As I sat down to write the Presidents letter this month, I found myself filled with many emotions, it felt like a huge roller-coaster ride on many levels. The more I thought about what words to use the two that appeared were listen and empathy. I stopped for a moment and wondered with curiosity how to weave them into my message, I remembered something that Rev. Dr. Shawn Moore said during his presentation “Using Coaching to Build Communities Across Diverse Lines” on Tuesday night, “I see you, I hear you.” As I thought about those two statements, it became clear to me that the two are intertwined. As we see things unfold in the world and our community it became evident that really seeing the person and hearing the person with empathy is critical.

As coaches we have the opportunity, as we work with our clients, to use our listening skills to the nth degree. By asking powerful question and listening with empathy we can help create understanding for our clients as well as ourselves. I wonder, as we listen, are we listening with empathy? How are we showing up on the bigger stage of life with those same skills, are we? I cannot tell you how many times I thought I was listening to my husband, daughters and now granddaughters but was not hearing. Or better yet I try to finish their sentences. I was seeing things through my lens not theirs. As I reflect on past situations, I wonder what I missed, was there something that could have been changed or different or more importantly made a difference no matter how small.

While we cannot walk in someone else’s shoes we can use our listening skills and empathy to seek understanding and stand by their side as they walk on their journey of life. Use our listening skills to really listen at a deeper level. The more that we take the time to step back before jumping in the better we can really listen and see the other person, the more we can feel what the other person is feeling.

I was curious to see what the difference was between compassion and empathy, so I did a little research and found this description by researchers:

The Difference Between Compassion and Empathy. ... Compassion is the ability to feel for another living being. Empathy is the ability to not only understand another's feelings, but also to become one with that person's distress… to put yourself in their shoes and imagine what they are going through in that situation.

As we continue to navigate through the current situations and crisis’s I wonder:

· What small step each of us can take to change the world and our community, to create understanding, empathy and peace.

· How will your heart speak to you, what message is coming through and what action will you be moved to take?

Hope is what we must hang on to, it is what helps us continue to move forward no matter what. To continue to stand up after we have fallen and to keep the faith even if we do not understand the plan that is unfolding on a higher level. My heart and thoughts are with all of you and your families during this challenging time.
May you find peace and love in the midst of the storm.
Take Care,
Deb Johnson
President ICF Minnesota

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 An Update on COVID-19 and Supporting Clients in a Time of Crisis
ICF is committed to providing our Members and Credential-holders with the support
and most current resources you need to care for yourself and  meet the needs
of your clients during this tumultuous period.

We’ve created a COVID-19 landing page for the ICF community at coachfederation.org/wecare.

Please visit this page for updates from organizations including the Visit the Resource Page.

ICF Global has established a resource page that provides several areas of support that include:

Christina Brandt

1. What brought you to coaching?

After personal coaching with Jennie of Learning Journey's, I felt like coaching was something within my natural tendencies. However, as the President of a multi-millionaire company, my plan was to expand my knowledge base in this area, "on the side", to make me better in my roles. It became apparent that was not ideal in being able to attend classes and demonstrate a commitment to the coaching practice. Unexpectedly, my career exposed a new chapter and coincidentally classes I would be able to attend started the next week. Embracing these events, I completed all certifications Practitioner, Master and Narrative offered by Learning Journey's. Knowing that my desire to give back from my experiences and help fulfill potentials was aligned to this opportunity. A little faith too - I followed the path being opened to me.

2. Tell us about your coaching practice. (Niche, ideal client, etc.)

3. What do you love about your coaching work?

What I love about coaching currently is that I am applying it as an outside Advisor to the Small Business Development Center. I am meeting and working with amazing people from all different industries and various points of their businesses. This engagement is allowing me the chance to utilize my decades in business, breadth of experiences and the coaching perspective that values clients as the experts. So rewarding!!

4. Tell us about the coaching tools, books, podcasts, etc. that you follow that helps you to stay informed.

I am a self-discovery junkie, so always reading and seeking information from various areas. I often utilize tools for creating intention, understanding values / decision making and working on issues.

5. How has ICF-MN helped you as a coach?

My exposure to ICF-MN is too new, I do not have a qualified response.

6. How can folks connect with you?
Contact information - www.reimaginepossibilities.com, christina@reimaginepossibilities.com

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