The Coaching Voice of Asia Pacific
Vol. 3 • Issue 2 • 1 April 2011 www.apacoaches.org
Message from Coaching in China – the President thoughts from the psychoanalyst’s couch Dear Fellow Coaches, by Edith Coron Exciting news: APAC is starting to plan for the Second Asia Pacific Coaching Conference lels between the two approaches. (APCC2012) to be co-organized with ICF Singa- Fifteen years ago, the first psychoanalyst in China, Huo Q: After a relatively slow start in pore in the latter part of 2012. This is an oppor- Datong, introduced thethera- China in the early 1900s, psychol- tunity to consolidate and build on the success of peutic cure developed by the ogy was totally forbidden for many APCC2010—also held in Singapore—which saw French psychoanalyst decades. So, how are there now the participation of 300 coaches hailing from all Jacques Lacan to his native several thousand China-based psy- over Asia Pacific. Many helping hands are Chengdu, Sichuan province. chotherapists? needed, so feel free to contact us if you are will- A self-described “young A: Psychotherapy is growing but it ing to participate. red guard” in the early years is still a new phenomenon. The Through our Research & Development of the Cultural Revolution (in history of psychoanalysis and psy- committee, headed by Dr. Ajay Nangalia from the mid 1960s), Huo studied chotherapy is different in the West and in China. In the West, chrono- India, APAC is keenly interested in understand- history and had a passion for scientific theory. He read vo- logically, psychoanalysis came first, ing the distinguishing features of Asian coaching. raciously: the Chinese Clas- then came psychotherapy. In China For example, Asians have traditionally been re- sics, Western philosophers it is the other way around, first luctant to visit psycho-therapists, but we don’t and novelists, and the Marxist psychotherapies were introduced. yet know whether or how this disposition affects canons. His thirst for knowl- Psychoanalysis, which is a lengthier acceptance of coaching in Asia Pacific. Our lead edge and his interest in Freud and more complicated approach, article in this newsletter begins to look at this (whom he first discovered in came later, and even today there an abridged version smug- are only about 15 psychoanalysts area. Chinese traditions of talking, confiding and seeking The APAC Newsletter is our members’ gled clandestinely from Hong advice are different from those in the West in China. voice. It is circulated to the membership and, for Kong) eventually brought him Major cultural differences between East and West also come into play. To talk with a those who have an interesting Asian coaching, is to Paris, France. There he studied psychoanalysis and underwent therapy himself, without which he stranger about one’s intimate problems is still not com- available on our website: www.apacoaches.org . could not be a practitioner. Back in China since mon practice in Asia. In Europe, in the West, there is a We always welcome your comments and feed- 1996, not only has he opened the first psychoana- long tradition whose origins we can arguably trace back back, which will be used to improve our newslet- lytical training centre in China but he has also un- to the Christian tradition of talking with the past or, the ter and our organisation. dertaken to adapt the theoretical basis of psycho- confessor. In Asia, when we enter a temple, being B ud- Woraphat Arthayukti analysis to suit China. dhist or Taoist, we do not talk about our intimate prob- lems with the monks. Our tradition is to keep our p rob- APAC President Coaching, also a Western model of individual development, is gaining ground fast in Asia, par- lems to ourselves. [email protected] ticularly in China. Huo Datong reflects on the paral- Q: What are the other reasons people are still relu c- The Coaching Voice of Asia Pacific We welcome ideas and submissions for future editions Vol. 3 • Issue 2 • 1 April 2011 of the APAC newsletter www.apacoaches.org Please contact [email protected]
tant to consult a therapist? Q: How, as coaches, can we take this into account A: The Freudian and Lacanian theories highlight when working with Chinese professionals who bear th is the importance of the father. It is the image of family and social pressure? Congratulations to God. They look for the cause of problems in the A: You must ask people why they have this strong APAC member, relationship with the father. In China we do noth- desire for success. Through the understanding of wh at ave these beliefs, our founding- motivates their desire for success Frank Bresser, myths are different. So I am they can find solutions in their work. inventing a new interpretation Your job as a coach is also to give recipient of the of Freud and Lacan. people personal support. In China The relationship between- personal relationships are important; ‘Global HR Excellence parents and children is different the closeness between the coach and Award 2011 ’ in the West and in the East. For the coachee can be anchored in the example, in the West a child is Chinese tradition of strong relation- Frank is an organisational coaching consultantS, spe- left on his own in a room at a ship building. I believe that in this cialising in the implementation and optimization of very young age; in China chil- personal relationship, people can coaching programmes. He received his prize in the dren sleep with their parents Coaches cannot simply refer