Last week I had the pleasure of attending the sixth annual conference of the Professional Coaches Association of Michigan. For the first time since the start of this organization, I went as a non-board member. It was my time to relax, balance, observe, learn and (most importantly) enjoy the support of my “tribe”.

There is renewal in connecting and reconnecting with like-minded people. Coaches are dedicated to helping others. But for these two days each year, we get to help ourselves to the balance and support of a community that cares deeply about our profession and each other. I am proud of the community that this organization has evolved into. The roots of community in this organization go deep into its beginning.

A little history lesson…

Six years ago, a small group of coaches from across the state connected with each other to talk about having a state-wide conference for coaches. We were a small community of like minded people who wanted to support each other, connect, and learn. We had no idea what we were doing, but knew that with the connections we`d made to each other and the dedication to our profession, it would work.

We each agreed to contribute a little over a hundred dollars to provide funds to start the first conference. I have fond memories for those early meetings where the group mission was shared, and support for each person as an individual was a given. The first conference was a success. Afterwards, we attended an “Advance” (not a retreat) at David Chinsky`s beautiful home on Lake Huron, and sketched out the beginnings of an organization whose values are Leadership, Service, Community, Collaboration and Abundance. All of these were evident last week.

It continues to work for us

Last week`s conference showcased the growth and professionalism of coaching in our state. I am grateful that the current board and conference planners have kept the original spirit and values of this community alive. The professional polish was there, but more importantly, the feeling of connection and community has not been lost. We help each other. We give more than we need to each other, but it works for us.

Coaching can be lonely business. Many of us do our work alone. The support we receive from a community of like-minded individuals is essential to our staying balanced and feeling supported.

Leaders: where do you go to assure your balance and support?

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