A
46-year-old manager says: "Walter created a supportive coaching
environment, where I felt comfortable discussing my thoughts and
feelings, frustrations and successes. He helped me think past my
initial responses to get to the root issues. He challenged me through
questions to be clear with myself on what I wanted to accomplish.
Particularly helpful was the Purpose Clarity workbook that provided a
framework to pull together my interests, skills and strengths...so that
I can now articulate my goals, both for the current time and for the
next 15 to 20 years."
A
twenty-seven-year-old executive exploring a new business venture
writes: "Walter was very supportive and allowed me to believe in
myself, that my thoughts are valid and in the merit of the dreams I
have. He got me to dream again, which allowed me to begin to live and
move into that dream".
A
29-year-old reports: "I found Walter's coaching extremely helpful as I
determined where I was in my career and what I was longing for in
life. Walter supported my search through feedback and questions that
helped clarify my personal vision and identified clear next steps."
Walter affirms the
client as the expert in her/his life and work, and believes that every client is
creative and resourceful.
Standing on this foundation, Walter's response is to:
- clarify and align what the client wants to achieve; - encourage
client self-discovery through assessment tools and feedback; - elicit
client-generated solutions and strategies; and - hold
the client accountable as requested by the client.
Please go to the FAQ page for more information about Customized Coaching's unique approach. www.pursuinglifedreams.com What are some key things
that Walter brings to the coaching process?
1. He
works with people primarily on the hopes, strengths and goals they
bring.
2. He
also sometimes uses assessment tools, personality tests, and
self-discovery instruments to further clarify those dreams and that
passion.
3. He
believes the Creator has embedded a life-giving purpose in each human
being.
4. He
enjoys working with people who want to change and grow.
5. He
seeks to listen carefully. People respond
when they feel they were heard, but more than that, they often discover
their own solutions from within themselves when that happens.
6. He
believes that every challenge and transition offers a growth
opportunity...and focuses on the present, rather than the past or
future.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: American Society for Training And Development (ASTD) International Coach Federation (ICF)
EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Certified Life Coach – The Coaching Institute and Coach University.
Certified Career Coach - Career Coach Institute
Purposeful Entrepreneur Coach - Marcia Bench
Certified Purpose Clarity and Transition Coach – Transition Dynamics Inc.
Coaching EQ Certificate - Emotional Intelligence in Action.
Certified Christian Leadership Coach - Valwood Coaching.
High school diploma - Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Manitoba.
Certificate in Emotional Family Process - Lombard Peace Center.
BIOGRAPHY
Walter grew up in
the rural communities of western Canada where wheat fields cover the
prairie landscape like square quilt patches. He was raised in a family
that taught him the value of diligent work, but also the
enjoyment of leisure in the context of a simple lifestyle...with plenty of
unhurried time for family meals, conversations with neighbors and, oh yes,
hockey and golf.
Whereas Walter received a strong personal foundation from his family, he
struggled after high school graduation to find direction and purpose. Walter describes those years as gray and
confusing. It was later, after traveling and studying in Europe
as a young adult, when he became a devoted follower of Jesus.
He says:
"At that point it seemed, the skies cleared and I had a center in my
life... it was not a tradition or the church, it was a person…Jesus. And I knew I was loved... not for anything I
did, but just God’s unconditional love."
"Right
away I found purpose in supporting others' hopes for a better life. Very quickly I was using my gifts in social
work...first in a health institution and then in community development for ten
years around the Caribbean region.
Throughout these years that sense of life purpose and meaning has grown. This
has allowed me to support many persons in their aspirations to make a difference in their world, both on personal and organizational levels."
Walter's favorite
quote of all time is this from Jesus: "Are you tired?
Worn out? Burned out? Come to me. Get away
with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real
rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the
unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on
you. Keep company with me and you'll
learn to live freely and lightly".
Walter went on
to earn a masters degree from Princeton Theological Seminary (NJ) focusing
on informal education. He believes that
people learn 80% of what they need to know for life and for their jobs
informally...through conversations, feedback, and observation. In the ensuing 20 plus years, Walter has
practiced this conviction by coaching as a mentor, pastor, and manager. He and his wife, Joy, are
the parents of two sons, Benjamin and Alexander.
