Overview
Unique Program Benefits
Module Descriptions
Course Materials
Who Should Attend
Certificate Requirements
Registration Information
ICF Certification
Lead Instructors
Sample Evaluation Comments
FAQ
Staying Connected:

• Webinar by Lead Instructor Kaveh Naficy
• The Leadership Crescendo Blog written by Kaveh Naficy

Today’s organizational leaders must be able to motivate and engage employees to reach their highest levels of performance. Leadership coaching is one of the most powerful tools that a leader has to achieve these results.

This International Coach Federation (ICF) Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP), is a cohort certificate program intended for practitioners who want to develop knowledge and skills and practice coaching in realistic leadership scenarios. The program consists of five course modules, all focusing on leadership coaching within the context of an organization. Our curriculum is designed to meet the ICF core competencies. Modules include: Leadership Coaching Foundation (3 days); Creating Awareness (2 days); Coaching Skills (2 days); Coaching Skills in Action (2 days); and The Process and Business of Coaching (3 days). As this is a cohort program, you are required to complete all course modules, assigned course work, and a final exam to earn your certificate.

This program's content and curriculum design is modeled after the four pillars of adult learning:

1. Conceptualization of concepts regarding coaching
2. Experimentation with a coaching concept in a real world setting
3. Reflection regarding the experiment and the insights achieved
4. Integration of the learning into self with ways to access and leverage it in future interactions

Our Approach
This program emphasizes not only the learning of critical coaching skills, but their application to organizational challenges that leaders face. Our program was designed with the specific goal of enabling all participants to understand and deliver an end-to-end coaching process with their clients, enabling leaders to reach their full potential, while delivering tangible and important results to the organizations they serve. The instructors' backgrounds reflect this orientation as they all have a powerful blend of business/organizational and coaching experience.

Course Format
The five-course modular format relies heavily on the following:

• Experiential learning
• Highly participatory face-to-face classroom sessions
• Structured exercises
• Practice and demonstrations
• Extensive coaching methods and skills development

In addition, a cadre of experienced and distinguished coaching instructors will observe you and provide you with on-going feedback.

In order to reinforce learning between modules, you will work interactively with instructors. This distance learning component will occur between each in-class module and you will be assigned independent work which includes:

• Reading assignments
• Taped coaching sessions— based on the tools and methods presented in class, and followed by individual feedback calls with instructors
• Weekly group teleconference calls, hosted by instructors with students to review core concepts, share reflections, and practice coaching skills.

The program culminates with a written and practical exam which will be evaluated by International Coach Federation (ICF) credentialed executive coaches.

Our certificate program is highly integrated on three levels. It provides the opportunity for you to become knowledgeable in the theories and concepts relevant to the profession of coaching. It also focuses on developing your skills to ensure you are proficient in the process of coaching. In addition, the program emphasizes your personal development, believing that an acute and accurate sense of self is the foundation upon which all good coaching emerges.

Understanding underlying dynamics as a coach is a major focus of the George Mason program. It provides the opportunity for you to

• Enhance your coaching leadership skills through deeper self-awareness
• Apply leadership coaching within the context of organizations
• Develop an organized and logical coaching process
• Improve coaching effectiveness through increased emotional intelligence
• Facilitate longer term and sustainable behavioral change
• Gain an understanding of the ethical issues surrounding coaching and how to be an ethical coach
• Enhance relationship management and trust building skills
• Become skillful at conducting difficult conversations
• Develop effective communication skills to facilitate organizational performance
• Network and form lasting relationships with a diverse and talented group of individuals
• Learn under the guidance of International Coach Federation (ICF) coaches

This cohort program includes five course modules. Each course module will be delivered approximately once a month over two or three consecutive days (Course modules cannot be taken independent of the Certificate program). In addition to the amount of content detailed in the course descriptions below, you will engage in a significant number of experiential exercises and group activities throughout each in-class day, complementing and supporting the theories and concepts introduced. In addition to gaining knowledge of the subject matter, you will be provided with tools and methods to help you apply learned knowledge to real world coaching opportunities. Furthermore, during each module, your certified coach/instructor will facilitate at least one Learning Circle, a smaller group experiential learning venue.

Course Module I - Leadership Coaching Foundation (3 days)

The objective of Module I is to introduce foundational concepts and frameworks of coaching and how they relate to the adult learning theory. Students will explore what coaching is and how it is distinguished from other forms of interventions such as therapy, consulting, feedback and mentoring. Emphasis is on a highly participatory, experiential environment, providing students the opportunity to apply new knowledge of coaching concepts and theory to real-world coaching applications.

