I thought I would dedicate this Blog post to coaching or leading in challenging environments, as I will be talking about this at the UK ICF Conference next week. I have decided to revisit the topic, even though I have covered it before. It seems to be becoming more relevant as the world is becoming […]
Giving Feedback
I was interested to read an article in this months HBR (Harvard Business Review) about giving feedback. It starts to question whether that giving feedback is one of the better tools in the management armoury. There is no doubt that giving a appropriate feedback can be very powerful in the right hands.
Coaching in Times of Great Uncertainty.
There is no doubt that we are in a time of great uncertainty with the geopolitical state in constant flux. I cannot recall a more dynamic situation in my lifetime. I am not going to talk about the VUCA world as I have touched on this before.
When is Coaching not Coaching ?
I often get asked what is the difference between coaching and other forms of performance related interactions? There are many ways in which we can have a positive influence on our clients. We can train them, where we are sharing information and validating their understanding in such a way that they can execute new work, […]
De-cluttering in a complex world.
To most people de-cluttering means removing physical items, either at home or at work. This could also be a process we do with our brains or minds. However, I got to think about this a different way, having read a recent article in the New York Times about freelancing. A staggering 47% of millennials are […]
Coaching in a Factional Culture
Life is getting more complex, with the rise of factionalism. I have referred to this in recent blogs. The geopolitical climate is generating more polarisation, and tribalism, which we see clearly on social media. This of course will filter down to business and the workplace. In turn this factionalism will reduce authenticity and create a […]
Keeping Your Best Employees.
This is an often talked about subject, and there is no doubt that the sands are shifting in terms of what employees want. It is quite clear that it is not all about money and financial benefits, certainly with the younger generations.
Having Powerful Conversations
It was a real pleasure to be given the opportunity to speak at the BWN (Business Women’s Network) in Colchester last week. The group was lively, interactive and hungry to learn. The subject matter was not about how to sell or gain business, but use both your cognitive and emotional skills to structure a conversation […]
The Power of Coaching Diversity
It was really energising to attend a CPD event organised by the Cabinet Office last week. It was foremost a programme review, for all the coaches who are coaching the current cohort of government high potentials. There were some great speakers their too, with different backgrounds ranging from manufacturing, engineering, fashion, commerce, facilities management and […]
Change Management
I just delivered a 3 day module for an eMBA course, on ” Change Management” and it had me really thinking. Firstly the levels of engagement were really high from all the students. I have talked about VUCA , and the rate of change numerous times before, but the changing world is real and is […]
Personal Expectations Misalignment
I read a recent article from the US. It was written from a “Faith” background and was discussing the thorny subject of marriage failure. There were the usual discussion points around money, sex, at the high levels, and other disagreements further down the order. However it postulated that the main reason for marriage failure was […]
Team Coaching Reflections
I am currently involved in a large consulting engagement that involves a significant level of coaching at senior levels. It also involves some local coach training, both individual and group. I thought I would share some reflections on these types of coaching because away from the specific coaching techniques, ethics and confidentiality, there are some […]
Trust – Different Things to Different People
I had occasion to think about what “Trust” really meant yesterday. I am working in Russia and it has some significant cultural differences to what I am used to in the UK. We spend a lot of time talking about building trust, as it is important and fundamental in the coaching arena. I experienced what […]
Systemic Team Coaching
I listened to a brilliant talk by Peter Hawkins yesterday of both Renewal Associates and Henley Business School. His point was clear, we are clearly in the VUCA world now and it is accelerating. He has interviewed CEO’s and business leaders, and they have confirmed VUCA as the new reality. We need some radical thinking […]
Mental Health
As we start the week that is “Mental Health Awareness Week“, there have already been great recent initiatives on this. Princes Harry and William with their openness and support for recent UK events like the London Marathon. Raising awareness is the first step of the journey. It is more prevalent than ever in this VUCA […]
How do you coach for “Transformation”
There is significant discussion about “Transformation“, specifically cultural transformation. I regularly go into consulting clients, and they ask for the “Cultural Transformation” magic bullet. I politely remind them that there is no magic bullet. Firstly. I tell them that I can facilitate the transformation, but they have to do it themselves. If they don’t […]
Passive Agression
More than ever in the times of rapid change, we need to be self aware, and avoid a situation which could lead us to be passive aggressive. Most of us can recognise it in others, but can we recognise it in ourselves ? It does not have to be directly manipulative or overtly aggressive, it […]
Avoiding Conflict in Dialogues
Avoiding conflict is difficult when you have strong views or opinions. Sales people will tell you that while you are talking you are negotiating. This is important when we are having difficult dialogues, especially when those we are talking to, are likely to have opposing views. How do we keep these discussions “Above the Line” […]
Getting Ahead
Getting ahead is critical in both life and the business world. I have used my coaching techniques and my increased self awareness to drive myself quite literally. My passion for motorsport will be obvious from my site. I have been racing for 5 years now and have been gradually making progress up the rankings. However, […]
One for the Weekend
I heard a great quote in the film, “The second great exotic Marigold Hotel” , by Dame Judi Dench. She said that, “It is a fine line between what we want and what we fear”. This really resonated with me. Quite often what we want, is what we crave, something special, but it is so […]