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Mindfulness in Coaching

Jan 4th, 2012
by Pittsburgh Coaches.
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featuring…
Dr. Michael Forlenza

Grand Concourse – Station Square

Mindfulness means paying attention, on purpose and nonjudgmentally, to the present moment. Coaching mindfully enables coaches to be more present, see more clearly, listen more deeply, and respond more effectively to their clients through reduced stress, enhanced concentration and creativity, and improved self-management and resilience.

Join us on Wednesday, January 11th for our monthly Lunch and Learn as we investigate the practice of mindfulness in professional coaching. Mindfulness not only supports and enhances coaching skills, but also enables practitioners to smoothly integrate multiple skills and competencies.

During this session, participants will gain experience through a mindful awareness-of-self exercise, observe a coaching dyad that employs the practice of mindfulness, and learn to integrate mindful awareness into the application of the ICF core competencies of coaching.

Dr. Michael Forlenza is an Executive Coach and has special training in both mindfulness and coaching. He is the Executive Director of the Professional Coach Certification Program and Associate Dean of the School of Leadership and Professional Advancement at Duquesne University.


 

Posted in: Announcements, Coaching Skills, Mindfulness.
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Reducing the Stress of Family Holiday Gatherings

Dec 8th, 2011
by Pittsburgh Coaches.
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by Kathy Jo Pollack

Are you stressed just thinking about family gatherings over the holidays? Are you still angry over comments made last year? As tough as it may seem, it is important to make an appearance and be a part of the family. Apply these simple suggestions to make the season less stressful and more enjoyable.

First, put things in perspective and realize that there is no such thing as a perfect holiday or family or person. Forget the mental pictures of families from those old Hollywood movies. Lower your expectations and relax. In fact, expect the imperfections of your family! That is what makes your family unique. It is only for a few hours and certainly, you can find the strength to deal with anything for a short time.

An important and often forgotten tip is to make sure you are well-rested before the event. Everything seems more stressful when you are tired. Pay attention to your attitude, body language and tone of voice, too. Help to get your family gathering started on a positive note.

Next, be prepared and plan . If you will be a guest and find that these events make you anxious, seek out someone with whom you feel comfortable. Know your limits and have an exit strategy.

If you are hosting the gathering, have a variety of activities planned for all ages. Do not solely rely on the television, and down-time can be an opportunity for trouble to start. Consider cookie decorating, board and card games, plus an outside activity if the weather permits. Have a favorite movie playing and an area prepared with photos or recipes for guests to look at and discuss. Invite guests to share their favorite recipe and bring photos, too.

Know what to expect from certain family members. Be prepared with responses to potentially annoying or embarrassing questions. Sometimes a simple “yeah” to the comment that you have gained weight or still not gotten a job is fine. If asked an embarrassing or inappropriate question such as when are you getting married or starting a family, you may want to say “I don’t know”. The point to remember is that you want to defuse the comment, not escalate it. Never participate in gossip and politely change the subject when rumors or potentially hurtful chatter starts. Be kind, give compliments and remain diplomatic at all times. Keep conversations just that – conversations, not debates. It is not a competition. If need be, politely excuse yourself from the conversation to talk with Grandpa Joe who is sitting by himself or help Aunt Tess in the kitchen.

Lastly, always remember that you cannot control what others say and do. The only behavior you can control is your own. Don’t let your own behavior spoil the holidays, and keep in mind that although annoying at times, most often our family members are the first to jump in and help when we are in need.

This holiday season, make a sincere effort to keep things in perspective, lower your expectations and be prepared. These simple tips will help you to relax and enjoy the holiday season – imperfections and all!

Kathy Jo Pollack is a certified life coach, trainer, and speaker with a focus on finance, relationships, and etiquette. She has worked with thousands of people from all walks of life as the training specialist for Consumer Credit Counseling Service and has taken her passion and expertise to a new level as a coach and writer. She also offers various teleclasses and seminars. Please visit her at: www.kathyjopollack.com. You may also contact her directly at 1-724-224-6619 or mycoach@kathyjopollack.com.

Posted in: Life, Relationship, Stress.
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2011 Holiday Party

Dec 2nd, 2011
by Pittsburgh Coaches.
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Chuck HerringJoin us on December 14 for our Holiday Party, featuring, fun, fellowship, and coach/entertainer Chuck Herring.

Click here to register now.

