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“We do the work ourselves so that we have the privilege to work with others”

Doug Silsbee

​At ICF Minnesota, our values of Service, Connection, Growth and Inclusion help us focus on the importance of “walking the talk” of coaching. We are on a continuous learning journey. Learning about ourselves in service of helping our clients so they can clearly identify their desires and their “greatness by working on the hard things” to quote Michael Bungay Stanier. 

I’ve been extremely fortunate to be able to participate in significant learning experiences in the last month:

• The Center for Coaching in Organizations Summit- entitled “Unleashing Human Potential Through the Power of Coaching in Organizations.” 
• A webinar hosted by Pam McLean of the Hudson Institute of Coaching entitled “Humanizing Work in Turbulent Conditions.”
• An IOC (Harvard’s Institute of Coaching) webinar featuring my colleague Leslie Goldenberg, on “Coaching with Lacan”
• The Hudson Institute of Coaching learning conference (in-person!) entitled “here, now”
• An IOC webinar about the misconceptions of neurodiversity featuring Farah Jamil

As I reflect on themes that emerged from these learning experiences, it seems the thread that weaves through each of these events is the immediate and essential need for connection and belonging in our current chaotic world. At the Hudson Conference Melissa Hankins pointed out, that every human in the world has now experienced trauma, based on the experience of the COVID pandemic. The word “trauma” can be used interchangeably with overwhelm, stress, and anxiety. Many of our clients are suffering in silence for a variety of reasons including perfectionism, imposter syndrome, fear of discrimination due to their identity, living in a state of constant ambiguity, and disconnection. 

Pam McClean implores us that more is required of us as coaches and she challenges us to “stay a little longer” with the issues that really matter to our clients. It’s important to beware of the “quick fix” so we can be the container for our clients in the midst of the changes they are experiencing, and the growth and development they are capable of achieving.

At our ICF Minnesota board meetings, we are “staying a little longer” to take a deeper dive into our commitment to DEIJB. At each board meeting, we’re starting with a conversation about what each of these components means to us individually and therefore collectively so that we have a deeper understanding of how DEIJB influences our lives and our work. How do we stand for the inclusion of DEIJB efforts in our world? We started with “belonging” – when was a time you felt like you really belonged? When was a time when you felt you didn't belong and why? We decided to follow-up at the next meeting with the question “What would increase your sense of belonging on the Board?” We came out of these conversations with a better understanding of each other- our experiences and our desires, much like the work we do with our clients. As a result, we’re putting some new ideas into action. We’re doing “the work on ourselves so that we have the privilege to work with others.” Now it’s on to INCLUSION! 

I hope you have an excellent summer and enjoy this incredibly beautiful time in our wonderful State!

Karen Failes-Coad

President, ICF Minnesota

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