Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Call for Applications for the 2015 ICF-Chicago Board of Directors

The ICF–Chicago Board of Directors invites YOU to join us in creating an increasingly vital, fun, and vibrant community of coaches. We are at an exciting time to contribute to the professionalism of the coaching industry. Serving on the Board of Directors of the ICF–Chicago Chapter is an energizing and inspiring position of leadership. This service requires dedication of both time and commitment, while also fitting with a full personal life and professional life.

During 2015, ICF Global will be celebrating it's 20th Anniversary! We in Chicago will be finding some unique, enjoyable, and useful ways to mark this celebration. ICF-Chicago is very involved with ICF from a regional perspective as well as from the chapter level, as evidenced by our contributions to the Midwest Regional Conference (MRC). During 2015, the Midwest group of chapters will hold the 4th annual MRC, which is one of the most successful regional conferences which ICF Global has. It will be held in Kansas City, in late June 2015.

Regarding the experience of serving on the ICFC Board of Directors, below are some testimonials from those who have served.

President Elect (3 year commitment)
"As a past President of the CCF Board, I would have to say it was a great experience for me. I benefited in several ways including the following: it was a great opportunity to really hone my leadership skills; I gained so much experience and tools that I now use in my coaching business working with small businesses and their leadership teams; I developed several great friendships with like-minded people that I would never have developed otherwise; and the networking has contributed financially as well by referring and getting referrals from my colleagues and friends; this benefit has followed me long past being the President of the Board!"
– Michele Knight

Treasurer
"Being on the CCF board has been a very positive experience. I feel more a part of the Chicago coaching community and connected to my peers. The VP Finance position helped me see the bigger picture and offered access to the whole board. It's a great opportunity and I recommend it."
– Lawrence Hedblom

Membership Chair
"Serving as Co-Chair of Membership on the CCF Board this past year has been a rewarding experience for me. Through this experience, I have been provided with the opportunity to “give back” to the coaching profession and I have made very valuable and lasting connections and friendships. As well, I have been provided with the opportunity to work with some of the finest coaches in the business as well as help others to become the finest coaches in the business!"
– Ann Babiarz

Applications for nominations are available by downloading the ICFC Leadership Application for ICFC Leadership Form on the ICFC Volunteer Opportunities page here .

Please jump in and act quickly, as the ICFC Nominating process begins October 13, 2014 and closes four weeks later on November 10, 2014. The Nominating Committee will review applications and interview applicants, and will recommend a nominating slate to the Board of Directors. Then the ICFC VP of Governance, Betty Terrell, will present the nominating slate to the Board of Directors for ratification at the December Board Meeting. The new slate of the 2015 Board of Directors and Committee Chairmen will then be announced to the membership at that December 8, 2014 membership meeting.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

President's Letter for October 2014

The Business of Coaching, the Next 6 Months and In-House Coaching Initiative – Oh My!

“Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved” –  Mattie Stepanek; young Mattie was an American poet who published six The New York Times Best Seller list books of poetry. He became a peace advocate, motivational speaker and coach. At the age of 13, Mattie lost his life-long battle with multiple degenerative diseases.

ICF Chicago is a place for coaches to call home; a place to charge your batteries, connect, collaborate, learn, earn and engage. It is place inspired by the Mattie’s of the world.

We look forward to seeing you at our chapter meetings, to chatting with you over coffee at our Coach Cafés and always hearing your voice on the phone.

There is a lot going on at ICF Chicago!

  • Monthly meetings:

    • October 13 – Business of Coaching Panel – Break out Groups
    • November 10 – Mark Stamper, Establishing Trust and Intimacy
    • December 8  – World Café 3.0 and Holiday Celebration
    • January 12 – Launch of International Year of Coaching ICF with Special Guests
    • February 9 – Gregg Lavoy, Vital Signs: The Nature and Nurture of Passion with a signing of his new book
    • March 9 – (The irrepressible) Ben Dooley, Offering an evolutionary new coaching methodology
    • TBA – Denny Stockdale, The Abuse Recovery Map™ 
    • Monthly Core Competency calls occur every 1st Wednesday at 2:00pm CST
      Bridgeline: 218.862.3486 Pin: 6969#
    • Monthly Coach Cafés details here.

  • This is nomination season for the ICF Chicago Board

    If you are interested in serving in any capacity on the ICFC leadership team, board position or committee chair/member, contact Betty Terrell, Vice President of Governance, at VPGovernance@icf-chicago.org.

    Please read the Call for Applications email on the week of October 13 for more information and to download an application.

  • New ICFC In-House Coaching initiative

    Many of us remember being inside corporate America and the daily leadership challenges that arose. The good thing is now some organizations have in house coaches to help leaders be successful. But just like those leaders, the in-house coaches also need tools, strategies and remedies for tough leadership challenges.

    That is where you may come in.

    Karen Goins, ICFC In-House Coaching Chair and lives in Plainfield, has agreed to work with a group of 4-6 coaches to determine how we at ICF Chicago could best serve in house coaches. The goal is to first determine what they need then provide solutions based on what ICF has to offer. This small group will meet once a month to start to frame the objective and define the goal.  It will be an engaging, learning opportunity for those willing to give their time.  We will make sure not to ask for any more time than you are willing to share.

    If you are interested, please contact Karen Goins at inhousecoaching@icf-chicago.org. Lets help in-house coaches be the best they can be while supporting the vision of ICF.
As you can see we are roaring back this fall! Join us to connect, collaborate and contribute in service to your profession. We are YOUR organization for staying in touch with the profession of Coaching!

In support of you,

Murray A. Mann
President, ICF Chicago