Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GCC process?

The GCC is a year long process in which all the key stakeholders in coaching (consumers, practitioners, educators and industry bodies) will be gathering together to discuss the difficult issues facing us in professionalizing coaching. It is a world-wide collaborative dialogue that seeks to understand the needs of coaching consumers, practitioners and educators in order to develop commonly agreed understandings, guidelines and frameworks for the practice of coaching and the training of coaches.

The process itself is relatively simple. Representatives of the stakeholder groups gather to identify the key issues and potential ways forward. They do this by developing a series of future scenarios based on different ways of resolving the key questions. For example, in South Africa, the participants developed four potential scenarios for the way South Africa might develop. The first was based on a strategy of avoiding a negotiated settlement. (They named this the Ostrich scenario.) The second considered a prolonged transition process which attempted to respond to all parties but satisfied none. (the Lame Duck scenario) The third sought to buy a way forward via unrestrained spending, (the Icarus scenario) and the fourth envisaged a systematic approach in which key building blocks are put in place to support change. (the Flight of the Flamingos scenario) Through the generation and discussion of these possible scenarios, previously warring parties were able to reach shared understanding and agreement. (For a more detailed account of this process as used to solve complex issues in South Africa and elsewhere, see Adam Kahane (2004) Solving Tough Problems. San Francisco: BK press.)

What might this look process look like in a terms of coaching?

Once the areas to be explored have been identified, working groups on each area, made up of representatives of the various stakeholder groups, would develop scenarios based on different ways of resolving the issues associated with their area. For example, the working party on a code of ethics might consider what the future would look like if there were (i) no formal shared codes of ethics, (ii) a single code to which all subscribe, (iii) a core code with variations for different groups, or (iv) disparate multiple codes for different groups and stakeholders. The scenarios for each key issue area would be disseminated to the wider discussion group for feedback and a white paper produced for discussion at the Global Convention on Coaching in July 2008. A full description of the process can be found on the process page

How do I participate?

There are numerous ways for individuals and organizations to participate in the GCC. Individuals can volunteer to serve on a working group or as a member of a consultation group. For applications for participations please read GCC Participant Invite
Individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate through your financial support by making contributions, please see the sponsorship page

How are the working group members to be chosen?

Working Group members will be selected from individuals who express an interest in serving as well as individuals recruited to serve in this volunteer role. Selections by the GCC Steering Committee will be based on a number of factors including expertise, background, interests, gender and geographic diversity.

Is the GCC trying to create a single model of coaching?

No. the task is not to create a single model of coaching or coach training. Rather it is to acknowledge and value the diversity that exists in field, and to begin the discussion about what competencies, knowledge and practice standards coaches already hold in common, and those we believe we should hold in common. The development of more specific frameworks for areas of specialty, such as business coaching, executive coaching, health coaching etc is also a possible outcome. Another possible outcome may be the establishment of a group to made up of the member partners to continue this dialogue.

Can I be on a mailing list for updates/newsletter?

There are several ways you can stay informed about the work of the GCC. First, check the website at www.coachingconvention.org. Information about the GCC project will be updated periodically. Second, we will distribute updates via email. To receive your copy of the updates, please send an email with your contact information to admin@coachingconvention.org. Be sure to indicate “ADD TO UPDATE LIST” in the subject line.

How can I contribute if I do not have a formal role?

Financial support is needed to help defer the cost for meetings, communication, website, and travel for those participants unable to pay the costs. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. Contributions of all sizes are welcome. For more information about sponsorship of this event, please contact admin@coachingconvention.org or refer to the sponsorship information on the GCC website insert link to sponsorship page here.

When will the working groups start?

Working Groups members will be selected by August 15, 2007 and begin their work immediately.

Can I tell others about this?

Please do. We believe the more people who are aware of this effort and get involved the better. Feel free to direct people to the GCC website: www.coachingconvention.org

Is the GCC trying to represent particular coaching bodies?

No. the task is not to represent particular bodies or approaches to coaching or coach training. Rather it is, as said above, to acknowledge and value the diversity that exists in field, and to begin the discussion about what competencies, knowledge and practice standards coaches already hold in common, and those we believe we should hold in common. However, Individuals participating although they bring the experience of senior roles within their respective organisations do not represent those organisations in the dialogue. They attend as convention members in their own right, because of the contribution they can make not to promote one view. By the same token, no organisation is bound by or assumed to agree with or adopt any findings from the convention. All findings will be regularly reported back to organisations for consultation, but in the end each organisation will make the decision as to how much of the work they implement or none at all. We believe engaging in an open dialogue will enhance understanding across the field but we cannot seek to bind anyone, individual or organisation in advance of a process to accept as yet unknown outcomes.