Thursday, June 26, 2014

Notes from the 2014 Regional ICF Conference




I came away from the ICF Global conference last week in Cleveland absolutely thrilled and
reenergized. To be honest, I went in with very low expectations. I wanted to hear the keynote, Dr. Richard Boyatzis, and get some CCEUs for my ICF credential; no other expectation. I have been to many international ICF conferences over the years and didn't expect much from a regional conference. Boy, was I wrong. From start to finish, it was a top notch conference. The keynotes were powerful and the breakouts excellent. I learned a lot, met fun, cool coaches, got new ideas and even met someone I contracted with to revitalize my marketing on the day I returned. And best of all, I was thrilled to be a coach and be with coaches. I was proud of ICF and the coaching world we are so lucky to be a part of. I plan on going to the conference next year in Kansas City and invite you to come!

I am a better coach this week because of what I learned! Big fun using some new tools and questions - immediately!

Susan Spritz Myers, MCC
Kolbe Certified Master Team Consultant
847.242.0351

President's Letter for July 2014



Gratitude & Passing the Baton
Summer has begun in the Midwest! Along with the season change (and warm weather finally here to stay) it is also the time for leadership change. As of July 1, I will pass the baton to the next ICF Chicago President, Murray Mann. It has been my privilege to serve on the board of ICF Chicago in the role of President since October 2012, and I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to serve alongside a quality board of directors, committee chairs and other volunteers during that time. The Chicagoland coaching community is a collection of some amazing people who are up to great things!  

Reflecting back on what moved me towards this role in the first place back in 2012, it is still the same reasons I have today…to advance coaching as a profession both in Chicagoland and in the Midwest region and also to do my part to make that happen. 

Thank you to each of you who have been a part of the leadership team over the past two years… your dedication, willingness, and commitment are matchless. Thank you!

Thank you also to all the coaches who put your heart and soul into what you do. Your collective impact across Chicagoland will transform this city and region. You matter.

Elections in the Fall
Stay tuned this fall for more info on opportunities to participate on the Board of Directors and other leadership positions at ICF Chicago in 2015. What would you like to create together?     

ICF Global 2014 Conference—North America Midwest
The conference was a raving success! The programming was top notch and it was also the most engaged crowd I’ve experienced at a conference. On Friday, many of the coaches from Chicagoland, plus some new friends, ended up getting a private dining room at an Italian restaurant and having a fun evening getting to know each other better over authentic Italian food.

The day before the conference, the Global Leaders Forum (all ICF Chapter Board Leaders invited) met for a full day to learn about ICF global updates-resources-tools, a presentation on chapter board leadership development, and breakouts by region. The Midwest region (MRAC), which has 14 Midwest ICF chapters that meet monthly (virtually), met during the afternoon breakout to discuss goals for the next 6 months.

July Core Competency: Managing Progress & Accountability!
The ability to hold attention on what is important for the client, and to leave responsibility with the client to take action. Demonstrating follow-through is vital to the coaching relationship. Attend ICFC’s in-person and virtual programs this month to practice and learn more on this competency!     

With Gratitude & Expectation of good things,
Wendy Balman, CPCC, ACC
ICFC President (Soon to be Past President)