Author: verawoodhead

This week it’s International Coaching Week, so it is only fitting to pen an article that includes coaching! Modern day leadership has evolved beyond command and control to one that emphasises collaboration, empowerment and development. A  coaching style of leadership has emerged as a powerful approach for driving team performance, fostering innovation and cultivating a…

I nodded, smiled encouraging and said nothing. It felt like ages. Awkward. So quiet. I could hear my heart beating. And then she spoke.…” These are the words of Idris (not his real name), my client, as he shares an update since our last coaching session. Like many people, he finds silence uncomfortable. His tendency…

You’re sitting at the head of the table, about to lead a crucial meeting. As you glance around the room, doubts creep in. ‘Can I handle this? Do I deserve to be here?’ Sounds familiar? I can recall numerous episodes in my career where I have felt that I would be ‘found out’, with that…

Embarking on the journey of leadership as a woman is akin to navigating a labyrinth of challenges and triumphs. Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve encountered many obstacles that have tested my resolve. I’d like to share some insights and strategies that have helped me, as well as women I’ve coached, in the hope of…

Meera flops down in the chair. Her shoulders are drooped, she looks weary. When asked how she was feeling, her response was, “I’m tired, worn out, always seem to be busy ’. ‘Tell me more’,  I probed. ‘I seem to spend all my time fixing other people’s problems, and then having to catch up on…

What’s derailing your team? What’s hindering collective performance and success? In my work and research with teams over the past 20 years, some of the common derailers that I have observed and supported leaders to address are: 1. 🤝Lack of clarity in purpose can lead to misalignment and confusion with personal agendas hindering the pursuit of…

I like a good evidence-based book and delved into, Beyond Digital: How Great Leaders Transform Their Organizations and Shape the Future by Leinwand and Mani. Over 3 years they researched 12 companies who found new ways to drive success and achieve transformation that beyond incremental digital initiatives. 🔄If you lead / work in the Transformation…

Tony wants to have better conversations with his team. Having experienced coaching, he is keen to embrace a coaching approaching with his own team. ‘How will I know that I my conversations are more coach like ?’ he asks. Coaching conversations differ from normal conversations. The purpose of a coaching conversation is to stimulate thinking,…

Curiosity is a crucial leadership skill, yet it is very much underrated. It is the catalyst for innovation, problem-solving, and growth. In a rapidly changing world, curious leaders ask questions, challenge the status quo, and explore new possibilities. Embracing curiosity offers a a multitude of benefits: 🚀 Promotes innovation and creativity: curiosity drives leaders to…

Yesterday I was asked if I routinely used psychometrics in my coaching. My response of  ‘NO’, resulted in a raised eyebrow and has prompted this article where I share my thoughts on Psychometrics, Use of self as an instrument and incorporating Vertical Development concepts into coaching ….and would welcome yours…. Psychometrics In my early days,…