Who would ever have thought that an expert in the fields of team-building, communication skills, relationships, character building, sales and identity theft education could be SO MUCH FUN and still achieve the long-lasting results that your organization deserves? Chuck Herring is known for being smart, funny and right on target. (See also, chuckherringspeaks.com).

Chuck has an amazing ability to bring out great “leadership” qualities in all people, no matter their job, function, or title. His insights into the behaviors of individuals, teams, leaders, and organizations have encouraged thousands of people to take the necessary action for them to achieve the success they deserve, the results they desire, and the personal and professional growth they seek.

We’ll have great food, plenty of time for interacting with each other, and a fun time learning with Chuck Herring.

Please note we will also be collecting for the Pittsburgh Food Bank. This is a really rough time for people, and this economy is tough on the Food Bank. They need our support.

This is always the most intimate event of the year – a great time to reconnect, make new connections and deepen your relationship with your fellow coaches. All are welcome. Join us!

Click here to register.

Posted in: Announcements, Leadership.
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Executive Coaching: Moving Leaders from Good to Great

Nov 4th, 2011
by Pittsburgh Coaches.
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PCA’s 2012 President and Coaching Works featured coach Janice Sabatine describes her approach to executive coaching:   

How do you become more successful in your career? What is the one work-related behavior that if you strengthened it or changed it would help move you forward or upward? As an executive coach, I help professionals maximize their effectiveness by modifying their work behaviors to leverage their strengths.  Together we identify strengths, weaknesses, and motivations through self discovery and the perceptions of colleagues. 

Although many people recognize the value of identifying and working to their strengths, they may not fully appreciate the value of understanding their motivations.  I work with my clients to examine all aspects of their lives to help them uncover underlying motivations that appear as a common theme.  We work to discover how their motivations affect their behaviors—when they contribute to success and when they can be taken too far.  We then design a plan to select, practice, and fine-tune behaviors that make these professionals even better at what they do, enjoy their jobs more, and position them for career advancement.  As a result, good leaders become great leaders!

Join me and members of the Pittsburgh Coaches Association on November 9th to experience firsthand the benefits of professional coaching. 

The Pittsburgh Coaches Association presents “Coaching Works” from 1 – 5 p.m. on November 9th at the Highland Country Club. Professional coaches, including Janice Sabatine, will offer live coaching demonstrations, as well as small-group and one-on-one speed coaching experiences. For more information or to register for Coaching Works.

Dr. Janice Sabatine, certified Sherpa Executive Coach, helps academicians and clinicians become better managers and leaders. She helps junior faculty with promotion and tenure, and more senior professionals with effective administration, specializing in setting expectations, using coaching skills as a manager or executive, and improving doctor-patient communication.  Learn more at Avanti Strategies.

Posted in: Announcements, Career, Leadership.
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Coaching Works

Nov 2nd, 2011
by Pittsburgh Coaches.
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Are you thinking about hiring a coach but aren’t sure how it will work for you or your business? Or are you considering a career path that includes coaching and want to learn more about it?

On Wednesday, November 9 from 1 – 5 p.m., residents from around the Pittsburgh region are invited to see how “Coaching Works” at a Pittsburgh Coaches Association special event which will be held at Highland Country Club.

You can register for this event here.

During the event, attendees will learn more about:

  • Coaching as a profession
  • The many ways that coaches assist their clients
  • How to select the right coach

Everyone will also have several opportunities to experience coaching first hand by receiving free coaching on an issue they need help with and through observing professional coaches in action as they coach others.

Coaching Works will include a panel discussion with and coaching demonstrations by some of Pittsburgh’s most experienced coaches, small group speed coaching, which will provide all attendees with an opportunity to observe and be coached by Professional Coach members of the Pittsburgh Coaches Association, and a networking event with hors d’oeuvres.

The cost to attend Coaching Works is $29 per person and includes a $5 donation to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Advance registration is required by November 7.

And, if you’re interested in sponsoring this event, sponsorships are available for only $250 and $400. Please contact Bonnie Budzowski to learn how to benefit from sponsoring Coaching Works!

Posted in: Announcements, General Coaching.
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Who are You and What do You Want?

Oct 28th, 2011
by Pittsburgh Coaches.
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Coaching Works featured coach Lou Daddea outlines an inspiring 5-step process for unlocking your true potential.       

