NEWFIELD INSTITUTE COACH TRAINING PROGRAMS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
…ABOUT ONTOLOGY AND ONTOLOGICAL COACHING
What is Ontology of the Human Observer?
Ontology is the study of being, in particular the investigation of the nature of being human. As a discipline, Ontology of the Human Observer is a body of knowledge that provides a powerful new interpretation of what it means to be human and of the nature of human interaction.
How did Ontology of the Human Observer develop?
The term Ontology of the Human Observer was developed by Newfield Institute. However, the source and inspiration of the term comes from the work of Humberto Maturana, an innovative biologist from Chile. Maturana has developed a theory of living systems, language and communication, called the Biology of Cognition. The notion of The Observer is a foundational concept in his theory.
Humans are observers of the world. We are living systems that exist in language and emotions, contained within our nervous system. Our emotions and body, in conjunction with language, shape how the world "shows up" for each of us, that is, the interpretations we live from.
Learning and change require changes in the nervous system, which occur through shifts in our language, emotions and physiology. Changes in the nervous system mean becoming a different Observer, able to see different ways of participating in the world and taking effective action.
To find out more, see Our Philosophy – Observing Differently
What is an Ontological Coach?
Ontological Coaching is the professional practice derived from the Ontology of the Human Observer.
- What is a coach? A coach is someone who is able to observe and constructively intervene in the ways people act, so that they can take full advantage of their competence and talent in a chosen field and reach what they are aiming for in different areas of their lives.
- What then is an ontological coach? An ontological coach embodies the powerful distinctions available in the Ontology of the Human Observer. An ontological coach is a particular kind of coach, able to observe how individuals construct interpretations about their existence, which are reflected through their Way of Being. Each of us has a unique Way of Being, which influences what we see and hear in the world around us. We predominantly live in a world of interpretations, not facts, and our way of being determines how successfully we relate to both others and ourselves. (see Ontological Coaching)
Through the art of conversation, an ontological coach is able to assist others become aware of the interpretations that comprise their reality. An ontological coach is also able support people in the development of more constructive interpretations (through shifts in their use of language, their emotional experiences and how they hold and use their body) to deal with key issues, become more effective and build a more satisfying and meaningful life.
What has Ontology of the Human Observer got to do with Executive Coaching, Leadership Development and Organisational Transformation?
In a word – everything! People function at work from their being, which is the basis of their perceptions and behaviour, especially their communication behaviour.
Ontology addresses two major questions that have become pivotal for the long-term growth and success of organisations:
- How can we work together effectively and develop trust in working relationships?
- How can we build a high performance and collaborative organisation?
Ontology is based on a powerful new practical understanding of language and communication. Ontology provides a significantly different and highly effective way of understanding how people function in the workplace. It also provides elegant and highly respectful strategies for generating behavioural change and for bringing out the best in people.
…ABOUT THE VOCATIONAL GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF ONTOLOGICAL COACHING
What will I gain from doing the Graduate Diploma program?
The Vocational Graduate Diploma of Ontological Coaching provides the opportunity to develop a deeply theoretical and practical grounding in Ontology of the Human Observer. In addition to becoming a highly skilled coach, the program also provides the opportunity for substantial personal and professional development.
Participants have continual opportunities, through reading, personal reflection, group discussion, assignment feedback and coaching, to develop powerful new perspectives in different areas of their lives that provide pathways for more effective action and significantly enhanced personal and professional fulfillment.
Graduates from the program repeatedly report a stronger and more secure sense of themselves, which has provided a substantial foundation not only for high quality coaching, but also important positive changes in their personal and professional lives. For many graduates the course has been a substantial boost to career development. (See What Graduates Say About the Program)
Who should attend the program?
The Graduate Diploma is designed for those committed to deep, transformational learning and becoming a competent coach. As such, it is highly applicable for:
• Existing and aspiring coaches
• Organisational consultants, leaders and managers
• Professionals operating in highly people-focused environments
• Individuals interested in substantive personal development
What are the prerequisites?
People self-select into our coach training programs. The Graduate Diploma is not for those who want to learn coaching quickly. The program is rigorous and in addition to the workshops, requires participants to spend an average of 6-8 hours per week on course activities including reading, written assignments, study group participation and coaching practice.
How is the program structured?
The Graduate Diploma is a three-semester program spanning 18 months. Participants work through three consecutive levels to complete the program requirements:
- Level 1: The Linguistic Basis of Ontological Coaching
- Level 2: Emotional Learning and Ontological Coaching
- Level 3: The Professional Practice of Ontological Coaching
The national conferences and regional workshops are highly interactive and incorporate conversations, exercises, bodywork and meditation. There are ample opportunities to ask questions, interact with others, to coach and be coached. Between workshops you will be required to complete written assignments and participate in study group conversations. You will also be required to take part in conducting two public workshops – to teach what you are learning to a small group of people who are not participants in the program. This is an essential part of our approach to help embed the learning.
How much work is involved in the program?
In addition to attending conferences and workshops (a total of 28 days over 18 months), you will be required to participate in study groups (usually fortnightly during each semester) and complete the required reading and written assignments. You should expect to spend on average 6-8 hours per week on these activities.
Whilst participants are encouraged to keep up to date with assignments, it is recognised that commitments outside the program may not always make this possible. The flexible nature of the program means that a suitable time frame for assignment submission can be negotiated whilst ensuring that continued progress towards coaching competence occurs.
What support will I receive outside the workshops?
Each participant is assigned a Mentor Coach to provide ongoing support, which includes individual coaching.
Support for participants in integrating the material from the program into career development is an integral part of the Graduate Diploma.
To learn more about the Vocational Graduate Diploma of Ontological Coaching…
For further information, email info@newfieldinstitute.com.au or phone
+61 3 9878 5501
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