open up. You bring them a personal, category ’Strategic Leadership’ at the World Human until they are around 6 years private support they badly need. Resources Development Congress in Mumbai on 11 old. The matrimonial relation- to Western work models… Q: In a recent survey we conducted Feb 2011. ship is also perceived differ- (EUCC- APAC) we found that most ently, it is dominant in the they have to be coachees in China expect, to some de- According to the jury, “his leadership and contribu West, in China it’s the filial rela- combined gree, that the coach will play the role tion is well known. The position that he occupies in tionship that prevails. of adviser/mentor. This runs against the fraternity is strategic and iconic. As a thinker and In his book “China on the with traditional the Western model of the role of the doer he is a role model and a believer in change.” couch” (published in French by coach, what do you think about that? Plon, Paris, 2008 as “La Chine Chinese models. A: Chinese society is a society in tran- sur le Divan, entretiens avec sition. Western work models co-exist Dorian Malovic”), Huo explains with traditional models, and many people are lost. They HELP APAC G-R-O-W… how the universal myths of Oedipus and Narcissus come to you as coaches to ask for help. It is neces sary to do not resonate fully in China. Huo defines the combine both models. Today, we Chinese are neither • A global voice for Asia’s myth of birth, the myth of the Son of the Sky as Westerners nor traditional Chinese, we find ourselv es in coaches the founding myth in China. many work situations that are totally new, we do no t • Unique regional community Q: What is the impact on individuals of the know what to do. As coaches, you cannot simply refe r to • Professional development & support rapid transformation of China, its Westernization, Western work models, even in the coaching relations hip. • Research & development to a certain extent? They have to be combined with traditional Chinese m od- insights A: There is a double phenomenon: the one child els. It has to be re-invented and somehow that is a lso policy and the social pressure for success. Why do your responsibility as coaches. Chinese society is in the Share the benefits; sign up your I want to succeed? Why is it so important? For midst of shaping this model and coaches have to be part colleagues today! whom do I have to succeed, for myself or for my of it. parents? Nowadays all the parents’ hopes are Contact: transferred and concentrated on one child. Edith Coron, ACC—[email protected] KF Tang on [email protected]
The Coaching Voice of Asia Pacific We welcome ideas and submissions for future editions Vol. 3 • Issue 2 • 1 April 2011 of the APAC newsletter www.apacoaches.org Please contact [email protected]
will be to others, and lays out the action for Serenity in the Midst of Chaos us to take. Often narratives can best be ex- by James Flaherty pressed in metaphors and I am suggesting two that may help explain our current state. This article is an expansion of an APAC teleconference on this A top – always moving and spinning, falling if it topic that took place 16 February 2011. stops for even a moment. A runner – dashing full speed toward a mirage that always recedes into the distance. No coach, consultant, executive or manager needs What personal identity, social relationships and ac- evidence showing that their world is fast moving, tions would follow from these narratives? Here are some complex, unpredictable and full of dynamic change. consequences that I’ve found from these narratives: The confluence of communication technologies and Our practices wear us out the global marketplace—which fosters intense com- - Juggling many things at once petition, 24-hour work cycles and relentless - Not fully engaging in, or disengaging from, what travel—leaves many of us with lives that can feel we’re doing. overwhelming, out of control and chaotic. We must earn our value each day; others deter- The good news is that there’s a lot we can mine our worth. do about it. Which of these best represents your situation? Or In this brief article I will lay out a compre- would another narrative work better? hensive approach that has proven itself effective As an alternative, Figure 2 below shows the state we and practical on five continents. First, I’ll do my could be in: best to present the current situation in a clear, comprehensive and straightforward manner, using one of the central models of Integral Coaching. Then I will suggest a strategy that readers can take on, customize as they wish, and build upon as they go. This model is called the Four Human Domains Figure 1 (see figure 1), and it’s displaying our current state of extraordinary busyness. Domain Four is the environment, both human made and Simply put: natural. Technologies such as computers and mobile Domain One is our individual consciousness and phones, as well as oceans and mountains, are in this do- experience; our private thoughts, feelings, plans main. and so on. What would you add to customize the model to fit your Domain Two is our body and its physiology, as own individual life? well as our public behavior. Each of us has a narrative: an interlocking collection of Domain Three is our shared relational/cultural stories that we use to explain and provide meaning to our world of language, shared practices and rituals, life. It gives us our identity, specifies what our relationship history, etc.
