August 10, 2009

Note from the President
Feature Article -- Why Brains Need Coaching Part III
Upcoming Events -- Calendar of Great CFR Seminars
We Recommend -- Quiet Leadership by David Rock

Greetings Colleagues!
Frances Shuster, PCC President, Coaching For Results, Inc.

Come grow with us. We invite you to join our premiere coaching organization for educators. If you are already a member, invite your colleagues to join us. Check out our new website at www.coachingforresultsglobal.com. Click on Learn More under "Join Now!" or click the pull down menu under Membership. We look forward to welcoming you.

Warmly,

Frances Shuster
Frances Shuster, PCC

Our Monthly Newsletter
All of our newsletter articles are written by CSR Coaches and provide relevant information for school leaders and coaches. This month we continue a three-part series on Why the Brain Needs Coaching, written by Kathy Kee, PCC and founding member of CSR. We know you will find this article to be extremely valuable to your work.

Our electronic newsletters are provided as a gift to individuals who sign up to receive this service and we never share your information with other parties. In our newly updated website, a bonus soon to be provided to our newsletter recipients will be access to our archived newsletters, which will be organized by topic and International Coach Federation (ICF) Competencies. A little added gift for those connected to CSR.

Why Brains Need Coaching Part III
By Kathy Kee

Over the past two months we have explored two reasons why Coaching is
so important for the brain. 1) Change is hard. Because of the way our thinking, habits, and behaviors are "hardwired" we continually experience "push back" when we try to change. To have real, lasting change we must focus attention to the change we seek. 2) Attention changes the brain. Coaching focuses our attention to new thoughts, language, actions or solutions while growing new neurons all along the change journey. As we explore new thinking and experience new behaviors we create (3) insights of understanding. So, the third factor to explore is the anatomy of insight.

When David Rock first began in his study of coaching, just as we do, he watched lots of coaching. He began to notice that there was something different between good coaching and really good coaching. Over time his observations labeled the difference -- the insight moment! When "the insight moment" was observed, energy was evident from within the person. It was visually apparent that change was occurring. Later MRIs of the brain, while being coached, show that at the moment of insight neurotransmitters, such
as adrenaline are released, giving us a rush. Other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are given off as well. Having an insight is one of life's most pleasant moments.

Scientists have found that the gamma-band wave frequency is strongest at the moment of insight. Gamma waves appear to be involved in high mental activity -- perception and consciousness -- and signify various parts of the brain forming a new map. When we have the "insight moment" we are creating a super-map that links many parts of the brain. The creation of this new map gives off substantial energy -- energy that can be tapped as a valuable resource for action.

A way to identify the moment of insight is ARIA, which represent four faces of insight; Awareness, Reflection, Insight, Action. As we study and learn more about the moment of insight we begin to notice these faces in our clients during coaching. To have insight, it is important to have silence; like shutting down parts of a city to go quiet which would allow us to see things that we would otherwise not see. As coaches we focus on creating space for people to think, to feel safe and supported... in that quiet safety, the brain can focus on solutions and success and begin to experience the amazing "moment of insight." So, while "attention is the active ingredient of coaching -- insight is the miracle drug of coaching."

In this series of articles we have looked at three important reasons why COACHING is so important. Our mission and purpose to support school leaders through coaching allows us to support the change needed to build new hardwiring for greater success and potential for school leaders, our schools and our children.

What new insights are you having about the power of coaching in our schools?
What three things do you want to pay attention to in your next coaching call?

References: The Neuroscience of Leadership by David Rock and Jeffrey Schwartz; Quiet Leadership by David Rock; Coaching and the Brain Teleclasses led by David Rock 2008, 2009. Talent Management, October 2007; The Mind and the Brain by Jeffery Schwartz; Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves by Sharon Begley

Kathy Kee is a professional coach and consultant, "rehired" after 38 years in education. As an Assistant Superintendent, Kathy led her Texas district to the highest ranking of Exemplary by coaching and supporting her school leaders and teachers to their very best results. She is the past President of NSDC and TSDC and currently serves as Co-director of Teaching and Learning for Coaching School Results.

See details and register at www.coachingforresultsglobal

All seminars listed below are four days in length. Some seminars are held on four consecutive days while others are held in two-day increments over two months. Please check the seminar dates carefully.

Each seminar below has a series of three, hour-long follow-up teleclasses specifically designed for seminar participants and provided at a nominal fee. Those registering for a seminar will want to be sure to sign up for the follow-up teleclasses!

Leadership Coaching for High Performance: Dallas, TX September 17 - 20, 2009
Follow-up teleclass Series (Dates TBD)
Powerful Coaching, Level II: Dallas, TX December 15-16, 2009 AND January 6-7, 2010, Hosted by Lewisville ISD
Follow-up teleclass Series (Dates TBD)

Quiet Leadership by David Rock provides valuable information on a simple brain-based approach that helps busy leaders improve performance for themselves and others in a time-efficient manner. The secret is found in the space between the ears. If you have enjoyed Kathy Kee’s three-part series on Coaching and the Brain, we think you will enjoy Rock’s book.

Let Us Hear From You
We are always interested in receiving your feedback on how we're doing as well as what you'd like to see more of as we move toward the future. You can provide that information by emailing us at support@coachingforresultsglobal.com.