Being off school for half term has enabled me to look at my ‘to do’ list and complete some tasks that have been on there for quite some time.

I signed up for a Cognitive Reprogramming Course which I have been thinking about for a while. Not only that, I have completed and passed the first two modules covering the subject of Emotional Intelligence. I am feeling very happy about my progress and achievement so far in fact I have surpassed my expectation for the week!

I also had time to join a Webinar with the International Institute of Coaches & Mentors (IIC&M) about ‘Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the Workplace and Improving Performance’ which was very timely and fortuitous. This was a well structured presentation by Stephen Walker who imparted a myriad of information, tools and structures that could be used both on a business and personal level.

So what is Emotional Intelligence (EI)?

” …understanding how emotions affect our behaviour then creating the ability to identify and control both your and others’ emotions and acting on the information obtained”

By understanding EI you can then identify why teams, leaders and people behave in a certain way and why they do the things that they do. Emotions affect our behaviour and performance which can then impact on the decisions we make in life. People that cultivate their emotional intelligence are much more:

• Self-Aware and have a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses
• Able to manage their emotions and stay in control whatever the situation
• Effective at communicating, can clearly convey directions and know what to say to inspire and motivate others
• Socially aware and well tuned to the emotions of others – able to put themselves in someone else’s shoes
• Able to deal with conflict, placate disagreements and develop a more effective home environment or workplace

Did you know that:

• Our mood is linked to how we make decisions and that good mood leads to positive thoughts and fair judgment
• Pleasant positive states contribute to sound cognitive functioning
• Undesirable emotional states limit cognitive functioning
• Happiness encourages inspiration and motivation

By taking EI into consideration you get a better understanding of which emotions drive and motivate people, what makes them do things in a certain way, why their approach is like it is and how they communicate with their inner self and others.

For a coach or leader, understanding the impact that Emotional  Intelligence has on an individual whether it be personal or professional and acknowledging their future potential and comfort zone limits, means you can structure their environment for peak performance and ultimate success.

I will certainly consider EI with my clients so that I can obtain a clear understanding of which emotions instigate certain responses and actions and therefore coach them for maximum performance and long term success.

Contact me if you want to talk about it more!

It has been a busy week for me.  I have spent my time in school, coaching students in their lead up to half term, and I have been busy with business meetings and my own personal development.
Over the last few months I have been studying towards my professional senior coach (PSC) and Accredited Senior Coach (ASC) status with The International Institute of Coaches and Mentors (IIC&M). On Friday I was given the fantastic news that I had passed both and had achieved my PSC and ASC accreditations. What a difference it made to my Friday evening and my outlook for the weekend. My results lifted my mood, I was excited and the sense of achievement was very satisfying. Acknowledging my success with a celebratory drink enabled me to reflect on the work I had done, the increased knowledge I had gained and the positive impact it had on me and my personal development.

There is a story behind how I started my PSC/ASC and committed to a deadline for completing it. Earlier this year during a personal development webinar, I was introduced to another IIC&M coach based in Canada. He wanted to achieve his PSC/ASC like me and we listened together to what was required to achieve it. He quickly committed to completing everything by the 29th May whilst I was still getting over the shock regarding the amount of work that needed to be done. Not to let the ‘UK’ side down, I took up the challenge and committed to do the same.

I am so glad that I did because I would still have been thinking about it today instead of now having PSC/ASC after my name. So now, being a senior coach with the IIC&M means that I am:

• Committed to continually raising my coaching standards within my profession
• Part of a talented group of IIC&M Accredited Coaches who are truly making a difference to their clients
• Consistent in coaching my clients in line with the IIC&M’s Standards and Ethics, Key Values and Coaching Competencies

On top of all that I have made a fantastic new friend in Mark Cannon and use our regular Skype calls to catch up and share knowledge.

I have achieved my PSC/ASC goal by pushing myself out of my comfort zone and working hard. I feel a huge sense of achievement, my confidence and self esteem have grown and I feel good inside and out. Acknowledging my success and the positive feeling it has given me has already encouraged me to sign up for my Cognitive Reprogramming Practitioner Course.  Bring it on, is all I have to say!

Have a great week everybody and for those of you who are off for half term, enjoy your time off and have fun.

For any coaching queries please contact me.

I have just returned from an exciting and invigorating weekend doing a variety of fun stuff with some new coaching diploma students. Observing, encouraging and guiding people on a journey of discovery is such a rewarding and satisfying experience and certainly tips the balance in favour of fun and happiness for me.

