Coaching

I recently caught myself comparing my life journey with some other folk's journey.

Why do I do this to myself?

Is it motivating to me to do this? What is my positive take-away when I do this?

Well, sometimes it is useful. More times though it's the worse thing I could do. Here's the good and the bad of comparing myself with others:

It recharges me and acts as my own little Duracell battery
Occasionally, it gives me a little va va voom to keep doing my own thing, This works on the basis that "if they can do it, then I can do it". Result - instant energy to take me a step or two further on my path. A great outcome!

It provides a "framework" for professional peer to peer assessment
Sometimes, I compare myself professionally to others in my field, or in a similar business. Those in the Business Change or Leadership development game for instance. Usually, I chose someone who has written a great piece, (usually a thought leader) or, people who are black and female like me, or who I consider to have done great work, or who "have it going on" in some way - (at least they do according to their website, youtube video or whatever) :).

I get to see what amazing looks like
Sometimes I "measure" myself against others because I'm inspired by who they are, how amazing they are, their values, their style or their achievements. This can be very useful as I raise my expectations for my life.

Sounds great but......
Any of these 3 things can actually demotivate me to be honest. This comparison thing can be a precarious and negative game as it can sometimes leave me with thoughts of "what the heck, Jennifer - get your act together woman - look at so and so and what they're doing". This is not pretty and it's not a good look. So, it has the opposite affect to that which I intended, as I nose dive into being my own hard-ass judge and jury. Basically harder on myself than I would ever be on someone else. The result, I think I come up short against what they are doing or have achieved compared to what I am up to or have accomplished. Not useful.

So, my conclusion!?

Comparison more often than not ends one way for me right now. So, I'm glad I caught myself looking at how I was thinking and how that made me feel about myself. Got ya Jennifer Beth Blake!

For me, comparison takes me further away from me and who I am and who I can become.

If I really must compare, instead, I will compare the me of today, with the me of yesterday - end of.

The foundation of this and my mantra for today is that I love me, love my journey and love my life!

Jennifer founded Change Partnership Limited after a career in Organisational Development, Management and Leadership Development Change Management and Coaching, working with a wide range of public sector and community organisations.

As lead consultant, Jennifer is an experienced interim leader of change, organisational, management and leadership and personal development. She is a skilled workshop facilitator and a master coach with experience in providing services for clients including:
Westminster City Council
Hammersmith and Fulham Council
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust,
City of Wolverhampton Council
Telford and Wrekin Council
Birmingham City Council
Walsall Council
West Midlands Police
Birmingham City University
Cherie Blair International Womens' Foundation

Jennifer is passionate about working with others in partnership to build organisational and individual capacity, capability and confidence

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Still going with the flow

Still going with the flow...........29/6/2016

I shared in an earlier post that I'm giving myself permission to go with the flow of life. Right now I'm navigating my way through some rough waters - should I just let go of the oars and continue to go with the flow right through the white waters or rocks, or should I steer just a little bit around to where the flow is smoother? Would that still be 'going with the flow'?


Photos by Peace the Poet
Sometimes we just need to take a moment to be mindful of our surroundings and to appreciate the beauty that's all around us.

0 Comments Leaders make more leaders 20/6/2016

Leaders making more leaders.

Consider whether or not you're approach is enabling other leaders to develop and emerge?

.

Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream

I used to sing this all the time as a child ........Mmmmm.....????

I need to find out more about it. I'll keep you posted!

0 Comments Connecting with others and scanning the horizon 17/6/2016

I have for a while now been attending a number of expos, conferences, workshops and other self development and/or business related events. Many of them are in the evenings or during the most potentially productive time of my working week. They also happen during the evenings when I could, alternatively, be spending time catching up on all things domestic or social and relaxation time with family and friends.

I've loved attending them though. I have been able to take something away from every event. i've met some great people who are doing amazing things in business, charity and other areas of life.

I have been able to scan the horizon of possibility and check out some of the movers and shakers in areas that interest me and/or which touch on areas in which I too do business to see what excellence looks like for others. This has given me great insights.

People really are inspiring! The people I've met are seeking more and better for themselves and for others too. They are stepping up to play their biggest game.

