GLOSSARY
These explanations of key terms used in coaching and on the site are not exhaustive or definitive, but they very much reflect my thoughts on the matter at hand.
Active listening
The art and science of listening with the intention to truly understand what is being communicated. It requires active responses that invite further conversation, reflection and understanding. It also requires, for example, not anticipating the point the other person is about to make, and not planning what to say next. (see Blog: The Wandering Mind and the Art of Listening)
Certified professional coach
A coach who has completed an accredited training program that meets the requirements of the International Coach Federation (ICF) who is certified by the International Coach Federation. A Certified Professional Coach has been trained to partner with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that maximizes the client’s personal and professional potential.
Consultant
A consultant provides clients with services (e.g. training or project management) as well as recommendations and solutions regarding their opportunities, concerns or problems. In contrast a coach helps clients formulate their own strategies and solutions. To summarize: a consultant does the required work for clients, while a coach helps clients do the required work. (see Career History)
Continuing medical education or health education (CME or HE)
CME-HE teaches healthcare professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses, pharmacists) about new and developing areas of a given field, to enhance their knowledge and maintain or upgrade their skills. CME-HE program content is developed, reviewed and delivered by experts in specific clinical areas. It is reviewed and sanctioned by accrediting bodies. CME-HE is developed for online, electronic, print or conference formats.(see Career History)
Professional coaching
A coach who follows the Code of Ethics established by the International Coach Federation (ICF), and works to help clients find fresh perspectives on professional and personal challenges, improve decision-making skills, and increase interpersonal effectiveness. Professional coaching offers individuals, groups or teams in private, organizational and corporate settings concrete ways to boost productivity, attain relevant goals, enhance satisfaction with life and work.
Educational technology
Known as Ed Tech among the faithful, Educational Technology is the study and practice of facilitating learning and improved performance using various technologies. An educational technologist identifies educational problems and solves them through the application of new developments in psychology, information and communication technology, or systems analysis. Practitioners also produce and evaluate educational media, design instructional materials and manage training systems.
Instructional designer
Someone who creates educational/training programs or products following a process of analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation, informed by learning theories and pedagogy. Instructional designers create materials for a huge variety of settings and learners. (see Career History)
Institute for professional excellence in coaching (iPEC)
This accredited coaching school exceeds the requirements of the International Coach Federation (ICF). iPEC’s 320-hour training program is by far the most demanding of its kind and includes The Core Energy Coaching™ Process – a robust inter-disciplinary method pioneered and taught exclusively at iPEC. The program draws on theories and practice from psychotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), adult and accelerated learning theories and emotional intelligence.
International coach federation (ICF)
The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, dedicated to advancing the profession, with a Code of Ethics and standards of professional conduct for members.
Mindfulness
An emotionally accepting and non-reactive state of mind. When one is mindful, we do not judge a given experience as being either good or bad. We don’t get upset because we’re experiencing something we don’t want to experience, or because we’re not experiencing what we would rather experience. We simply accept whatever arises – be it a word or deed – and observe as it passes through us then ceases to matter.
Mindful meditation
The state of mindfulness can be attained through meditation. Meditation calls for us to be concerned with whatever is arising in the present moment – and whenever thoughts threaten to take us away from the present, the mindful meditator has the self-awareness to return to port. (see Blog: Still Mind, Overwhelmed with to-do's or Supportive Care)
Project manager (PM)
Someone assigned responsibility for leading a project from its inception to execution. The role calls for loads of planning, risk management and communication as well as hands-on coordination of the people and resources involved. Responsibilities vary hugely depending on the cost of the project, its complexity and the industry. Effective PMs create a healthy working environment for all team members and adroitly manage both individual and team relationships and performance.(see Career History)
Push your buttons
The expression refers to an emotionally reactive response to something said or done. A close cousin to “getting your chain yanked.” While it is easy and tempting to blame the person or the thing that pushed your buttons or yanked your chain, we do retain responsibility for our reactions. (see Blog: Eye of the Storm)
Self-awareness
The state of being observant of your thoughts, emotions, attitudes, interpretations, strengths, and weaknesses – you name it. The goal of self-awareness is to make the required adjustments to our thoughts, responses and reactions as they arise. It is a key attribute of emotional intelligence and generally underpins healthy relationships in one’s professional and personal life. (see Blog: Eye of the Storm)
Supportive care coach
A coach who helps patients, as well as their families and caregivers, cope with the emotional and practical burdens of cancer or chronic illnesses. The coach can help clients alleviate stress and maintain confidence by pointing out new perspectives on personal challenges.