L'onda del coaching

FOREWARD

I have been riding the wave of coaching since it was a small collection of droplets and having that perspective makes me appreciate this book even more deeply in my heart and soul. It really is about coaching, not what the media says or what people see on TV or hear secondhand. It is written by one who knows it, practices it, teaches it, and lives it with commitment and passion. Giovanna understands coaching! Giovanna is a humble seeker of clarity and wisdom. Her beautiful language touches the heart and challenges the brain. She writes with authenticity and transparency, as if sitting next to you, deeply listening and sharing wisdom collected from her experience and the experience of those with whom she has interacted over many years. This book has somehow found its way into your life at this time. You are probably interested in people and love learning about life. You are curious why people behave the way they do and how they can change. You question; you seek. You wonder what it takes to have the life you want, you deserve, you dream of. If you are hungry for some-thing that will fill you up with meaningful emotional, mental and spiritual nutrition, add this book to your library. The author has writ-ten this for you and you can expect to become involved. For example, after the author thanks people, she invites us into the experience, not as observers, as participants. Our challenge is to thank people for the learning they have offered us and then thank ourselves for being open to receive that learning. Another example is when Giovanna shares her personal philosophy, using a phrase that guides her daily living: The life you want is the one you will have. She then beckons us to dig deep into our core and formulate our own evocative reference point as a phrase guide. Parallel to a partnership in coaching, we have the opportunity to partner with Giovanna in designing our destiny. Giovanna puts her wisdom into action by writing this comprehensive book and I hope that after reading it, you will more intelligently and purposefully interact with yourself, others around you and the environment. So I invite, more accurately, implore you to fully engage with this book, share what you learn with others, buy more copies, and consider this profession as an ally. It is here to sup-port us to become more of who we truly are and to advance the evolution of humankind. Enjoy reading about coaching, how it came to be and what it offers from interviews with pioneers and masterful coaching leaders. It is uplifting to read and easy-to-understand. Dive into descriptions of the path one experiences when being coached and trained as a coach. Become familiar with foundational principles, philosophy and competencies put forth by the worldwide association of coaches (International Coach Federation – ICF). Splash among metaphors from the seaside to the bedroom, yes the bedroom. Take time to engage in the exercises that offer internal reflection. Learn a model for coaching (and life). Read a case study and also a transcription of a coaching meeting, all written to explain the essence and glory of coaching. Surf through the waves coaching has already offered, is offering now and has the potential to offer for years to come. And let us be congruent and not forget to say, thank you to Giovanna.

Teri-E Belf, MA, CAGS, MCC