A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT As I sit here writing this, I have half an ear on Radio 5 live and the Ryder cup in Wales. Despite the weather, the passion, tension, enthusiasm and commitment are tangible over the airways. And it strikes me how powerful a common focus and passion can be. Here are 24 consummate individual sportsmen, who week in and week out compete against each other. This event brings them together, welds them as a team of 12 with one mind and one purpose, to win this prestigious event either for their country, or their continent. By the time you read this, the results will be clear, as of now it is still in the balance, so “Go Europe!” As coaches, many of us work independently. True, we partner with our clients, and journey with them, yet for many of us we work on our own. This is one of the benefits of being a member of the ICF and becoming active within a chapter. There are great opportunities to work with fellow coaches, to connect, network, create, learn, challenge, laugh and support each other. Here in the UK we have some fantastic events looming, where there are brilliant opportunities to create some powerful and motivating connections. I am hugely excited about the ‘Conflict in the Workplace’ event we have on November 23rd. Sponsored by one of the UK-based ACTPs, Coaching Development, this event boasts and unbeatable experience. Great speakers, relevant and topical subject, fantastic value and the chance for some useful CCEU’s, and most of all a chance to meet, discuss and connect with fellow coaches. Book now to make sure you can join us. We have the ICF Global conference in Fort Worth October 27th -30th. Will you be there? I will, and I hope to connect with you then. We are kicking off the campaign for International Coaching week. This is a great opportunity for you to profile your business and increase awareness amongst your potential clients of the benefits of coaching. Make the most of this annual international event which falls on February 6th to 12th in 2011. Another date to block out in your 2011 diary is June 15th-17th when Madrid will be the venue for the European Coaching Conference. The Spanish chapter are well underway with the planning for this great event, and have issued an open invitation to all ICF members in Europe who would like to be involved in developing and delivering this to connect with them. If you are interested please let me know and I will connect you with the Spanish team. So we have many opportunities for you to connect, learn, engage and participate. It’s now up to you to decide to step in, or not. I hope you do as all of us on the UKICF board, and all the UK ICF Ambassadors would love to have you as a fellow team member. Have a great month, and do sign up for one of the fantastic opportunities that are coming from the ICF. Cheers KP |