‘Creating a safe environment to enable dialogue between team members’ was my first ever presentation at a conference. This was back in 2010 at the 4th EMCC conference where I shared my findings from my team coaching research. Since then team coaching has become more mainstream. In this article I share how you can foster…
Author: verawoodhead
How to navigate workplace transitions
Last week I shared a post about my redundancy and its impact. As a coach who has supported hundreds of clients through transitions and having experienced this recently, I’m sharing a model for understanding the process and some tips to help you navigate the transition. If you or someone that you know has lost their…
Leadership
One word, with so many different meanings and nuances! What does it mean to you? How has your own perspective of leadership evolved over the years? How does leader development differ from leadership development? How are you building the collective leadership capacity of your organisation? If you are a leader, a coach who works with…
8 reasons why your organisation needs an internal coaching function
An Internal Coaching function is a strategic investment that can yield substantial benefits for your organisation. Following my post on ‘How to build an internal coaching function’, last week, I was asked if there is a place for internal coaching and does it work! Having worked both as an external and internal coach, I have…
7 tips to building an internal coaching function
“I’m now qualified, and want to coach people within my organisation, what advice would you give?” My week started with this conversation with a connection who wanted to ‘pick my brains’ on the topic. Whether coaching is carried out in addition to the day job or as a full-time role, for internal coaching to be…
Holding a safe space
What does ‘holding a safe space’ mean? I was asked this question by someone new to coaching. It is the space that we hold for our coachees which enables them to feel safe to open up, to be vulnerable and be their authentic selves. A space where feelings, emotions and thoughts can expressed without the fear…
Experience alone will only get you so far
‘What can you do?’ asked Mr Smith (not his real name!) in a somewhat riled manner. His dull blue eyes stared across the table. I was in the early days of my consulting practice and at a business networking meeting explaining what I do, how I work, add value, outcomes… ‘ I’ve been running my business for…
9 reasons to engage in group discussions and 10 ways to generate good ones
When asked to form discussion groups in a workshop, on a training day or at an event ….do you do so grudgingly or with an energy and enthusiasm? Discussions come in many guises and can be: Informal or formal Structured or unstructured Open to those with an interest e.g Twitter chats #ldinsights on a Fri…
C is for Coaching
Coaching is a highly personalised way of learning as it focuses on your specific individual needs and context. Working one to one with a coach in a confidential and non judgemental space, it harnesses your own resources, skills and creativity to help you create new ways of thinking, doing and feeling to move you forward.…
B is for Blogs Blogging
Whatever your interest and passions are, you are likely to find a blog on the topic. Since the early 2000s, there has been an exponential rise of blogs which are now well established within the online space. Why read? Blogs from respected authors, industry experts, people are passionate about their field can: Provide insights and…