Figure 2 The Coaching Voice of Asia Pacific Vol. 3 • Issue 2 • 1 April 2011 www.apacoaches.org
from my intentions and did not open centrally important possibilities? What pulled me into these conver- sations? Ethics! Why bother? What had me continue in them? by Shane Warren What new actions will I take—or what actions will I avoid taking—as a result of what I observed in this exer- We may not think about it, but every Professional: At the professional cise? day we all depend on the ethical be- level, ethically orientated codes of con- After a few weeks you can begin to haviour of those who surround us: duct (APAC’s code is available on the shift the object of your awareness ex- our doctors, lawyers, bankers, bus website) are common. Professions recog- ercise. drivers, taxi operators, convenience nise that their creditability rests not only Here are some suggested narratives: Practices store owners, the list is almost limit- on technical competence, but also on An artist – seeing / creating beauty 1. Set an alarm on a watch, phone less. public trust. everywhere, e.g. jazz musician or computer to ring every hour. For 3- The decisions Corporate: At the com- A farmer – harmonizing, nurturing 5 seconds remember what you are we make are often pany level, ethical prac- and bringing forth growth. What are ethics? intending for yourself that day and founded on the tice makes good busi- How we get there is, of course, the what’s most important for you and belief that those ness sense. Studies most important ingredient. In the ...a standard of behaviour your life. whose assistance from all over the world method of Integral Coaching, self- 2. Three times during the day take we seek in our have shown that over awareness exercises , shifting prac- that determines the three deep breaths and slowly exhale daily activities will the long run ethical tices (the behaviors that we do inten- while feeling your feet on the floor. do so ethically. businesses do better tionally over and over again) and taking conduct by which an This will bring you a deeper sense of So why are financially and emerge on a new narrative are key. ethics important? presence. individual lives and from troubled economic Suggestions to Start 3. Whenever possible during the Ethical behaviour periods stronger then Self-awareness is important on day, look up at the sky and feel the makes all decisions. unethical businesses. Stop briefly 3 times per day and re- immensity there. This practice will give several levels… Society: At the societal flect on the period of time that has just Personal: On you more internal room for all your “What you do in the dark level, the public may passed (jotting down brief notes will be activities, conversations and thoughts. a personal level have different expecta- extremely helpful so that you can begin most people feel Conclusion tions of different organi- to notice patterns) and answer these better working when no one’s watching.” In such a short article we could sations; but they share questions for yourself: with individuals only scratch the surface, but you get Rushwirtg Kidder one common expecta- What action(s) did I engage in that who operate from the general direction. Please begin to tion. We all want to be were unnecessary? within an ethical Founder, Global Institute of Ethics experiment. Learn and correct as you valued and treated with Was anxiety, habit or distraction the framework. If in- go. These two books can also help: respect. source of these actions? dividuals truly The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working So, what are ethics? Ethics are differ- What loop(s) of recurring thoughts value fairness, honesty and integrity by Tony Schwartz ent from laws, and different from doing did I engage in that were distracting or then we are more likely to enjoy their Getting our Bodies Back by Christine the right thing because you fear the con- unhelpful? company and take time to be with Caldwell. sequences. Ethics are a standard of be- What gave rise to these thoughts? them. haviour that determines the conduct by What conversations took me away [email protected] The Coaching Voice of Asia Pacific T PEER GROUP COACHING he RECEIVE CCEU POINTS FOR FREE ! N EW I NSIGHTS Vol. 3 • Issue 2 • 1 April 2011 C www.apacoaches.org AND P ERSPECTIVES ON H OW TO M OVE YOUR C LIENTS F ORWARD Email Julius Ordonez at [email protected] which an individual lives and makes all a crime!” The potential helper’s first FOR SESSION DATES AND TO REGISTER AS decisions. ethical thought might be that they CASE