Feeling stressed out and stuck in a situation, or in life itself, and thinking that you don’t have the skills to do what you really want?  Here are 5 steps to unlocking your true potential to create the life YOU choose.

 

1 – Live on PURPOSE

What is the point of doing anything if there is no purpose behind doing it?  Do you ever feel like you are just going through the motions in life and that you want something more in order to be truly happy?  Perhaps the way you are living out your roles in life is inconsistent with what is really important to you in terms of your values.

Ask Yourself:

  • When do I feel most alive and fulfilled?
  • What am I bringing to that moment that makes it so fulfilling?

Find your purpose and inject it into everything you do.  You may even make money doing what you love!

2 – Manage your ENERGY

Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you are right.”  It may be obvious to most of us that if you have more physical energy, you are more likely to get things done as opposed to sitting around on the couch dead tired.  But what may not be so obvious is how your emotional energy creates your reality.  When you can focus on thoughts that find the gift in a situation, observe what that does to how you are feeling.  Don’t just jump on the negativity bandwagon because those around you are doing it.

Ask Yourself:

  • What is another way of looking at this situation?
  • Thinking of a difficult time in your past, how did that situation help you to grow?

Change your thoughts to change your mood to change your life.  You may even have people asking you if you ever have a bad day!

3 – Hit the *Pause* button and become AWARE

If we can recognize when our thoughts and behaviors are based on our conditioned self, we create the opportunity to do something different next time.  Most of our minds are running a mile a minute and are full of thoughts that originate from our surroundings and the influence of family, friends, society and our past experiences.

Ask Yourself:

  • What can I do to take a break from the constant stream of thinking that distracts me from the present moment?

Practice self–awareness and you will uncover a deeper part of You with unlimited potential.  Watch your confidence soar as your skill set multiplies!

4 – Make CHOICES that serve you

Many of us are running on autopilot.  As we encounter situations throughout the day or are presented with the challenges of life, we often react in the only way that we know how.  In that sense, we aren’t even making a choice at all.  Practicing self-awareness will help you create choices where you can make decisions based on your values rather than a conditioned belief system that is not serving you well.

Ask Yourself:

  • During what situations am I just reacting to life, and what choices do I really have?

Choose something that creates more fun and excitement for you and take back the controls!

5 – EXPRESS your True Self

How many times do we keep ourselves small or avoid taking a chance because we are too worried about what others may think?  Each of us has God-given strengths and gifts to use in this world, but often we suppress those gifts because we think expressing them might be selfish.  Consider reframing your thoughts about selfishness like this:  Selfishness is putting yourself first at the expense of others.  Self-Love is putting yourself first for the benefit of others.

Ask Yourself:

  • What is something new that I can do to start expressing more of the real me?

Put on your own oxygen mask first by expressing yourself.  Watch your stress disappear into peace of mind because you are finally investing in YOU!

If you feel stuck in a situation or in life itself, all you need is a little PEACE – Purpose, Energy, Awareness, Choices and Expressing yourself.  A little PEACE can go a long way in reducing stress, doing fun and exciting things for you and your family, increasing your skills to accomplish the things that are important to you, feeling satisfied and happy every single day and making money doing what you love!

Dream On!

The Pittsburgh Coaches Association presents “Coaching Works” from 1 – 5 p.m. on November 9th at the Highland Country Club. Professional coaches, including Lou Daddea, will offer live coaching demonstrations, as well as small-group and one-on-one speed coaching experiences. For more information or to register for Coaching Works.

After spending the first 12 years of his career in the IT field, Lou Daddea discovered his passion and became a Certified Professional Coach.  Specializing in personal development, Lou inspires mid-life professionals, who feel stuck in their life, to find their true purpose and create a life full of quality family time, meaningful relationships and a fulfilling career motivated by passion.  Learn more at Dream On Coaching.

Posted in: Announcements, General Coaching, Life.
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Weight Loss Begins Inside

Oct 25th, 2011
by Pittsburgh Coaches.
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Coaching Works featured coach Laura Crooks on a healthy and sustainable internal approach to weight loss:

Your weight does not exist in isolation; it is affected by your happiness, mindset, sleep, stress, values, mood, eating, exercise, energy, and time-management.  When you pay attention to your internal cues and allow these related factors to all work together, you can lose weight and keep it off. 

Dieting focuses on external factors such as changing what you eat by counting points or calories, and limiting food choices.   When you stop eating as prescribed by your diet, you revert back to your baseline eating habits and you gain the weight back.

