May 2009

Be yourself, everyone else is already taken: the power of authenticity

May 25, 2009

Authenticity is a cornerstone of being an effective coach. While I found it difficult to be truly authentic in the corporate world, I am discovering so much more about me as a person when I am authentic and this change is being driven, at an emotional level, by ‘myself’ clamouring to be let out. Perhaps [...]

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Let me do and I understand

May 23, 2009

Today I was asked what my favourite quote or saying is and I found myself scratching my head. If you had asked me this question a year ago then I would have been quick to respond that I didn’t hold much stock by quotes, but on my coaching learning journey there have been some quotes that [...]

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34% of all UK headteachers will retire in the next 5 years.

May 21, 2009

There is a serious deficit in inspirational leaders ready to take up the challenge of running a school. Future Leaders are aiming to create a large number of excellent school leaders which can lead to a sustainable improvement across the education system. This non-profit organization have a fast track leadership programme for addressing the shortfall in Secondary [...]

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What is the difference between a coach and a mentor?

May 20, 2009

I want to ride a bike. Which professional should I go to for support? Chose a… Consultant – to work out which bike to ride Therapist – to help you get over the fear and actually get on the thing Mentor – to teach you how they have ridden the bike and model how you [...]

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When was the last time you told someone what you were great at?

May 16, 2009

Here is a dynamic exercise that any staff meeting could benefit from… Best bits speed coaching One of my secondary school clients put together a whole school staff meeting as an early step in to developing a coaching culture in her school. Positivity was encouraged as was focusing departmental teams on their strategic developmental needs. [...]

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Site under maintenance

May 9, 2009

You may have noticed that some of our old reviews have suddenly become blog posts. This has been done as part of our continuous improvements to the website. There are several reasons for doing this: The website will be more intuitive to navigate Reviews will be easier to find. Readers can now add their own [...]

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Review: Love your life – Survive the System: A teacher's happiness curriculum

May 9, 2009

This book is an easy and enjoyable read specifically aimed at helping teachers to help themselves. Written in an informal, chatty and engaging style simple but powerful exercises are fused with case studies and quotes are carefully chosen to sit along side the content written by a former teacher. Eilidh Milnes is an inspiring lady [...]

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Review: Coaching and Mentoring at work by Mary P Connor and Julia Pokora

May 9, 2009

Coaching frameworks are something that I have come to value as a useful way of structuring a coaching conversation. The Skilled Helper model features highly in this book, but this book is so much more than just about a framework. This book also includes a great chapter on choosing a coach and how you get [...]

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Review: Power up your mind by Bill Lucas

May 9, 2009

Power up your mind by Bill Lucas A page turner and a book that grabbed me from the first couple of pages. I loved the format, attempted many of the short exercises that punctuate the text and incorporated several of the ideas into my life and coaching practice. I am finding the concepts on pages [...]

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Review: E-myth revisited by Michael E Gerber

May 9, 2009

Wow what an amazing ‘page turner’! If I wasn’t already convinced that documenting my systems and processes was essential from the start then I am now. Compelling business fundamentals punctuated with questions to enhance your learning and each chapter summarized with a compelling case study that any business owner, past, present or future, will be [...]

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