Topics Covered Include:

• The Coaching Model From an Adult Learning Perspective
• What is coaching
• Introduction to listening skills
• Introduction to powerful questions
• Practice coaching sessions

Course Module II - Creating Awareness (2 days)

The objective of Module II is to deepen the development of coaching skills by building new coaching competencies, such as building trusting and authentic relationships with clients.

Topics Covered Include:

• Mental models
• Perspectives coaching
• Ethics of coaching
• Establishing trust
• Coaching presence
• Designing the coaching relationship
• Values based coaching
• Practice coaching session

Course Module III - Coaching Skills (2 days)

The objective of Module III is to learn, practice, and integrate coaching skills, using language to create purposeful conversations.

Topics Covered Include:

• Speech acts
• Coaching communication skills
• Coaching emotions
• Speaking with intention
• Practice coaching sessions

Course Module IV – Coaching Skills in Action (2 days)

The objective of Module IV is to integrate the coaching skills developed in the last modules into the practice of coaching. This module addresses learning to identify options for action, understanding how to hold a client accountable, and using new coaching skills to serve the client and help them meet their performance goals.

Topics Covered Include:

• Designing actions
• Setting goals
• Managing progress and accountability
• Coaching skills integration
• Use of assessments in coaching
• Coachees and the stages of learning
• Practice coaching sessions

Course Module V - The Process and Business of Coaching (3 days)

The objective of Module V is to learn about the business of coaching and to continue to develop performance coaching expertise.

Topics Covered Include:

• Coaching in organizations
• The economics and business of coaching
• Internal vs. external coaching
• Team coaching
• Completing the coaching relationship
• Coaching program review
• Practice coaching sessions

In addition to the course materials you will receive in class, the following two textbooks will be required and should be purchased prior to the program start date, March 6, 2012. These texts may be purchased from Amazon.com. We will notify you when and if they are available at the university bookstore, Barnes & Noble.

Title: Co-Active Coaching: Changing Business, Transforming Lives
Authors: Laura Whitworth, Karen Kimsey-House, Henry Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl
Edition: Third

ISBN-10: 1857885678

ISBN-13: 978-0-89106-198-4

Title: Executive Coaching with Backbone and Heart: A Systems Approach to Engaging Leaders with Their Challenges
Author: Mary Beth O’Neill
Edition: Second

ISBN-10: 0787986399

ISBN-13: 978-0787986391

Managers who wish to acquire organizational coaching skills to enhance their leadership capabilities Individuals who are interested in becoming external coaches and who have had some experience working with leaders in organizations Current organizational coaches and consultants interested in pursuing certification from the ICF.  Seasoned professionals with experience in related fields such as human resources or consulting Organizational Development (OD) practitioners who see coaching as an important competency within their organization

This cohort certificate program consists of five course modules. In order to receive a George Mason University Certification of Completion, and 13.2 CEUs, participants must successfully complete all five learning course modules and have a 100% attendance record; complete all required class and distance learning course work; complete a personality self-assessment and Emotional Intelligence assessment; and achieve a satisfactory rating in a final observed coaching session.

*Please recognize that the distance learning components which are regularly scheduled teleconference calls and taped coaching sessions are commitments between classroom course modules. Distance learning is a mandatory component of the program in order to produce well trained coaches and meet the ICF requirements.

To register for the Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance Certificate Program, you will need to submit a completed registration form and student profile along with your method of payment. Registrations are accepted via mail, fax, or walk-in. For information, call 703-993-2109.

• Mail:
  George Mason University
  Office of Continuing Professional Education
  4400 University Drive, MS 2G2
  Fairfax, VA 22030
  Attn: Rosalynn Dhramapitaksook
• Fax:
  Attn: Rosalynn Dhramapitaksook
  703-993-2121
• Walk-in:
  George Mason University
  University Hall, Suite 2300
  8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  703-993-2109

Class Size Limited– Please note that each cohort is limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Our recent fall 2011 cohort reached maximum registrations early on. Therefore you are encouraged to register early.

Kaveh Naficy is the founding partner of Philosophy IB, a management consulting firm focused on the execution of business strategy, and has over 20 years of coaching experience. He brings significant leadership and organizational development experience as a management consultant, corporate executive, and entrepreneur to his coaching practice. Kaveh's emphasis is on developing leaders in dynamic and changing environments by co-developing objectives, leveraging strengths, and removing obstacles to reach client objectives and organizational outcomes. His clients include executives from global organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Nokia, BASF, DuPont, and Pfizer.

