Conference Roundups - ICF and CSTD 2006

I'm finally back in the office settling down after a week and a half away at both the ICF and CSTD Conferences. I got back to work on Thursday with the launch of this month's Group Coaching Essentials program - the last for 2006.

I have received a number of requests for 2007 dates which will be out soon (hopefully by the end of the week). In addition to our monthly teleseminar programs (Group Coaching Essentials and Training Essentials), I will continue to offer shorter 1.5 hour teleseminar programs on topics relevant for group coaches and trainers. I will also be holding a number of in-person training programs in 2007 here in the Toronto area -- more information to follow. I will also continue to facilitate a number of retreat programs, focusing on creating the space for you to develop your group programs.

There are only two days left for the Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups E-Manual special which ends of November 15th. If you are looking for additional group exercises to fill up your back pocket with, this manual can support you. Special pricing of $19.95 USD/$21.90 Cdn is in effect until Wednesday evening. Click here for more details.

Both conferences provided lots of information and useful resources which I will be blogging about in weeks and months to come.

I would also like to hear from you as to what will be most useful in moving your work with groups and teams forward. What topics would you like me to be blogging about? Please use the comment link below or email me directly at jennifer [at]potentialsrealized[dot]com.

If I had to highlight three key themes from both conferences I would include:

1. The need for coaches and trainers to be able to speak "the business language" to corporations, and to communicate our results in the same way. How would you rate yourself on business knowledge? Tony Bingham, President and CEO of ASTD, spoke to us at the CSTD conference on Wednesday and brought this message home powerfully. Do you know how to communicate with financial indicators and other business metrics?
2. The importance of creating integrated solutions for clients. Are you offering what your clients want? Is coaching or training always the answer? How can you further develop your complimentary skills (facilitation, training, coaching) to provide more holistic solutions with greater results for clients?If you are an internal coach, what would external coaches bring to your program. Likewise, if you work as an external coach, how can you partner with internal coaches?
3. Lead from the edge. Guy Kawasaki talked to the ICF Conference about being able to jump the curve. What is the edge in the work you are creating? Are you following trends or are you leading them?

I would love to hear from other conference attendees (either the ICF 2006 Conference or the CSTD 2006 Conference). What were some of your takeaways?

Speak with you soon,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, CPT, CHRP, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Web: www.potentialsrealized.com
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
email: jennifer[at]potentialsrealized[dot]com