Posted on October 15, 2010 by Stephan Wiedner

Members of the ICF-GTA Chapter lead the way in bringing coaching to the business community.

The best way to learn about coaching is to experience it.

That thinking led a group of coaches from the Greater Toronto Chapter of the International Coaching Federation to take coaching to 1200 participants at a recent conference in Toronto.

Over the two-day Partners in Prevention 2010 Ontario Health and Safety Conference and Trade Show, organizers provided coaching opportunities on a first come, first served basis to conference attendees, all of whom work in the field of workplace health and safety. Individual clients were free to request coaching on any topic. Most came with issues and concerns relating to their workplace. Participants signed up on-site for a free 25-minute coaching session with one of 21 certified volunteer coaches.  In all, 87 clients from across Ontario took the opportunity to personally experience coaching.

Our clients were effusive about their experience. In a follow-up questionnaire they rated six statements related to the value of coaching. On a five point Likert rating scale, where 1 is ‘Strongly Disagree’ and 5 is ‘Strongly Agree’, they offered an average rating of 4.5.  Comments included: “I already recommend coaching to my colleagues but this re-affirmed the value”.  “This was a wonderful experience. Thank you! I would definitely like to be coached again and will recommend it to my colleagues and organization”. “It really helped – the coach was a great listener and had good focus, good questions and encouraged me to see only positives. The experience filled me with hope and optimism!”

A Team Effort

The event was the brainchild of Lucia Vala-Webb who wrote the initial proposal for consideration by SWPSO (Safe Workplace Promotion Services of Ontario) and led the team. Lucia was ably supported by Darlene Chrissley who took responsibility for the initial presentation and discussion with SWPSO staff, and Judy Hembruff who followed on as the primary client contact and logistics manager. Lillian Mills rounded out the organizing team, recruiting and coordinating the volunteer coaches and coaching ambassadors.

From initial presentation to conference end, SWPSO staff fully embraced and supported the idea of offering coaching as a way to deepen attendee learning and increase the take-away value of the conference. In return, the sponsor organization agreed to provide dedicated coaching space in a high traffic area, all signage and materials, and strong marketing support for the event. While the coach organizing committee took on the task of developing content ― the conference program, coaching slide show, sample coaching session and feedback questionnaire ― SWPSO staff provided four beautiful ‘coaching pods’ complete with ICF-GTA signage, a coaching information booth with appropriate equipment to continuously run the coaching slide show, and artfully designed and produced materials based on the content supplied. The entire look and feel was polished and professional.

All of the conference coaches participated in a pre-conference training session led by Darlene Chrissley. Darlene created a coaching tool to assist coaches in bringing real value to a 25 minute coaching discussion with a stranger. The training provided helped coaches narrow the possibilities for the coaching conversation and move quickly into a coaching contract. In light of the client feedback, it is fair to say that this objective was achieved.

Coaching ambassadors took on the challenge of client recruitment at the conference.  Ambassadors approached conference attendees, engaging them in a conversation about professional coaching, and encouraging them to sign up for a personal experience.  Following their coaching session, clients were asked to complete and return a feedback questionnaire.

In the end, conference organizers, coaches and clients alike called the event an unparalleled success. Members of the ICF-GTA Chapter achieved their objective of increasing awareness of coaching in the business environment and its relevance to workplace health.

Judy Hembruff
judyhembruff@octoberconsulting.com

Lucia Vala-Webb
valawebb@velcom.ca