As a result of what I have learned, most of all I hope that I am evidencing (especially as a previous public sector employee) through behaviour, or attitude or through my actions that I am transferring my public sector honed skills to a commerical environment and demonstrating increased business savvy!

Pusha Alexander - Headz Up Business speaking at an event at Walsall Business Week in June 2016.

New ways of working - New ways of leading - New ways of showing up

I have worked on some fantastic change initiatives with some wonderful clients as an interim Business Change Manager.

I've had some great feedback (or 'feedforward' which is a recent concept I've come across and which I'm starting to embrace). I recently reviewed some of the feedback I've had over the years, which is something I don't do often enough, and would like to share some of this with you:

Particular skills that Jennifer has shown are:

the ability to diffuse conflict and resistance to change and to use her knowledge to change mindsets.
She makes changes not through pushing people, but by leading them to new ways of thinking, challenging current thinking and showing them the many benefits that can be gained in both staff performance and positive changes for service users In the highly emotive area of public sector organisational change, this proved invaluable.
Jennifer is a very confident and creative individual, having a major role in devising and carrying out novel and inventive ways to communicate messages.

I am now reflecting on my business change management skills set, attributes and strengths and what I can offer and the difference and impact I can make to clients going forward into 2018. I am reviewing::

My uniqueness (USP)- Mmm. How unique am I and is my difference an asset in the sense of adding to team diversity or is my alternative perspective and, at times, 'left field' perspectives something to down play; as in 'hey everyone, I am the same as you really'? In other words, how do I add diversity of thought, perspective, ideas and solutions to my clients and is it a good thing?

My OD background. Does having an extensive OD background make me a better Business Change Manager? I think it does, but if it does it's time to get some clarity on this. Prior to qualifying and then getting my first roles within Business Change Management I worked within Organisational Development for a very long time and have covered most aspects of learning and development working with elected members, senior management teams, created a management competency framework, managed several OD teams including within the specialist areas of Adults and Children's Workforce Development, undertaken training needs analysis, psychometric testing, management development centres - you name it - I've done it (probably!). But, what baring exactly does this have on my Business Change Management ability?

n education degree and FE background. This is one that I haven't come across myself with other Business Change Managers but there must be some others out there somewhere? The question is though does this help me to be a better Business Change Manager? If yes, in what ways? For example does it give me clarity on how people learn and therefore, how they learn the new behaviours that change and transformation programmes inevitably bring?

Lots to reflect on here. Rather than wait a few weeks before posting this whilst I consider my findings,- post the questions now, and get back to you in a few weeks once I've had time to mull things over. If you have any insights, comments or input on any of these points, I would welcome it. Until the next blog. Take Care.

I've been feeling a bit 'stuck' lately and I really don't like the feeling.
The word 'stuck' conjures up an image of being caught in a crazy quagmire where the more I panic, or wriggle; or the more I resist this place, feel it's not where I belong or what I deserve; the worse it gets! Being stuck makes me feel helpless and disempowered. It just doesn't fit my sense of who I am. The word 'stuck' is driving the self talk in my head! So I decided that I had to get some distance between me and it. So, I now I have an alternative word! One of my approaches is to help to leave 'stuck' behind is to read a boat load of motivational quotes that takes me out of there!
That new word is 'planted'. (Influenced by the final inspirational quote amongst the ones I highlight below):

First, here are some of the quotes that have helped me and that I have really appreciated, and which have played a part in getting me unstuck.
"Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know". Puma Chodron.
"This too will pass".
"Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason".

"Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying somewhere you don't belong".

"As long as you're moving, it's easier to steer."

"Feeling unsure and lost is part of your path. Don't avoid it. See what those feelings are showing you and use it."

"Move and the way will open."
"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are."

However, this is the one that really got to me and resonated with me:

"Sometimes when you're in a dark place you think you've been buried, but actually you've been planted.'

Wow! A whole different perspective gained from motivational quotes!

Are you 'stuck' or are you 'planted'; or ever have been? Which of the quotes in this piece resonates with you? How did you get out or change your self talk?