OWNER, FACILITATOR OR PARTICIPANT Rushwirtg Kidder, the founder of the should quickly call the police and get Global Institute of Ethics, defines ethics the person arrested. But what if the as “what you do in the dark when no potential helper was a defence lawyer? New Members APAC Exco 2009-11 one’s watching.” This brilliant definition Under the universal code of ethics for President: Dr Woraphat Arthayukti (Thailand) is brilliant affirms that actions, decisions, practicing lawyers, it is morally forbid- A warm APAC welcome to: 1st VP: Belinda Merry (Australia) choices or behaviours which are unethi- den to breach the bonds of trust be- cal may not necessarily be illegal – there tween the client and the laywer by 2nd VP: Susumu Araki (Japan) is not always a perfect overlap between making a statement to the police that Herold JUNG ― Korea Hon. Sec: Hellen Hettinga (Indonesia) ethical conduct and legal conduct, par- incriminates the client. (Though there Linda LADDIN ― Hong Kong/France Hon. Asst Sec: Kwai Fun Tang (Malaysia) ticularly for cross-cultural (and cross- are other ways legal professionals have Peter COUPLAND ― Australia Hon. Treasurer: Paul Lim (Singapore) jurisdictional) organisations like APAC. to ensure that criminal activity is re- Leslie TAYLOR ― Japan The shifting sands of ethics ported). Nigel CUMBERLAND — Malaysia Sub-Committee Chairs: Although it is easy to see why ethics Ethical dilemma; ethical duty Jan O’BRIEN ― USA are important, it is also easy to see prob- Ethics remain extremely important R&D: Ajay Nangalia (India) lems. The major challenge is determin- in governing behaviour so that any [email protected] . ing what is ethical. While you could look society or organisation—including Community Relations: Cynthia Chan ( HK) . to public opinion or codes of personal APAC—can continue to function. [email protected] values to determine what is ethical, In the past year, to help our coach- Ethics : Shane Warren (Australia) these things can be skewed by different ing community the Ethics Committee of [email protected] societal and personal views of what is the Asia Pacific Alliance of Coaches has Public Relations: Edith Coron (China) “right” and “wrong”. invested a lot energy in developing edith.coron@eoc intercultural.com For years, social researchers have guidelines on Ethical Codes of Conduct APAC Newsletter Editorial Policy tried to define conclusively what is right and Best Practice. All members are Programs: Sabrina Park (Korea) [email protected] and what is wrong, moral or immoral; required to operate within this ethical The Editor reserves the right to Membership: KF Tang (Singapore) but as society shifts and moves forward framework to which all members must shorten and/or edit articles for clarity based on changing generations, situa- adhere to. It makes good business and to fit space restrictions. [email protected] tions, understanding and awareness, so sense for our members to agree on the Opinions expressed in the APAC Peer Coaching: Julius Ordonez (Philippines) Newsletter, whether in articles, paid the ‘norm’ of right and wrong shifts too. proper conduct of any individual doing advertisements, or other content, are info@benchmark consulting.com In our modern times we witness this business within our coaching commu- those of the authors/advertisers, not struggle between what is religiously de- nity. We must all take responsibility APAC. Publication in the APAC Ordinary Committee Members fined as right or moral, across various for coaching ethically, to inspire loy- newsletter does not necessarily imply Gerald Colin Abeyawardena (Sri Lanka), Sally the endorsement of APAC. Dellow (Hong Kong), Lydia Goh (Singapore), faiths, and what modern society tells us alty, mutual honesty and quality refer- The author retains copyright in ma- is right or acceptable moral behaviour. rals amongst our clients. As a first terials published in the APAC news- Thomas O Moore (Japan), Helene Seiler (Malaysia), Further to this, ethical practice can step, I encourage you to familiarise letter. However, agreeing to publish Gary Wang (China), Luke Wardle (China), Dina Za mean dramatically different things in dif- yourself with the APAC Code of Ethics in the APAC newsletter confers the right on APAC to upload the material varski Makaric (Australia) ferent situations. For example, assume through the APAC website. to its website and for APAC members that a person went to another person to reproduce and distribute the and said “help me I have just committed [email protected] article in its newsletter format.