What are the Tui’s telling you?

I (in Auckland) was in a training session last week, and my training buddy (in Melbourne) was asked to share what she was noticing as she listened to my dilemma. One of the things she mentioned were the birds in the background, and she wondered whether they were relevant. (The birds she could hear were Tui’s. Although I live pretty much in the centre of the city, there are many trees that attract native birds. I can even hear Moreporks most days.) And yes, I think the Tui’s were telling me something. Something about taking wide and adventurous perspectives with my dilemma.

Use ALL your senses and notice as much as you can when actively listening. You may just notice something that really triggers something meaningful.

#Tui's #coachingskills#activelistening

If you or your team would like to practice active listening skills, please get in touch. I’m sure the Tui’s would love to be involved too!

Eulogies at work?

Twice over the last week, clients have said “that felt like a living funeral”. The first example was Gary Connolly's comment as the team he leads invested time reflecting on achievements, challenges and learnings over the past few years. The second example was a session with another team, where Alitta Meijer commented on team members acknowledging each others strengths and contribution to the team.

The definition of a eulogy (according to the Oxford dictionary) is “a speech or piece of writing praising somebody/something very much, often as part of a funeral”. Appreciating achievement and acknowledging tough times should be a regular practice, for individuals and teams at work. Don’t wait for a funeral (or someone’s leaving function) to acknowledge them!

#eulogy#teamcoaching#acknowledgement

If you and your team would like to build regular eulogies into your work life, please get in touch.

Sigh... "Ujjayi"

I put up my Christmas decorations this week end (yes I know its October) and I was reflecting on this year so far. Many of my clients say they have "given up on this year", just hanging in and doing what they need to and survive. Fair enough! Self compassion and self care is important, and sometimes doing the bare minimum is the right thing to do for a while.

If you are familiar with yoga, you will know about "Ujjayi". Surrendering in a resting posture, letting go of your ego, and taking full deep audible breaths that sound like sighing. I can see how this concept would be relevant or both leaders and teams right now.

If you would like to talk through where you or your team are at, how you can let go of your ego(s) and practice the equivalent of "Ujjayi", please get in touch.

#sigh#ujjayi#teamcoaching#leadershipcoaching

(This is my actual advent calendar btw with very yummy chocolates inside each little house).