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…
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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…
A is for Action Learning
A recent conversation about how learning has changed over the decades has prompted this series and challenged me to come up with 26 ways to learn #AtoZofLearning. Digital content, tools and technology is transforming how learning is designed and delivered. Accessing learning any time, anywhere, any device, individually or collectively has given choice, flexibility and…
Walk in her shoes, Coaching walks
A few days ago, this picture of Celine caught my eye. Instead of going to school, 4 year old Celine walks miles every day to collect water. No school means no education – no opportunity to learn to read, write, have a better future. It resonated. Born in a developing country, I know what it…
Develop your team by helping them to be problems solvers
Emma is nettled. I can see it in her body posture and hear it in her voice. She is describing her boss and the impact his approach to managing and leading the team is having. Emma is a highly skilled professional. Her new boss keeps telling her what to do, gives advice and always has…
Effective leaders coach. 5 guaranteed ways to better conversations
Tony wants to have better conversation with his staff. He is keen to enable his team to experience the benefits of coaching conversations as he did through our coaching sessions. ‘How will I know that I am engaging in coaching conversations?’ he asks. Coaching conversations differ from normal conversations. The purpose of a coaching…
Get the most out of your team: Start building trust
Last week I was working with a leader who was poor at communicating with his team in a timely fashion, often micromanaging and engaging in excessive oversight. Things came to a head when one of his team members blurted out in a heated exchange that he was “controlling, made promises that were not fulfilled, didn’t…