The internal approach is to listen to your body: sleep when tired, relax and laugh regularly, and eat when you are hungry; things you instinctively knew how to do as a baby.  When you sleep, you reset your appetite hormones leptin (lets you know you are satisfied and full) and ghrelin (lets you know you are hungry, makes high-calorie foods more appealing, and stores belly fat).  Sleep also helps you manage your stress; without a good night’s sleep you may feel impatient and cranky, and your tolerance of unexpected events plummets.  The effects of chronic stress from running late, rude people, traffic jams, and misplaced papers accumulate and can trigger mindless munching, rushed and less than nutritious food choices, and emotional eating.  Poor food choices contribute to feeling sluggish, which makes us less inclined to exercise or cook nutritious foods.  Stress, fatigue, and low energy levels affect our mood, making us feel irritable and less happy.  Our fatalistic, negative thinking and failed weight loss attempts eventually persuade us that we are incapable of maintaining weight loss.

The secret to losing weight and keeping it off starts inside you: change your mindset.  When you change the way you think about your weight, lifestyle and possibilities in general you change your behaviors in a sustainable way that is aligned with your new thinking patterns.

Repeatedly losing and gaining weight is an emotional roller coaster.  In order to stop the cycle and maintain your weight loss, you need to change your internal voice.  This begins with forgiving yourself for previous unsuccessful attempts and accepting that you are capable of moving forward without repeating the past.  Then replace your negative self-talk with positive talk.  This process takes time and practice as you unlearn old habits and create and reinforce new ones.  It is not a quick fix, but a permanent, sustainable new lifestyle.

What do you think of this integrated approach?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

The Pittsburgh Coaches Association presents “Coaching Works” from 1 – 5 p.m. on November 9th at the Highland Country Club. Professional coaches, including Laura Crooks, will offer live coaching demonstrations, as well as small-group and one-on-one speed coaching experiences.  For more information or to register for Coaching Works.

Laura Crooks, an RN, left patient care to become a certified wellness coach to help people improve their health.  Laura helps experienced dieters keep their weight off permanently using a holistic approach.  Your sleep, happiness, energy, stress, eating, exercise, mood, and values are interrelated and all need to be addressed.  Learn more at You Bloom Wellness.

Posted in: Announcements, Health & Fitness, Stress.
Tagged: · · · · ·

What is it about Coaching?

Oct 20th, 2011
by Pittsburgh Coaches.
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Coaching Works featured coach Wendy Maletta shares her experience from the perspective of being a client as well as a coach: 

14 months ago I was a relatively unemployed consultant.  I had never been coached and knew very little about the profession of coaching.  Since last September I’ve been coached by more than 30 professional coaches, completed Duquesne University’s Professional Coaching Certification Program, and I’ve coached more than 30 people myself.  How did that happen?

I heard about Duquesne’s program and signed up in September of 2010 thinking that learning some coaching skills would make me a more effective consultant and add something more to my business.  I didn’t expect coaching to change me.  Then I was coached, and coached, and coached some more.  My fellow coaches asked me questions that made me think, and sometimes left me stumped or moved to tears.  At first I resisted, but once I allowed myself to focus on something besides the next goal I had, I took a close look at how I see the world, and gained clarity on what I do and more importantly, why I do it.  Through coaching I became more aware of my strengths, my values, my options, my choices and my “high dream” – the ultimate of ultimate goals.

During the past year, my career path and business changed as I realized who I am, what makes me unique and memorable, and what I really want my future to look like.  Now when I introduce myself, I confidently say I am a Marketing and Professional Image Coach and Consultant.   Coaching works for me.

The Pittsburgh Coaches Association presents “Coaching Works” from 1 – 5 p.m. on November 9th at the Highland Country Club.  Professional coaches, including Wendy Maletta, will offer live coaching demonstrations, and small-group and one-on-one speed coaching experiences.  For more information or to register for Coaching Works.

Wendy Maletta is a Marketing and Professional Image Coach and Consultant and owner of Ahhluminating Coaching & Consulting.  She has ahh’ed the business community for more than 20 years as a Non-Profit leader, entrepreneur, speaker and marketing professional.  Wendy is a graduate of Duquesne University and their Professional Coaches Certification Program and is 2012 President Elect of the Pittsburgh Coaches Association.

