Competence as a coach requires a commitment to professional mastery. Mentor coaching refines fundamental coaching skills into the ability to respond simply and masterfully to the client. From the first moment of the conversation, every aspect of our coaching impacts the client. The way we form questions. The degree of partnership. The pauses.  In the same way that we invite …

Communication is one of the most central functions of life. As a coach, it is easy to see the value of partnering in a thought-provoking and creative communication process that inspires clients to maximize personal and professional potential. Whether at an individual, team, organization, or society level, there are numerous examples of communication failures and successes that range from day …

It’s easy to lose focus on what the foundation of learning in an organization rests upon. To promote learning and nurture a growth mindset, you need to create a climate of inquiry and openness, of patience, and of encouragement. Studies of top performers strongly suggest that people require a supportive environment in order to become the best they can be. …

We can find ourselves short on time to listen, but that doesn’t mean we need to take unnecessary abrupt short cuts. Do any of these phrases sound familiar? “I’m busy. Can you come back later?” “I can’t talk right now?” “I’m really busy, can you make this quick?” Maybe these are statements you’ve communicated to someone who walked into your …

Journalist and innovation expert Warren Berger, author of A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas, illustrates that one of the most powerful forces for igniting change in business and in our daily lives is a simple, under-appreciated tool—one that has been available to us since childhood. Questioning—deeply, imaginatively, “beautifully”. These kinds of questions help us identify …

Angela Ahrendts was head of Apple’s online retail and physical stores from 2014 until April 2019 and redefined the shopping experience for hundreds of millions of customers around the world. From 2006 to 2014 Angela Ahrendts served as CEO of Burberry, a venerable British brand founded in 1856 known for its trench coats, cashmere scarves, and iconic check. Ahrendts mitigated …

Have you ever been told, “You did a great job.” Did you fully understand what the person was communicating to you? The statement may have produced an appreciative experience, but lacked definition. Acknowledging gives definition. It is recognizing a particular ability and how it was specifically demonstrated. Example: Tara, I’ve noticed your strategic thinking in putting together a plan for …

Have you ever received a comment that made you take notice of a particular characteristic about yourself? For example, “Your determination is exemplary” or “Those around you notice your thoughtfulness.” How did you respond? “I guess I’ve never seen myself in that light” or “Really? I haven’t given it much thought.” Responses like these are common. We don’t expect positive comments and …

A person who doubts his or her abilities will often say–“I don’t think I can do that,” or “I’m not capable.” Even though it may not be true, it’s that person’s reality and genuine belief. What can we do to change a doubting mindset? Be a champion for someone by using your capacity to see the person’s capacity and acknowledge what …

Coaching and wellness may not seem to go hand in hand however; in actuality they are highly compatible. One of the individuals who leads the research for wellness and coaching is Margaret, aka Coach Meg. She is a 17-year veteran of the biotechnology industry in the U.S., UK, Canada, and France. In 2000 she founded Wellcoaches Corporation, a school for …