It happens without fail: Anytime my husband and I visit his hometown for
a family event, someone will joke that our three-year-old niece, Quinn, has
me wrapped around her little finger. “That’s not it,” I usually respond with a
smile. “She’s just a born leader.”
Editor’s Note
Raising Leaders
When you read through a checklist of qualities we typically associate with outstanding leaders,
Quinn fills the bill. She exudes confidence. She’s endlessly creative, and uses her creativity
to inspire her friends and family. She has a great sense of humor, and she’s a champ at
delegating tasks to the grown-ups in her life. Did I mention that she exudes confidence?
However, calling her a “born leader” is inaccurate: Leaders are made, not born. In the years
ahead, it will be essential for the adults in Quinn’s life to nurture the leadership qualities
she already exhibits, and provide support as she learns to temper them with additional
attributes and competencies, such as humility, active listening and a healthy dose of
diplomacy. We will also need to remind her that the leadership development journey has
no end. It is a lifelong process.
This issue of Coaching World explores the lifelong journey of leadership development as it
impacts coaches and clients. In these pages, you’ll find practical tips you can use to support
clients facing derailment in their professional lives (page 18), an inspiring case study of how
coaching skills can be applied to a facilitation engagement to increase trust and enhance
team performance (page 12), and a powerful reminder of why good leadership in business
demands planning for unpleasant realities (page 8).
Speaking of leadership, this issue marks the launch of a new CW department featuring
insights and reflections from ICF Global’s CEO and Executive Director, Magda Mook. (Turn to
page 25 to read about her experiences at this year’s ICF Global Leaders Forum.)
I’m passionate about ensuring that you see CW as the leading publication for
professional coaches, but I can only do this with your help. Email me at
[email protected] to let me know what you’d like to see in
future issues.
Abby Tripp Heverin
Communications and Awards Manager
Coaching World
5
Coaching World magazine was recognized
by the American Society of Association
Executives with a 2015 Gold Circle Award
in the e-magazines category.