Over the course of the weekend I have:

• Increased my knowledge of different careers
• Grown my network of like minded people
• Shared my knowledge and experience to assist others in successfully achieving their goals
• Watched outstanding coach and mentor, Curly Martin in action
• Further developed my growth mindset and enhanced my learning and coaching skills
• Been amazed at people’s ability to learn and push themselves out of their comfort zone
• Laughed, smiled and thoroughly enjoyed myself

Driving back from the hotel at Heathrow I had time to reflect over the students and the activities of the weekend. Their final comments meant that I came away feeling happy and excited that I had made a positive difference to their learning experience. What a worthwhile way to spend a weekend and at the same time give something back to my coaching community.

What have you done this weekend to tip the life balance scales in the direction of fun and happiness? If you require assistance with improving your work/life balance, then contact me and start your journey of change.

I am reading a book called “Mindset – How You Can Fulfil Your Potential” by Dr Carol S. Dweck (ISBN 978-1-78033-200-0). It is a very interesting read and explores the differences between fixed and growth mindsets. The book explains that with the right mindset, people can raise academic grades and achieve their goals in both their personal and professional development.

At an early age most people adopt a particular view and this has a significant impact on the way they live their lives. Believing that everything is set in stone and that life is mapped out for you is part of the fixed mindset. This mindset creates a focused environment that works within a rigid framework. There is a constant need to prove yourself whether it is in the classroom, at work or at home. Fixed mindset people are very aware of their limitations and will only work within their acceptable level of ability.

The alternative is the growth mindset. This mindset is based on the belief that you can grow your qualities through opportunity, learning and effort. With this more flexible mindset,  everything comes from a starting point, change is embraced and people grow through application, experience and a willingness to explore new things.

Taking these mindsets into consideration and thinking about past teachers, lecturers, friends and managers, I now realise why I did well with some and not others. I am definitely a growth mindset person and the people I have achieved the most with have been of the same orientation.

When coaching in school, my students often mention that their interest has changed in a subject because they have a different teacher. Generally they say it is connected with the delivery of content, personality and intelligence of the new teacher. The teacher-pupil relationship certainly improves when mindsets are in alignment. A class with a growth mindset teacher would increase their subject knowledge from various perspectives and also be encouraged to develop a passion for learning.

I am off to read more of this fascinating book and see what else I can learn. Have a great week, and I would be interested to know: “Which Mindset are you?”

Now is the time of year when exams are imminent and stress is increasing in many homes. Balancing revision timetables and the quality of life is not easy during this period. I encourage some of my students to practice Mindfulness to help alleviate anxiety and stress levels.

The practice originates from Buddhism and Jon Kabat-Zinn is the modern day founder of Mindfulness. He stated that:

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally”

The positive effects of Mindfulness training can be:

• Improved problem solving
• Better attention
• Greater enjoyment of life
• Less selfishness
• Greater insight
• Less neurosis
• More acceptance
• Better mind-body integration
• Less beating ourselves up

A basic Mindful Meditation consists of:

• Focusing on your breath as it flows in and out of your body
• Observing your thoughts as they arise and letting them go little by little
• Moving your focus away from the past and the future and bringing your awareness to the current moment

For some reason, most young people seem to be put off by the word meditation. I like to talk to them about ‘Mindful Thinking’ as this is more readily accepted.

Mindfulness can also be used when walking, eating and drinking. Being aware and in the current moment allows us to see and hear things in our environment that we would have missed if we were not being mindful. Noticing colours in the gardens and the sound of the birds in the trees when walking, can be very calming and a great stress reliever.

You can find lots of information about Mindfulness from:

• YouTube – guided meditations with someone talking you through how to prepare for meditation then what to do
• Books – I have a great little pocket book called “the little book of Mindfulness” by Tiddy Rowan (ISBN 978-1-84949-420-5). It fits in my handbag and has lots of great tips and quotes. There are lots of other books out there on Mindfulness
• Apps(some are free) that can be downloaded to your phone, tablet or computer – Stop,Breathe & Think App, Calm App, Mindfulness Training App and many more

If you have not tried Mindfulness before then why not give it a go and see if it makes a difference to your quality of life. Mindfulness has certainly had a positive impact on my life and it makes all the difference when I have had a busy, stressful week. Please contact me if you want to know more. Have a great week and Best Wishes to all the exam students out there – Be Mindful, Stay Calm and Be Outstanding…….