Posted in: Announcements, General Coaching, Marketing.
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Contextual Intelligence: Thinking in 3D

Oct 5th, 2011
by Pittsburgh Coaches.
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Please join the Pittsburgh Coaches Association for our October 12 luncheon with Dr. Matthew Kutz, who will be talking about contextual intelligence.

Contextual intelligence is the ability to recognize and diagnose a variety of environmental and interpersonal factors that affect decision making and performance. You will learn how to assess the three dimensions (3D) of your environment and implement the 12 behaviors of contextually intelligent people. Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, executive, manager, administrative assistant or an aspiring leader, contextual intelligence is a skill set that will improve and facilitate your performance and extend your influence and the influence of your organization. Most importantly, it fosters strategic thinking. Contextual intelligence is a competency-based leadership framework based on solid research and management theory.

Click here to register.

October 12, 2011
11:15 am – 12:00 pm Registration, Networking and Lunch
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Presentation

Highland Golf Club
450 Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15229
(412) 761-6000

Pre-registration (by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2011):
Members: $30
Non-members: $40
After 5:00 p.m. Friday:
Members $40
Non-members $40

Dr. Matt KutzDr. Matthew Kutz has been a licensed and practicing allied healthcare clinician for over 15 years. His clinical background includes working in sports medicine in various healthcare settings since the mid-1990s. Dr. Kutz is an assistant professor at Bowling Green State University in the College of Education and Human Development. He has published over 30 professional and scholarly manuscripts in the Leadership Review, Development and Learning in Organizations, Regent Global Business Review and many others. He is the author of the textbook, Leadership and Management in Athletic Training: An Integrated Approach, which is used across the country in allied health education programs. Dr. Kutz earned his Ph.D. in Global Leadership with a specialization in Organizational Management and his research focus is on leadership competency and development. He frequently speaks at conferences and seminars on topics of contextual intelligence, change, and leadership.

All are welcome to attend this important event. Please join us by registering as soon as possible.

Posted in: Announcements.
Tagged: · ·

Your First, Second and Third Acts: Making Your Expert Business Work for You as the Years Roll On!

Aug 29th, 2011
by Pittsburgh Coaches.
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Your firm may be in its infancy, adolescence, golden years or rebirth. What are the lessons learned, warning signs and preventative actions to take as your business prevails throughout the years? This presentation will explore the key milestones and best practices for ensuring your business continues to work for you. Specifically, Andy Birol will cover the following areas through group exercises and participation:

  1. The three eras of your practice and what to look for in each one
  2. The three key activities needed to grow your business
  3. How to focus on your Best and Highest Use®
  4. Looking forward, looking ahead to manage your business, your Best and Highest Use, and your lifestyle.

Register now!

Earning rave reviews and high scores at the Pittsburgh Consulting Association, this presentation is for any independent services provider, coach or consultant who makes a living by selling their own brand.

This 60 minute presentation uses a variety of hands-on learning techniques including individual exercises, and audience participation to help owners assess and evaluate their challenges, opportunities and next steps. Attendee take-aways include several relevant and practical processes as well as a call to action you can implement immediately.

About Andy Birol

Andy BirolAndy Birol, owner of Birol Growth Consulting (BGC), is an international business growth consultant, author, keynote speaker and business coach. Andy focuses on helping small and mid-sized businesses and their owners create profitable and sustainable growth. Known for his creativity and his candor, Andy’s approach, which is based on empowering an owner’s Best and Highest Use®, provides clients and audiences with renewed passion, new potential and profitable results. With twenty years of management experience, Andy started BGC in 1997, helping over 450 firms introduce new products, enter markets and develop new distribution channels. Andy has also designed new pricing, compensation and sales incentive plans as well as restructured and staffed marketing, sales and customer service organizations. The media has turned to Andy for his expertise in small business growth. He has been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN’s Dollar Signs, Entrepreneur, Business Week, and Inc. Magazine. He has published over 300 articles and is the author of five books, including The Five Catalysts of Seven Figure Growth (CareerPress, 2006). BCG has won four Weatherhead 100 Awards as Northeast Ohio’s fastest growing single-employee business and 34th fastest growing company of any size and was also recognized by Inside Business Magazine and Team NEO which awarded him the NEO Success Award in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

All are welcome to attend this important event. Please join us by registering as soon as possible.

Register now!

Posted in: Announcements, Business & Entrepreneurship.
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