the 2007 Coaching and Innovation Conference
by Patricia SNOW

It was a wonderful day for Montreal coaches! Over 145 coaches shared ideas, gained CEU’s and learned what’s new at the dynamic CoachingInnovation conference held October 18th at the Holiday Inn Aéroport. Marcel Gemme and Claudette Vidal, Quebec City based coaches were honoured for their work and contribution to the Quebec International Coach Federation over the past years. Much networking went on too, especially during the cocktail hour. The wide range of sponsors was much appreciated by the participants as well.

Here are some of the workshops I attended:

Types of Coaching and Neuroscience

Fritz Glaus , corporate coach, facilitator, author of “CRazYZoo! - KNOW THYSELF made easy” with the collaboration of Stephen Goldberg, President of Optimus Performance, a training and coaching firm.

Are you a lion, a Saint-Bernard or a fox? Presenters Fritz Glaus and Stephen Goldberg got active audience participation immediately. Attendees were curious to find out which one of these animals resembled them the most. Neuroscience has discovered that we humans have three ‘brains’ - head, heart and gut/body. We use these three brains in a lopsided manner, and not the same way for everyone. This highly interactive workshop led the audience to see how each of the six classic types of coaches can achieve better balance in dealing with clients.

Dynamic Flow Model

Jim Gavin, PhD and Madeleine McBrearty, MA co-directors of the Personal and Professional Coaching Certification program at Concordia University .

The Dynamic Flow Model of Coaching provides a decision making framework for determining coaching interventions. The audience was drawn right in by Madeleine McBrearty and Jim Gavin’s dynamic presentation. Participants were particularly enthusiastic to jump in with their ideas of “next steps” for coaching clients from actual video scenarios. This model, holistic and person-centered rather than uniquely action driven demonstrates how “self-efficacy” or empowerment can be built into each stage of the coaching process. The video scenario presentations contributed insights into stage-specific coaching interventions which would assist the client to achieve their goals in their personal or professional environments. What many participants found helpful was the graphic diagram of the model itself, which clearly revealed where obstacles might/will occur making evident what coaching interventions would be appropriate.

Comments from attendees:

“Lots of energy... interesting people who I wouldn’t normally meet. I loved the quality of the presentations and the professional organization. There is a feeling that coaching is moving towards becoming a true profession. It is always a source of great pleasure to see the coaching gang under one tent! Most encouraging and fun. I can’t wait for the International Coach Federation Conference in Montreal next year. That will be extremely interesting!”

Michel Lavoie, ACC, professional coach

“I found the presentations to be very professional and I had the opportunity to take away a few new tools and to be refreshed on some old ones. It was also great to rub shoulders with some old and new coaching friends.”

Linda Walker, ADHD coach for entrepreneurs with Focus-Action-Success

“These conferences are important since we work in isolation so it helps to meet to share ideas, learn something new to help our clients grow and develop.”

Ken Ingram, business coach and trainer with The Achievement Center

“I found it motivating to be among people who shared the same view on personal development. It was nice to network and hear what people are doing, what approaches they are using and to feel part of a growing community of coaches.”

Patricia Snow , Coach for innovative business owners, professionals, executives.
patsnow@gmail.com