I was up early this morning excited about my first ICA train the trainer class. Not nervous, but really wanted to get going! “Karen, can I dial now?” It seemed that the minutes before signing on were dragging. My energy level was very high and my mind racing to get things going. There is a place in me that feels at home with a group of students. I suppose you could say, Desiree was happy. 
B101 Getting Clients: Trial Session at 6 am New York time. We had roughly 11 students. Some from Paris (qui qui), Spain, Canada, & New York (not a country?) just to name a few. I had the lesson plan ready JUST IN CASE I had to read it word by word. I’d read the module for this class a few times to be sure I could answer questions. With a lesson plan to beat the ban, I was there.
They (our students) were so very nice to me. The hour flew by. They talked. Just a few brief dead spaces. We kept moving on anyway. People to see, places to go! There was a nice mix of student participation and a significant “safe place” was emjoyed. I asked questions, encouraged participation, and keep as many of the competencies in the forefront as I heard them being used in our conversation. It was fun to have them use core competencies in their “this is what I am taking away from this class”.
We were present which makes it even more delightful. We meaning all of us that shared this call. Some walked away with a few new tools, or a new way to look at a past experience,or preparing for the future. Others simply gave of their experiences so others could learn and maybe they could hear their own accomplishments.
I did not like it when it all came to an end. Such an honor to share the dance.
It seemed I was able to demonstrate my competencies as a trainer today. Questioning the learners for a deeper understanding. Sharing insights through relating brief coaching experiences and acknowledging the students for their work, commitment, presence, participation, and acceptance of a new trainer for the moment.
Other competencies I was aware of includes hardwiring our conversations to the key learning points, core competencies, and coaching experiences. As the facilitator this morning it was up to me to manage the class momentum. Which I did and felt good about.
It was early for some, earlier for a few and comfortable for others. The need to keep the class moving, safeguard the energy, smile as I talk, and nod in understanding as I demonstrate how the place we are working is indeed sacred.
Karen, thank you for the support.
Hmm, I can get wordy in a blog. Who woulda thunk?
Desiree
Dsimon said,
November 20, 2006 at 4:54 am
Welcome to Tele-class adventures. This is my first blog ever and I am curious to see how it works. Right now my mind is on one key questions. How do we as tele-class leaders provide opportunities for students to take their first steps in class? One obvious answer is we create a safe place. One way to do this is the instructor is authentic and wants to be there with the students. Introductions, warming up, and providing supportive feedback are just a few ways that I believe are effective ways to encourage the student to participate.
Bill Turpin said,
November 20, 2006 at 1:38 pm
Desiree,
Welcome to the world of blogs. This is my first reply to one. (I’ve been a bit anti-blog)
Just want to say I agree with you whole-heartedly!
Bill
coachkaren said,
November 20, 2006 at 1:45 pm
Hi Desiree,
I love the title of your blog and also the ideas that you present about creating a safe space.
Well done!!!
Love and Great Joy,
Karen
joanncr said,
November 20, 2006 at 2:07 pm
Desiree,
Terrific entry!
What a great mood you project!!
Fierce, girl, Fierce!
Jo Ann
Jamee Tenzer said,
November 20, 2006 at 4:58 pm
Dear Desiree,
Thank you for getting your blog up so fast – you have both inspired and instructed me with your contribution… yay you!
Take care,
Jamee
Dsimon said,
November 20, 2006 at 8:00 pm
Thank you everyone for looking at my blog. Bill, I have been a bit anti-blog myself but I am not sure why. Oh wait, after our last lecture I get it now. I have not understood it so I have not used it. Now that I have used it, I may find it a valuable tool.
a2acoaching said,
November 27, 2006 at 3:29 am
Hi D
thanks for replying to my blog! I really appreciated your perspective. I have written back via the comments section of my blog too but wasn’t sure if you would see it
Linda
dsimon said,
December 3, 2006 at 7:07 pm
I have become obsessed with making my blog as beautiful as everyone elses and almost forgot the purpose of the blog. I did add a new page but if anyone else knows a better way please tell me. Right now it can be accessed on the left under “sharing is not for everyone”.
dsimon said,
December 3, 2006 at 7:08 pm
Oh wow, and my picture can up too!
Jo Ann Crouch said,
December 8, 2006 at 8:38 pm
Desiree, Thanks for sharing. Wow, what a great experience for you. Such enjoyment! An no, you are not wordy. You are a great storyteller.
Best,
Jo Ann
jamee1 said,
December 8, 2006 at 9:17 pm
Dearest Desiree,
What a great report. I felt like I was right there in the class with you… congratulations!
Jamee
empoweringspace said,
December 8, 2006 at 10:29 pm
Hi Desiree,
Congrats on your great win. I tto have just done my first teleclass and only now can appreciate all that you are sharing. Creating the safe space is essential and it seems like you did that, so that there was plenty of sharing and feedback at the end of the class.
Hands up Desiree well done.
Lydia.
a2acoaching said,
December 9, 2006 at 3:30 am
Congratulations on a what sounds like a fabulous class! glad to hear you enjoyed it so much.
Linda
coachkaren said,
December 9, 2006 at 6:06 pm
Desiree,
You are AWESOME!!!
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