Suzi: Guardian (Attention primarily to process)
Ensure that the space of dialogue is truly “open”: balancing between freedom and structure
Everyone who should be here is here (appreciative perspective)
The topics being addressed are those that are most important, and those which participants have a passion about.
Shoes are made for walking (participants should feel free to move to another group)

Dynamics

Convergence: extended discussions on the three convening topics
Divergence: emergence of other topics (e.g. spiritual dimension of executive coaching
Spontaneity: V-NECS technical breakdown.

Disciplined, Sustained Engagement

Stewardship is sustained and amplified when a structure is created to shape implementation and continue conversation.

This structure is now in place and currently being provided through publication venues of The Library of Professional Coaching and choice magazine. Several projects (involving summit participants) that were either identified or created during the summit are also underway. Consideration is also being given to convening additional summits in the future—of different lengths, compositions and design.

Follow-up Publications

It is gratifying to note that several publications have already emerged less than six months following the April NECS sessions. Furthermore, these publications come in several forms: (1) the “gifting” to NECS participants of already published (but often not readily accessible) articles written by summit participants, (2) publication of new essays that result from collaboration by NECS participants, (3) publications of new essays that build on the executive coaching perspectives and practices that emerged from the in-person and virtual open space sessions of the summit.

The already-published article was “gifted” by Phillip Rosinski (participant in the virtual session). Rosinsky rightfully thought that one of his many essays (and books) regarding comparisons between culture is directly aligned with an emergent topic at the summit concerning diversity, equity and inclusion.

The first collaborative essay was produced by Joan Wright and Bill Bergquist, based on a conversation that began during the in-person summit. Wright had written a book about communication across generations. Wright and Bergquist began sharing their perspectives on this topic in part because of the emerging theme at the summit regarding cross-generational communication among executive coaches (both regarding age and experience). More collaborative essays are anticipated as summit participants continue to meet together.