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February 28, 2003
Coaching Israelis on life
Juhree Zimmerman's students look to their future.
KYLE BERGER REPORTER
Despite the unknown circumstances that surround them on a daily
basis, there are many Israelis who have a deep interest in focusing
on their personal and career goals. This was the overwhelming impression
given to Juhree Zimmerman, a professional life and career coach,
when she visited Israel in January to lead a three-day introductory
class in coaching.
Zimmerman said she was amazed at how willing and interested her
24 students were in thinking about their future, and how to help
others with their lives and career paths, considering they were
all expecting a war to begin at any moment.
"What was amazing was how hungry these people were [to learn
about] coaching and for the belief in themselves and each other
that things can change," she said. "They were like dry
sponges and were very committed to learning the skills."
Zimmerman said she was also suprised by the high level of education
and career experience many of her Israeli students possessed.
"There were people who were local celebrities, had very senior
positions in corporations, lots of education or very successful
careers," she said. "[In North America] we see more mid-level
managers and people who are looking for a new career, as opposed
to people who are looking to deepen their skills and bring coaching
into their work.
"I just think it really fit with the way that Israelis see
themselves," she continued. "It just seemed to be a really
exceptional fit for how they want to be as human beings and as professionals
in their work. A lot of them are looking to take further training."
Zimmerman's connection in Israel came after she began coaching an
Israeli named Erez Bartal by way of regular phone meetings. After
being coached himself, Bartal decided he was interested in learning
how to be a coach and he helped Zimmerman organize the course in
Tel-Aviv.
Bartal has helped provide continuing education for Israelis interested
in learning coaching and Zimmerman hopes to return in August to
teach a final course. When she does, she looks forward to a warm
reception, like the one she received from the Israelis in January.
"They were very appreciative about having the course brought
to them," she said. "So many people have cancelled trips
to and business in Israel because of the impending war and ongoing
terrorism."
Coaching is a new profession, less than 10 years old, according
to Zimmerman. An offspring of career counselling, coaching involves
a process of moving people toward fulfilment in their life.
"Coaching is about setting goals, learning more about yourself,
really getting balance in your life and unlocking your potential,"
she said. "I know that sounds trite, but it really is about
that."
She said that in recent years, more structure has been brought to
the roles and educational development of coaching.
"It used to be that people who were [career] consultants would
just say, 'Oh, I'm a coach now,' " she said. "That's not
acceptable anymore. We're starting to get our own body of knowledge,
there is a certification process and the schools are being accredited."
She added that coaching is different from counselling because the
relationship between the coach and the client is very mutual.
"The co-active model of coaching is about designing every aspect
of the relationship between the coach and the client so that it
is a relationship of mutual respect and equality," she said.
"So it is not like the coach knows more than the client."
Zimmerman is involved with the Coaches Training Institute, founded
in 1992 in San Rafael, Calif. The school began offering courses
in Vancouver in 1998 and they now also offer courses across North
America, the United Kingdom, Norway, Japan and Israel. More information
about Zimmerman's services can be found on her Web site at www.strategiccoachingservices.com.
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