ICF Headquarters Contact:
Ann Jarvis, +1.859.226.4428
SOLAGLAS WINDOWCARE AND IBM.COM NORTH AMERICA NAMED 2009 ICF INTERNATIONAL PRISM AWARD RECIPIENTS
The International Coach Federation celebrates successful coaching initiatives
Lexington, Kentucky, USA—Solaglas Windowcare of the United Kingdom and ibm.com of North America were honored, December 4, with the International Coach Federation’s International Prism Award at the ICF Annual International Conference in Orlando, Florida. The prestigious award recognizes organizations that have enhanced excellence and business achievement through their commitment to coaching as a leadership strategy.
“The International Prism Award is awarded to those who invest time, energy and finances into coaching to achieve specific business goals and then realize a positive contribution and return on investment," said 2009 ICF President Karen Tweedie, PCC1. “Both Solaglas and ibm.com have experienced significant return on investment through their exemplary coaching programs and we are privileged to honor their success.”
Since the implementation of their innovative coaching initiative, Solaglas, a leading glass replacement and installation company, has seen significant improvement in the areas of communication and collaboration; increased decision making and ownership amongst engineers; and the enhancement of new potential.
These improvements have saved the company a total of £797,000 in performance improvement, subcontracting costs, materials costs, recruitment costs and employee sick absences. In addition, Solaglas has seen higher customer satisfaction, which has resulted in increased confidence from Solaglas clients and its standing in the industry. In all, Solaglas has experienced a return on investment of 490 percent. Company executives believe these gains are small compared to the long-term impact coaching will have.
“We are absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious award,” commented Ian Davy, Solaglas Windowcare managing director.“Past recipients have included the BBC, NASA, Deloitte and Touche and IBM, so to be amongst these global business giants is a fantastic accomplishment. We pride ourselves in our innovative approach and employee development and training and this award is testament to the high standards continually attained by our employees.”
Since 2000, coaching has been utilized in a variety of ways within ibm.com. In fact, ibm.com also won the international award in 2005. Work Smart, Win More and the Coaching Accreditation Program are two specific coaching initiatives experiencing success within the company, engaging sales teams and every level of manager within ibm.com.
Despite the current global economic climate, ibm.com continues to see coaching as being critical to their success. As a result, they are witnessing compounded returns on both expectation and investment. In fact, ibm.com is enjoying a 563 percent return on investment.
“This award is an honor and acknowledgement of IBM's long-term commitment to talent development,” said Beverley Wright, PCC, sales execution executive for ibm.com Americas Talent Management and Development. “Our leadership team knows that people, purpose, passion, preparation, partnership and persistence have created a coaching culture in ibm.com NA that contributes to our customer and company success."
Past winners of the ICF International Prism Award include: SYSCO Food Services of Canada, British Broadasting Corporation (BBC), MCI, University of Texas at Dallas, Verizon Business, ibm.com, NASA and Deloitte.
ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training. Individuals who engage in a coaching relationship can expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles.
The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with more than 15,700 members in over 90 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. The ICF is the only organization that awards a global credential which is currently held by over 5,700 coaches worldwide. For more information on how to become or find an ICF Credentialed coach, please visit our Web site at www.coachfederation.org.
1 PCC: Professional Certified Coach, one of three ICF Credentials.
# # #