I have always believed that each one of us can make a difference to society in our own small ways. We can’t change the world but if we can share our blessings with one other person, the effort is worthwhile. If you are wondering whether I have given up training and gotten into social change, fear not! I am still a trainer and coach and will continue to pursue my passion for training. In this post, I want to talk about this meaningful coaching movement that I have been involved with.
The inspiration for iOwn
There are several NGOs and individuals working tirelessly towards solving issues that plague our world. Social taboos, medical epidemics, unfair gender practices, environmental issues – there is no dearth of things that need to be set right for the next generation. But there’s no formal support system for these people. They carry on by the sheer dint of their passion and the skills they have acquired on their own. The government doesn’t aid all of them and most such places run on the generosity of the magnanimous people around.
iOwn is born!
iOwn is an inspiring journey of giving back to the society. It is a brilliant initiative to work with people involved in social change and empower them to become more effective. The initiative is launched by Inspire Coaching systems in India in collaboration with Erickson International, USA. At the helm of the project are qualified and able dignitaries like Marilyn Atkinson, Ph.D, founder of Erickson Coaching International and originator of the Solution-Focused and Outcome-Oriented Coaching mode. Heading the India initiative is Gaurav Arora, Professional Certified Coach (PCC) from International Coaching Federation with a rich coaching experience for over a decade now.
The grand launch of iOwn in January 2016 with Marilyn Atkinson (extreme left) and Gaurav Arora (extreme right) (Photo credit)
How does it work?
Through sessions with a coach where individuals chalk out plans to work on their skills, coaching contributes to their cause at large. Each coach has a couple of coachees assigned to them. The sessions happen over the phone about twice a month where the coachee is free to discuss an area he/she wants to work on. The coach, through open ended questions, helps the client plan how and when he/she would like to progress with the goals. There is a regular feedback system in place to check that we are on track and the clients are indeed moving forward with their goals.
The vision of iOwn
Movements that seek to change the world survive on their long term vision and so does iOwn. What has started as a trickle of coaching sessions has the vision to turn into a gush of 2000 coached clients from NGOs and change makers by 2020. And I believe without doubt that under the able leadership it is in, we will see it reach the pinnacle of social change.
Soft Skills Studio and iOwn
I am proud to be a part of this first step towards this long but fruitful journey. The clients who I coach have inspirational passion and drive to work on themselves so that they can perform better in their roles.
I am a proud member of the iOwn project (Photo credit)
We will succeed by moving ahead one step at a time. Join us in your own capacity to make a difference to the world that we leave for our future generations.
