From inner game to neuroscience, Association for Coaching Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland, 22 June 2012
Article Type: Resources From: Strategic HR Review, Volume 12, Issue 1
This year’s AC Conference title was intriguing, the venue was stimulating, and the conference material was rich in content.
The opening keynote speaker, Professor Paul Brown, captured the 300+delegates with his fascinating insight into Neuroscience “From pathology to possibility” introducing NBM (Neuro Behavioral Modeling) in a practical easy to understand way, which left many thinking that neuroscience is a subject that can serve coaches very well. He also offered a few insights into how, since moving from psychology to neuroscience, he has reframed some of his thinking;e.g. substituting the word unconscious with “non-conscious,”considering whether intelligent emotions is more advantageous than emotional intelligence, and the influence of the protective element of the brain to keep us safe.
Exploring new themes
The Association for Coaching had organized a suite of such excellent topics and speakers that many delegates wanted to be in at least two places at one time.
The opening workshops were of high quality and raised awareness of two relatively new concepts to coaching mainstream. The first was “Mindfulness based cognitive coaching” (MBCC). Gladeana McMahon explained how it can help clients appreciate, enjoy and have more control over, their daily lives. Professor Jack Whitehead was compelling in his advocacy for the role of Action Research and its systematic use of action-reflection cycles to improve coaching practice. He left the delegates to consider what they really mean by “I.”
Highlights of the conference included Christine Thornton’s exploration of SH Foulkes Group Analysis and the hidden dynamics in groups. Dr Leni Wildflower led a lively “Immunity to change” workshop working through the Kegan/Lahey Model, which left delegates with some lasting transformations and a tool they could offer their clients. Professor Jonathan Passmore gave an energetic, entertaining and engaging talk on the importance of Emotional Intelligence. Two Positive Psychology workshops provided penetrative models and reminders of the importance of “positiveness” and happiness at work. Professor Paul Brown conducted a second fascinating keynote session where he led a discussion around Neuro Behavioral Modeling in Executive Coaching and the biographical enquiry method, which had the delegates reflecting on their appreciation of the brain and the value of neuroscience to their coaching.
Inspiring and energizing
The closing quarter of the conference reflected coaching’s early roots in sports coaching; first there was an absorbing talk, via video link to USA,from Tim Gallwey creator of The Inner Game of Tennis followed by a Q&A with him. The closing speaker was Dr Frank Dick, OBE, who has coached many Olympic athletes, including Daley Thompson, Steve Ovett and Sebastian Coe. He finished the day with an inspirational and humorous speech that left delegates proud to be coaches and energized to apply their newfound knowledge.
Well done AC UK.
Clive SteeperExecutive coach at Avasst Ltd.
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