![]() With Sandy Hogan By Laurel Elders (Excerpt from the Following Your Calling E-Book) As my friend and mentor Sandy puts it, "Develop your hearing-aids". Below, I've captured Sandy's advice and further reflections for our Answering Your True Calling blog. Sandy's advice on Answering Your True Calling: "Listening to the small callings is an invitation for hearing the bigger calling. Listening to the small along the way, in day to day life, prepares the path and grows our faith so that by the time the bigger calling shows up we are ready." "Not all callings are paid. You may feel called to clean up the neighborhood you live in, or start a community garden." You may feel called to pay for the elderly woman's groceries in front of you. Not every calling, is a calling for fame and fortune. The most unfortunate missed callings are the ones that show up daily and are the simplest to fulfill. "What is at stake by not listening? What is the worst thing that could happen?" What if you took a risk to find out? What if it became an adventure or you became a detective following the clues of your life more closely to see where they lead you? Sandy asks us to reflect further, "How much does your personal comfort prevent you from answering?" "What if I feel called, but fear it is the wrong number?" Sandy notes this as a common fear and then adds, "First, there is no wrong number. What seems like a dead-end or an off-putting idea, or conflicting ideas ruminating... are all indicative of the true calling that will emerge when it is ready." Again, listening to the promptings you feel now, paves the path for your future. "To access your calling consider who in life do you admire? Then look at what qualities they embody. You may feel impressed by Maya Angelo, so look at the qualities she embodies. Strive to embody the qualities of Maya Angelo versus trying to measure your life against Maya Angelo. These qualities reflect your calling. Be careful to not be called into a persona. A true calling is authentic to you." I believe we are all called to something greater. When we don't listen, we feel it. It becomes the empty feeling in the heart. Then we attempt to cover that empty feeling up with ice-cream, TV, other people's ideals, texting, etc. etc. The question to look at is, "To what is calling me?" To explore this, I invite you to keep a "Calling Journal" for one month.
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You want to become an ICF credentialed coach. Congratulations!
The ICF values excellence in the coaching world and has been the leading standard setter since the inception of professional coaching. Holding an ICF credential is an enriching journey. It means that you have met the highest coaching standards and have been trained by a quality program. The ICF has two credentialing paths for newer and seasoned coaches. They also outline three levels of coaching ability: foundational, proficiency, and mastery. This overview gives you a summary of what to consider and how to determine which path is a better fit for you. LEVEL ONE: ACC The ICF has the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) level. In the coaching world, this is comparable to having a bachelor’s degree in coaching. ACC programs provide the foundation of coaching and give you enough basics to add coaching to another profession skillfully. For example, if you are an HR Director and want to embed coaching into conversations with employees or a team process, then the ACC-level training is perfect for your situation. Another example of adding coaching skills to an already existing career is when consultants realize a client’s mindset is impeding progress. In this scenario, adding basic coaching skills helps the consultant up-level their client’s capacity for success. LEVEL TWO: PCC The next level up is the Professional Certified Coach (PCC). This level would be equivalent to a master’s degree in the coaching world. PCC is the most sought-after level of training. The ICF considers PCC-level training to be the complete coach training program. This level teaches more advanced coaching skills and prepares you to contract with private clients. Your skills are evaluated at this training level, and you are given feedback, so you know if you are meeting quality coaching standards. This level of training is the perfect path if you wish to establish yourself as a professional coach, launch a coaching business, and contract with private clients or companies. LEVEL THREE: MCC The highest level is the Master Certified Coach (MCC). In the coaching world, holding an MCC credential would be akin to having a doctorate in coaching. MCC is an option once you have been a professional coach for years, completed 2500 hours of professional coaching, and attended a level three training. Which path is best for me? To determine which path is the best fit for you, consider which of these scenarios apply to you. A Professional Growing a Private Clientele:
Managers, Directors & HR Professionals:
Leaders Fostering a Coaching Culture:
Psychologists, Physicians & Therapists:
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