Do you hate giving feedback?
April 9, 2013

I find it fascinating to notice themes emerging from individual and totally separate coaching clients. Over the last week a common theme has been giving feedback.

It seems that many of us dislike giving feedback even more than we dislike receiving it, so what is it that prevents us from giving honest and constructive comments?

Here are some of the fears that clients have shared with me:

Fear of upsetting the other person
Fear of creating an atmosphere
Fear of retaliation
Fear of destroying [...]

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Are your thoughts sabotaging your success?
February 20, 2013

I love coaching. It’s such a privilege to be a witness to my client’s world and their thoughts. I find it fascinating just how much our feelings and therefore our actions are driven by our thoughts and how we make sense of situations around us. We are constantly thinking, analysing and judging. We are mulling over what has happened in the past, or thinking about the days/weeks/months ahead and our hopes and fears for what might happen.

I was working [...]

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The fears behind our behaviour
December 10, 2012

Last week I was on a course, gaining a more in depth knowledge about FIRO theory.

F.I.R.O stands for Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation – in other words, understanding the deep-seated way in which we relate to other people. This theory explores how our behaviour impacts on those around us, how we act in response to how we think and feel about ourselves – and how we behave based on how we think others see us.

It’s a fascinating theory and [...]

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What’s within your control?
November 19, 2012

It’s been a tough few years, and the news is that it won’t get any easier in the short term.

Talking to friends, family and clients, most people are worrying about something. How secure is their job? Will they be able to get the clients they want? Will their children be able to get a job in their chosen industry when they finish university?

It's a fact that 'life happens'. Things happen that are outside of our control, but the [...]

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Can you embrace your vulnerability?
October 22, 2012

On Friday I attended the fourth module of my KPI (Key Person of Influence) training, learning how to increase my online profile, run by Ecademy founder Penny Power.

I proudly raised my hand when asked who wrote a blog, and then was transformed into the rabbit in headlights when Penny asked me if we could take a look at my blog.

My rational brain was thinking ‘brilliant, everyone will see my website’, while the deeply hidden irrational and vulnerable side [...]

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When do you switch off?
September 17, 2012

Does it feel as though you're on a treadmill, trying to get so many things done with not enough hours in the day to do them? Are you taking on too much and putting pressure on yourself to deliver? With our self imposed expectations and long 'to do' lists, it's no wonder we sometimes feel overwhelmed and stressed. No matter how busy you are in your work life, it's important for you to find time to switch off.

What hobbies or [...]

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Are you hiding your ‘true self’ in meetings?
August 3, 2012

There has been a theme with some of my clients recently around a lack of confidence with senior people in their organisation. This is having a negative effect on their personal impact and influencing skills, and they are not adding the value that they could be adding if they felt more confident.

How come we can be confident with our team members or clients, yet when we step into the boardroom with our peers, our confidence fades? What is it that [...]

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Tops Tips to be more Assertive
March 27, 2012

A few weeks ago I ran a webinar on 'How to be assertive without appearing aggressive', and had some great feedback. I thought I'd share my top tips with you.

Assertiveness is: the ability to say what you think or feel, or to say what you need, while respecting yourself and respecting the other person.

This is the co-operative approach, looking for a win- win situation

My Top Tips: 

 ü Remember you have a choice

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Who are you listening to?
December 12, 2011

Once upon a time there was a group of frogs who decided to hold a climbing competition.

 

The goal was to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower. A huge crowd gathered to watch the contest and cheer on the frogs. When the race began, everyone started shouting words of encouragement. 

 

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Do you have a reputation?
November 3, 2011

The answer of course is yes, because we all have a reputation. But are you being noticed for the right reasons?

Your reputation is the opinion someone has of you because of what you do, and importantly, how you do it. We're talking about your personal impact, your personal PR.  

Are you known as someone who goes the extra mile, asks great questions and takes an interest in others? Or are you known as being negative, complaining about others behind their backs, [...]

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