#affirmations
#selftalk
#personaldevelopment

I hope that you find this coaching series useful; whether you are a coach wanting to check out what other coaches are doing and/or saying, or you are not a coach but you want to know more about coaching, and/or if you are seeking a coach and wondering ‘what’s out there’. You’ve come to the right place.
My journey as a coach
I initially became aware that coaching was significant to me and to my work 15+ years ago. Although this is not a long time in the coaching world - among my contemporaries within the world of Organisation Development and Training in the public in the UK, it was well ahead of the game at that time! I am curious by nature and I’m prepared to satisfy that curiosity by investing time and energy on seeking understanding on new ideas and concepts for self improvement.
I remember being excited about attending my first coaching event in Coventry. There was a room full of people (mostly women) in a hotel. The event was held by one of the leading European coach training organisations, The Coaching Academy. The session ran over a weekend; in fact it was the 3rd and 4th February 2007. We were all there because we wanted to be coaches. The weekend was great. I benefited from tips on coaching, learning by observing coaching sessions, coaching practice and receiving feedback and support from fellow participants; as well as the experts in the room about my coaching. I highlight here 2 key areas which helped me to understand my self and ultimately, me as a coach better: The ‘sphere of influence’ and the power that fear and the overcoming of fear plays in our lives. My learning and expertise progressed and later I gained a level 7 qualification the ILM Diploma in Leadership Mentoring and Executive Coaching.
So here’s a snapshot of what I know, believe and understand about coaching today:

Coaching is a partnership between people (I believe this so strongly I put ‘partnership’ in the name of my company.
Coaching guides and challenges people to go further than they would otherwise go alone
It maximises the latent potential in people using coaching techniques
It requires flexibility in the approach/and or approach taken by the coach - weather using a reflective style, or a questioning style or a combination etc.
The use of intuition matters
The coach listens more than speaks
Coaching motives and energises
Coaches need coaching too

Thanks for reading this snap-shot. Look out for more in this series on coaching..

#leadership
#coaching
#management I hope that you find this coaching series useful; whether you are a coach wanting to check out what other coaches are doing and/or saying, or you are not a coach but you want to know more about coaching, and/or if you are seeking a coach and wondering ‘what’s out there’. You’ve come to the right place.
My journey as a coach
I initially became aware that coaching was significant to me and to my work 15+ years ago. Although this is not a long time in the coaching world - among my contemporaries within the world of Organisation Development and Training in the public in the UK, it was well ahead of the game at that time! I am curious by nature and I’m prepared to satisfy that curiosity by investing time and energy on seeking understanding on new ideas and concepts for self improvement.
I remember being excited about attending my first coaching event in Coventry. There was a room full of people (mostly women) in a hotel. The event was held by one of the leading European coach training organisations, The Coaching Academy. The session ran over a weekend; in fact it was the 3rd and 4th February 2007. We were all there because we wanted to be coaches. The weekend was great. I benefited from tips on coaching, learning by observing coaching sessions, coaching practice and receiving feedback and support from fellow participants; as well as the experts in the room about my coaching. I highlight here 2 key areas which helped me to understand my self and ultimately, me as a coach better: The ‘sphere of influence’ and the power that fear and the overcoming of fear plays in our lives. My learning and expertise progressed and later I gained a level 7 qualification the ILM Diploma in Leadership Mentoring and Executive Coaching.
So here’s a snapshot of what I know, believe and understand about coaching today:

Coaching is a partnership between people (I believe this so strongly I put ‘partnership’ in the name of my company.
Coaching guides and challenges people to go further than they would otherwise go alone
It maximises the latent potential in people using coaching techniques
It requires flexibility in the approach/and or approach taken by the coach - weather using a reflective style, or a questioning style or a combination etc.
The use of intuition matters
The coach listens more than speaks
Coaching motives and energises
Coaches need coaching too

Coaching is a partnership between people (I believe this so strongly I put ‘partnership’ in the name of my company.
Coaching guides and challenges people to go further than they would otherwise go alone
It maximises the latent potential in people using coaching techniques
It requires flexibility in the approach/and or approach taken by the coach - weather using a reflective style, or a questioning style or a combination etc.
The use of intuition matters
The coach listens more than speaks
Coaching motives and energises
Coaches need coaching too

Thanks for reading this snap-shot. Look out for more in this series on coaching..

