Out of Our Minds, Into the Field: Exploring the Ecology of Coaching

As coaches and OD practitioners, we know that what we do matters, and how we do it matters even more. The study and practice of Use of Self has always been fundamental to our field. The past two decades of neuroscience research point to why: the quality of our attention, embodied presence, our ability to regulate our own nervous system and notice our own thoughts, emotions, and patterns, as we co-create the relational field with our clients, may be the most powerful variable in our work.

In this experiential session, we'll explore what presence actually is, beyond the buzzword. Doug Silsbee, author of Presence-Based Coaching and Presence-Based Leadership, framed Presence as the foundational capacity from which all skilled coaching and leadership emerges. Not a technique among others, but the ground from which technique becomes transformative. He maintained that "the coaches' state is the intervention." We'll explore presence and attunement as both a practice and a state.

Come ready to think, feel, and notice. This session is designed to be participatory, with guided reflection and small-group dialogue woven throughout.

Presenter: Eleanor Bedford

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For those interested in continuing this exploration further in person, we invite you to register for an "equine facilitated" learning opportunity--a half-day retreat with horses--at Fairbrook Farm in Gaithersburg, MD on June 20, co-facilitated by Eleanor Bedford, PCC. CLICK HERE for more details and to reserve your spot at the deeply discounted rate of $147!