Kaveh received his BA from Baker University, a master’s degree in labor relations from Cornell University and an MBA from Boston College. He has completed coaching programs at New Ventures West and Georgetown University and is certified by the International Coach Federation. He is a certified practitioner in Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI), Insights Discovery and TTI Success Insights. Kaveh manages the coaching program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. He is a frequently invited speaker on executive coaching and the author of the following: The Leadership Crescendo, an autobiographical blog on leadership effectiveness; How Executive Coaching can Fuel Professional and Personal Growth, published in the OD Practitioner; Executive Coaching: Building the Path for Personal Growth, published by the Darden School at the University of Virginia; and The Four Coachable Sins of Leaders, published by the Human Resource Executive Online Magazine. Kaveh has also been featured on Fast Company’s 30 second MBA and in an article titled Uncovering Inner Riches in the Executive Connections Magazine.

Christopher Brookfield is a principal at Philosophy IB, a management consulting firm focused on the execution of business strategy, and has over 15 years of coaching experience. A former CEO, Chris is at home in the public and private sectors. He is familiar with the pressures of leading, both internally and externally. Chris’ clients say he brings intense curiosity, intellect, and heart to their sessions. His coaching aim is to build leadership capacity in executives and transfer that capacity into results for the organization. His clients include executives from organizations such as Novartis, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Northrop Grumman, Johnson & Johnson, Capital One, the Department of Defense, and others.

Chris holds a BA in psychology from Duke University and an MBA from Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Chris was trained and certified through the Coaches Training Institute (CTI), one of the oldest and most rigorous coaching schools in the country. He is certified as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coach Federation (ICF), the profession’s governing board. Chris has also trained extensively in systems thinking, action learning, learning styles, and complexity theory from the MHA Institute of Edmonton, Canada. He is qualified to administer the LPI Leadership 360 (LPI: Kouzes and Posner). He served for three years on the Board of Directors of the International Coach Federation – Metro DC Chapter. Chris is involved with the coaching program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.

Bill Pullen, MCC is President of Pullen & Associates, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm providing executive coaching and organizational development services to corporations, the federal government, and private organizations in both the United States and abroad. His work focuses on developing current and emerging leaders and building leadership capacity within organizations. Some of his past or current clients include Satyam, Booz Allen Hamilton, Marriott, University of Pennsylvania, AOL/Time Warner, Freddie Mac, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Education, Federal General Services Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Canadian Government Fairfax County Public Schools, and American Federation of Retired Americans.

In addition to his work with Pullen & Associates, Bill is active with the International Coach Federation assessing candidates for coaching certification. He has served on the faculty of the Coaches Training Institute in San Rafael, California. He also served as leader assistant for the Co-Active Space Leadership Program. He is a past president of the Metro DC Chapter of the International Coach Federation and a member of the American Society of Training and Development and the Organization Development Network. He has been featured in The Washington Post and as an expert on coaching on CBS and NBC news and is a frequent contributor to Best Life magazine.

Bill has a master's degree in organizational development from Johns Hopkins University. He is a Master Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation. Bill is a graduate of the Coaches Training Institute. He has received additional training in multicultural leadership and organizational and systems relationship coaching. He has completed the Co-Active Space Leadership Program. He has a BS degree from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

SAMPLE EVALUATION COMMENTS

"This course is terrific, it is very well balanced between theory, practice and how put this into action when we build our future business." -Jon C. Dowell, The Breckenridge Group, Fall 2011

“My experience has been learning so many vital aspects about myself. I have grown internally, which is becoming unrecognizable. My experience has taught me how to speak with clarity for myself and how to request from the clients.” –Valerie Thomas, Inova Health System, Spring 2011

“This has been exceptional, incredible, and transformational for me.” –Maura Parda, The Center for Human Capital Innovation, Fall 2010

“Best training course I have ever taken.” –John Pendola, Department of Defense, Fall 2010

“Absolutely phenomenal…The feedback from the taped sessions have been very valuable…I love the fact there are three different instructors who each bring a different set of perspectives and experiences.” ¬Lisa M. Garcia, The Ritz-Carlton, Fall 2010

“I would ratet he program as a 10+(plus). When I’m done, I’m confident that my ability will be strengthened and enhanced to successfully enter the world of professional coaching.” –Valerie Brown, Department of Defense, Spring 2011

“Challenging, insightful, mind-opening. The content, delivery and learning has been very valuable….” –Bridget Atkinson, GTSI Corp., Fall 2010

FAQ

1. Will past students be able to obtain retroactive certification through the International Coach Federation (ICF)?
All past participants are now eligible to apply for their credential using the ACTP application method. If you need assistance, please contact Director of Training, Bill Pullen at 202-986-5134 or via e-mail at bill@bpacoaching.com

3. What is the required commitment for this course outside of the classroom?
Approximately three hours per week of homework which may be practicing coaching and/or reading assignments, six taped coaching sessions and six feedback sessions with instructors (one-on-one) during the final months of the program, and scheduled teleconference calls throughout the program.

STAYING CONNECTED

Webinar by Lead Instructor Kaveh Naficy

The Leadership Crescendo Blog written by Kaveh Naficy