Us vs. Them is a Hallucination

With the ICF Global Leaders Forum happening this month, I thought I would reflect on what a leader is and what is needed for a professional community to move strongly through the waters of turbulent change.

I Do Not Exist as a Leader Without You

As an ICF Leader, I sometimes feel like the French leader Charles de Gaulle, who said “I figure out where the French people are going, then I run out in front of them.” Coaching as a profession is moving forward regardless of what the ICF Global Board of Directors does. I hope to help steer the ship through turbulent waters, but the value of my leadership is defined by the quality of our relationship. I must listen to and serve you to be a good leader.

Just as teachers are useless without students and executives can do little without employees, there are no ICF Leaders without ICF Members.

We are a Part of a System Called ICF

Within that system, some people step into the role of leader at local, regional and global levels to serve as conduits of programs, resources and information. They also serve to help facilitate productive growth and change.

ICF Leaders are also members. I am an ICF Member, passionate about the great work we do and the health and integrity of our profession. Leaders and followers are not separate things. Whether we function in harmony or not depends on us. Working together, we can continually improve the art of coaching and the impact of our profession worldwide.

Good leaders not only listen to members, they stay on top of industry trends, so the system not only survives, it thrives. ICF research reports help!

 All Leaders are Change Agents by Nature of the Role

 As the speed of change hastens, so does the need for leaders to ensure members have what they need to succeed. Everywhere on the planet, there is a whirlwind of unrelenting and fundamental change. As everything changes, so must the processes and operations of ICF.

Sometimes this feels as if the leaders are doing things to the members. The complaints claim leaders are disconnected and misinformed. If the reasons and outcomes do not seem beneficial, operational changes can feel threatening, insensitive or disrespectful.

As a system, resistance to change is often the fault of the leaders. During times of change, leaders need to make sure there is:

• Valid research supporting the changes
• Careful deliberation in studying options
• Good communication with members

Because the ICF Global Board is a group of member-leaders selected by their peers, we do our best to be the liaison between operations and a diverse global membership—to be the voice of the members in decision making, linking this voice to industry knowledge, standards of practice, and demands of a growing organization. As with all leaders, some pieces of the puzzle are overlooked. As a part of ICF, you should never hesitate to raise your voice, so we move forward down the best paths together.

To make this system work, we also need you to contribute actively as a member. We are a not a company; we are a professional community serving each other. If you think your leaders lack perspective, let them know. Better yet, find out how you can become an ICF Leader to help us grow stronger together.

When members do not take on leadership functions, the system falters. The entire community is ICF; we work together to achieve our goals and our dreams for the impact of coaching in the world. Throughout history, transformation is the result of people raising their voices together.

As with all good Change Agents, I am proud to say the current ICF Global Board does their utmost to:

• Set bold direction based on sound reasoning
• Share the vision we aspire to achieve
• Listen to members with curiosity and empathy
• Stay open to new ideas
• Remember who we serve and why, with a sense of the common good
• Act with the intention for helping our communities thrive (our organization, our society and our families)

As an ICF Member, you are a part of a community that serves each other. Your dues pay to keep our connections alive and create a positive impact in the world. The rest comes from your physical contribution. You will get so much in return when you participate.

I have stepped into many leadership roles in my life, in numerous workplaces and four of my professional associations. When I see a need for change in our fast-changing, uncertain world, or I hear valid complaints about aspects of the system, I seek to work with my peers to affect the changes we can. This habit can be arduous, but the rewards are great. I love reaching out to others to join me. Will you take the challenge?

I hope this post helps you succeed in all of your future leadership positions.