Learning like an oak tree…

All reputable leadership models/theories I am aware of include a component relating to “the leader understanding they are a work in progress”. In a High Performing Team context, learning is defined is as “collective continuous improvement and growth”.

I use tree analogies a lot in my work, and this spectacular oak tree behind me got my attention last week. A strong solid trunk with a lot of experience under its belt. A lush fresh canopy appears every spring. The effectiveness of the canopy is dependent on how the tree feeds from, and adapts to, the environment. The tree creates oxygen, which is pumped back into the environment for the benefit of all. The tree also produces acorns - some that germinate into something equally as beautiful, and some that don’t make it.

Learning plays a huge part in my life and is a significant motivator for everything I do. If you would like to explore how you, or your team, can grow like this beautiful acorn tree, please get in touch.

#oaktree#leadership#growth#highperformingteams

Walking gives you...

Thinking time, processing time, healing time, re-set time, re-framing time, movement, fresh air, sunshine and nature. Even better, try walking meditation - guided by an app, or slowly focusing in turn on what you feel, see, hear, smell.

It's mental health awareness week and there will be plenty of communication around ways to support mental health. Start with walking, it ticks a lot of boxes.

#mentalhealth#wellbeing#mindfulness#selfcare

Me practicing what I preach in beautiful Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this week-end...

A butterfly fluttering it’s wings in Brazil...

Or, a casual conversation with a NZ colleague resulted

in a pro-bono coaching programme for World Vision Australia.

I was having a chat with Emilija Nikolic about clients, and she connected me with Lucie Newport at World Vision NZ. As Lucie and I talked I thought the organisation would meet the criteria for the NZ International Coaching Federation (ICF) pro-bono programme (where ICF matches credentialed coaches, willing to work pro-bono, with clients in organisations selected for the programme). I introduced Lucie to Ron de Vries who co-ordinates the programme in NZ, and the World Vision programme in NZ was launched. Lucie spoke to her colleague in World Vision Australia, and Ron, who connected World Vision Australia with Rajiv Jayarajah, MAppComm, ACC , ICF in Australia. The Australian pro-bono coaching programme was launched and the rest is history.

Sometimes we don't appreciate the positive impact we have on the world, and sometimes we find out! We rock Em, Lucie, Ron and Rajiv!

#butterflyeffect#coaching#networks#positiveimpact#werock

If you would like to work on your positive impact in the world, please get in touch. I'm sure either myself or my colleagues can help.