wigan
September 29th              Coaching Network – Haydock, Merseyside
October 8th-10th           Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring Programme – London
October 13th                   Coaching Network – Dubai UAE
October 14th-16th         Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring Programme – Dubai UAE
October 14th-15th         Wellbeing Coaching – Dubai UAE
October 22nd-24th       Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring Programme – London
November 14th-15th    Wellbeing Coaching Programme – Wigan
November 16th              Positive Psychology and Coaching – Wigan
November 17th              Coaching Network – Haydock, Merseyside
November 19th-21st    Level 5 – Wigan
November 22nd-23rd  Wellbeing Coaching Programme – London
November 26th-28th   Level 3 – Wigan