There are four generally agreed upon coaching domains in the field of coaching – Cognitive, Emotional, Somatic and Spiritual. Amber Mayes and Sukari Pinnock have written a recent article proposing a fifth domain: the domain of “Self Identity.” This domain is one that has been largely ignored in many coaching certification programs, as there is a general belief that identity is a universal concept which, is always aligned with a dominant worldview. Most coaching programs adopt the belief that if the coach is an active listener and focused on the client’s agenda, good coaching will necessarily emerge. This is not always the case, especially when there are significant differences in self-identity between coach and client.

Coaching in the domain of Self Identity helps the Coach connect to the client in a way that focuses attention on what the client believes is at their core or is the essence of self. The Fifth Domain opens the coach to better understand what it is they are hearing from clients who hold worldviews that are different from their own.

In this session, participants will begin to learn foundational concepts that will help them integrate the Fifth Domain into their coach training curriculum. Topics such as dominant/marginalized power dynamics, implicit bias, and intent vs. impact will be covered in an interactive webinar format. Trainers will take away ideas related to integrating greater cultural competence skills into coach training content and processes.

Amber Mayes is an independent organization development consultant and coach with over 18 years of experience supporting the transformation of organizations, teams and leaders. She has worked with clients in the non-profit, government, and corporate sectors. Amber’s specialty is helping leaders develop the awareness and skills necessary to be effective in today’s global, diverse world. She has taught courses such as Organization Behavior and Diversity and Inclusion Management at leading universities including Bentley College, Northeastern University, and Georgetown University. Amber has a BA from Harvard University, an MSOD from the American University/NTL Institute program in Organization Development, and an advanced certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.