Educators: "How does the image inform you to do your work in a different way?"

Educators who were learning and practicing ontological coaching, chose an image blindly and asked “How does the image inform you to do your work in a different way?” 


The responses were incredible: 

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Feedback #1: One educator who chose an image of a large tree shared that at first it was meaningless to him and as he reflected on it, he realize “I need to branch out”.

This awakening was particularly powerful because to that point, he felt like he was doing an A+ job and had little need to change. Branching out meant, more frequent and meaningful use of technology, including more interaction in his classes and being open to new ways of teaching.

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Feedback #2: Another educator who chose the image of the stream seen between the opening in the rocks shared that for her, it retranslated her need for focus. She recognized that she tends to be all over the place and that more focus would be beneficial to her lessons and her students.

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Feedback #3: A third educator chose the roller coaster image. She immediately chuckled she said because she used to be too fearful to ride a roller coaster; she got over that and now can ride with eyes closed. As she applied overcoming that fear to her work in teaching, she declared that she wants to ensure that fear does NOT paralyze her, wants to be free to try new things even if there is anxiety.

How are YOU using JICT Images with your Clients? Client Example

A new client of mine was asked to choose an image card from a display of 10 JICT Images cards. I asked her to choose the one that would best support the topic she had chosen for her coaching session. All through the session, when “tough” questions were asked, she would first look deeply into the image for support with her answers. The image was so meaningful to her that she asked to take it home for use between sessions. (I was glad to oblige!!) Coaches, please let us know how you are using JICT Images with your clients.

Transformation Testimonial

The Scene
My intervention was to bring a loosely organized international group of US agencies and consulting firms to a place where they could fairly quickly move into deeper conversations about why they weren't working together as a team.  I scattered the cards face up on the tables so the 20 participants could get curious about the images and briefly explained that the purpose of our 1 1/2 day gathering in Mozambique was to develop a shared reality of who they were, why they were there, and how we could come together as a team.  I asked them each to choose an image that helped them express what they hoped they would get out of the meeting and modeled how to begin by sharing my image.

The Result
It was stunning how quickly and with such fervor each person shared his/her deepest desire; in 20 minutes, I could feel the group come together around a shared purpose...each person revealing what they cared about, their connection to each other, their common purpose of saving lives, and how they could collaborate together.  After this very short ice-breaker, we entered our meeting room and jumped into deep conversations.  The images enabled people to go deep and to accomplish what we needed - to be open and trusting and willing to say what was really important to them.  It was truly amazing that we could accomplish this in such a short time.  I plan to bring the cards on all my consulting business overseas.

 ~Scott Brumburgh, Partner Business Advisors Network

On the Journey.....Waxing and Waning Moon

These two black and white images allow you to notice and name which perspective you are coming from.  Now...shift gears to shake off your 'knowing' and look for the alternative side.

Waxing and Waning Moon - Are you waxing or waning and why?  And what do you learn when you chose the opposite perspective?

The light at the end of the tunnel - Where are you in this image?  In most cases you will choose some location in the dark tunnel.  Next, ask yourself what lies ahead for you in the light?

Value of a Metaphor: The Meaning it Creates!

I just love how www.ChangingMinds.org discusses the definition of a metaphor. After sharing several dictionary definitions, the website discusses that the value of a metaphor is the meaning it creates. That is the value of JICT Images. Any person using an image card will construct meaning from the image. It is what our brains are designed to do… create meaning out of whatever we think, see, or hear. When we create meaning, we go deeper… straight to the heart of the matter for us and sometimes we surprise even ourselves. So, what do you think about what I’ve said? What experiences have you had with an image where meaning shifted because of the metaphor that appeared for you?

"Image" this!

Close your eyes and imagine you've just left the station and are charging uphill on a roller coaster.  What are you feeling as you hear the chains drag the cars up the hill?  What physical responses are you having?  What thoughts are in your head?


Now, allow yourself to be taken on the flat part of the ride before you reach the 75 degree drop....what has changed?  How do you feel now?


And finally, you are on the edge of the descent and then....DOWN!  FAST!  FURIOUS!  Now what has changed?  What is present?  What is the physical response now?


This experience engaged all domains, something most of us only infrequently experience.  When we are fully engaged, creativity is vastly expanded, as is our awareness.  Expanded creativity and awareness open new possibilities which lead to different actions; results change.


JICT Images allows groups to expand awareness which leads to tapping intuition and creativity so that transformation (change) can be more easily accessed.

Announcing JICT Images!!

JICT Images... box of 72 images with open ended questions on the back of each photo should be ready for purchase by spring 2010. It has been a blast choosing our images and brainstorming questions and quite a challenge to reach agreement among the four creators:

Jane - from Chevy Chase, Maryland; Carol - Montrose, Colorado
Irene - Minneapolis, MN; and Tom - Germany

The great thing about using images as a tool in coaching, facilitating, teaching with individuals and groups is that you are surrounded by images. We all have our personal photographs and magazines are filled with powerful iimages so they are readily accessible. However, we know how long it takes to gather them up so we decided to do the work for you! A few of the photos and questions are posted on the left of our Blog...see what you think. JICT Images is great to use with a group or individuals. The manual includes a list of possible uses...all tested with our clients.

The use of images is truly limitless. We will be posting ideas on this site and hope you will try out our ideas and share some of your own.