High Quality – ElPropósito5 min de lectura

Meetings with purpose

SUN Retreat 2024, Antigua Guatemala

This week, together with twenty-three other coaches, I wrapped up in Antigua Guatemala the annual retreat of the school and program where I earned my coaching certification, Success Unlimited Network (SUN). Together with my friend and colleague Natalia, I had the chance to coordinate the stay of every single one of them, so we could all enjoy exceptional company along with a generous dose of coaching and the good practices each of us brought to the event. The agenda was packed with coaching practice, talks, conversations, exercises, laughter, a few tears, new projects, ideas and new visions, and above all, a great deal of purpose. In this community I find people committed to their personal and professional growth, especially in how they keep up with the latest in the coaching world. These are gatherings I look forward to with real excitement, a chance to meet whenever I can with high-quality people: high in human quality, in spirit, in commitment, as friends, as professionals and as coaches, people whose only aim is to do things better than yesterday.

High-performance teams stand out in many ways. One trait that strikes me powerfully is how demanding they are. Demanding in a healthy way: a high standard is asked for and expected, and great results are given and received. Another mark of a high-performance team is that it leads. It knows how to balance being and doing. It has clearly defined objectives, a vision of where the ship is headed and the role each member plays in reaching those objectives and that vision. Without a doubt, a great team is very clear about its purpose. If it wants to deliver value of the highest level and quality, it needs to know why it exists. Another essential trait of a team like this is the balance between members with a lot, some and little experience, whatever their field, and with it, respect among its members. This strikes me because it means keeping hierarchies in balance while recognizing that new blood brings a drive that can be multiplied by the experience of the more seasoned members. All this and much more is what I find in a community as committed as SUN.

At this retreat, my conviction that my coaching school’s community is destined to leave a deep mark on the coaching world grew stronger. Its legacy goes well beyond its past, though it played a fundamental role in developing the foundations of coaching, the competency model and ethics at ICF. Beyond its roots, the community’s present shines on its own, thanks to the exceptional human and professional quality of its members. I am sure its future will bring the same success, driven by the growing need for coaches who go beyond the expected results. The distinctive coaching style that defines SUN sets us apart at our core and establishes a standard of excellence that inspires others.

I want to use this space to express my deepest gratitude to all the exceptional coaches who attended the annual retreat of the Success Unlimited Network (SUN) school and program in Antigua Guatemala. Your presence, enthusiasm and commitment to coaching greatly enriched the experience for everyone. I also want to thank those who, for various reasons, could not join us this time. We felt your absence, and we know your spirit and support were with us. To all of you: see you next year!

The next annual SUN retreat will take place in a wonderful country, thanks to the invaluable network we have built as a community. I am sure this new destination will be the perfect setting to keep learning, growing and sharing unforgettable experiences with exceptional coaches like you. SUN retreats are known for combining deep learning with memorable experiences. The next edition will bring coaching practice, inspiring talks, enriching conversations, hands-on exercises that push us out of our comfort zone and, of course, the chance to enjoy the company of exceptional people who share our passion for coaching.

Warm regards and all the best,

Rodrigo Baccaro

P.S. Special thanks to:

• Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, which took care of every last detail. Its staff truly understands the spirit of service and the experience they want each guest to have. Thank you from the heart for your care.
• The SUN trainers, who so generously shared their knowledge and experience with us throughout the retreat.
• My colleagues in this noble profession, for listening to me, letting me listen to you and letting me keep cultivating your friendship.
• My family, for the support you have given me since I decided to enter this wonderful world of coaching, and especially this week, which was tough for several reasons. Thanks as well to Naty’s family for putting up with all the long calls we made to coordinate everything as well as possible.
• A very special thank you to everyone who, directly or indirectly, made this retreat possible, those heroes without capes who work in silence and help without expecting anything in return. Thank you from the heart; you are an example to me.

Finally, I also dedicate this post to my colleague and friend German, whose mother passed away this week. A big hug, Canche. We will see her again soon, and I am sure JD is already in her arms.

Author: Rodrigo Baccaro

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