#leadership
#coaching
#management

I hope that you find this coaching series useful; whether you are a coach wanting to check out what other coaches are doing and/or saying, or you are not a coach but you want to know more about coaching, and/or if you are seeking a coach and wondering ‘what’s out there’. You’ve come to the right place.

My journey as a coach
I initially became aware that coaching was significant to me and to my work 15+ years ago. Although this is not a long time in the coaching world - among my contemporaries within the world of Organisation Development and Training in the public in the UK, it was well ahead of the game at that time! I am curious by nature and I’m prepared to satisfy that curiosity by investing time and energy on seeking understanding on new ideas and concepts for self improvement.
I remember being excited about attending my first coaching event in Coventry. There was a room full of people (mostly women) in a hotel. The event was held by one of the leading European coach training organisations, The Coaching Academy. The session ran over a weekend; in fact it was the 3rd and 4th February 2007. We were all there because we wanted to be coaches. The weekend was great. I benefited from tips on coaching, learning by observing coaching sessions, coaching practice and receiving feedback and support from fellow participants; as well as the experts in the room about my coaching. I highlight here 2 key areas which helped me to understand my self and ultimately, me as a coach better: The ‘sphere of influence’ and the power that fear and the overcoming of fear plays in our lives. My learning and expertise progressed and later I gained a level 7 qualification the ILM Diploma in Leadership Mentoring and Executive Coaching.
So here’s a snapshot of what I know, believe and understand about coaching today:

Coaching is a partnership between people (I believe this so strongly I put ‘partnership’ in the name of my company.
Coaching guides and challenges people to go further than they would otherwise go alone
It maximises the latent potential in people using coaching techniques
It requires flexibility in the approach/and or approach taken by the coach - weather using a reflective style, or a questioning style or a combination etc.
The use of intuition matters
The coach listens more than speaks
Coaching motives and energises
Coaches need coaching too

Thanks for reading this snap-shot. Look out for more in this series on coaching..I hope that you find this coaching series useful; whether you are a coach wanting to check out what other coaches are doing and/or saying, or you are not a coach but you want to know more about coaching, and/or if you are seeking a coach and wondering ‘what’s out there’. You’ve come to the right place.
My journey as a coach
I initially became aware that coaching was significant to me and to my work 15+ years ago. Although this is not a long time in the coaching wamong my contemporaries within the world of Organisation Development and Training in the public in the UK, it was well ahead of the game at that time! I am curious by nature and I’m prepared to satisfy that curiosity by investing time and energy on seeking understanding on new ideas and concepts for self improvement.
I remember being excited about attending my first coaching event in Coventry. There was a room full of people (mostly women) in a hotel. The event was held by one of the leading European coach training organisations, The Coaching Academy. The session ran over a weekend; in fact it was the 3rd and 4th February 2007. We were all there because we wanted to be coaches. The weekend was great. I benefited from tips on coaching, learning by observing coaching sessions, coaching practice and receiving feedback and support from fellow participants; as well as the experts in the room about my coaching. I highlight here 2 key areas which helped me to understand my self and ultimately, me as a coach better: The ‘sphere of influence’ and the power that fear and the overcoming of fear plays in our lives. My learning and expertise progressed and later I gained a level 7 qualification the ILM Diploma in Leadership Mentoring and Executive Coaching.
So here’s a snapshot of what I know, believe and understand about coaching today:

Coaching is a partnership between people (I believe this so strongly I put ‘partnership’ in the name of my company.
Coaching guides and challenges people to go further than they would otherwise go alone
It maximises the latent potential in people using coaching techniques
It requires flexibility in the approach/and or approach taken by the coach - weather using a reflective style, or a questioning style or a combination etc.
The use of intuition matters
The coach listens more than speaks
Coaching motives and energises
Coaches need coaching too

Thanks for reading this snap-shot. Look out for more in this series on coaching..

#leadership
#coaching
#management

COaching