Ramadan/Summer Reading Series: 1

Ramadan and summer time provides an excellent opportunity for reflection and self-development. Following the tradition established last year, I will hopefully provide some suggestions to tempt your learning.

When we are in the midst of studying for a coaching or mentoring qualification, we spend a lot of time reading numerous source materials – but what happens after the qualification is gained?  I bet that they are left to gather dust on a shelf or left in some dark, unwelcoming corner as a mini-table or portable storage area as I prefer to describe it.

When was the last time that you revisited the materials? It can be really interesting to revisit an old favourite and reflect on whether the contents still “sing out” to you now. Reflect on whether your viewpoint as to the contents has changed – is that due to your experience that you have subsequently gained? What causes the “grating” or discomfort?

The books may also serve to refresh your skills and knowledge and correct some of the “bad habits” that you may have unconsciously developed.

Why not set yourself a challenge of revisiting one book and reflecting on what this means for you and your coaching practice.

These recommendations relate to the “hot topics” of mindfulness and wellbeing. They appear in no order of preference:
Well I hope that this has provoked some thinking and provided some insights for purchases. Remember that as a member of ISQC we have secured discounts from some of the publishers – email ISQC@britishschoolofcoaching.com for more details.

Next time I will recommend some general coaching books. Let me know if there are any topics or areas that you would like me to focus on and feel free to make your own suggestions and recommendations.

Happy Reading!!*

Martin Hill LL.B (Hons), FInstLM, FISQC, MAC, EMCC Member, Coach & Coach Supervisor
Faculty Member
Programme Director for ILM 7 Coaching & Mentoring Courses

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Focus and Energy in Coaching

“The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.” Anthony Robbins
I am sure that you will all have experienced sessions that went fabulously, when everything just seemed to flow and it was almost effortless. Similarly, there will have been sessions which leave you with a sense of frustration, where things just did not seem to click, despite all your tried and tested approaches. What makes the difference? In my experience it will be attributable to the focus and energy in the session on the part of the coach or coachee or both.

One of my favourite techniques to assist my reflective learning when reviewing my coaching sessions or supervision sessions is to review the energy levels within the session – for the coach and the coachee. A great tool is Peter Hill’s FOE tool (“Concepts of Coaching- A Guide for Managers”- Peter Hill (2004) ILM). This requires you to assess the following:
•    FOCUS – The attention the coach brings to the moment.
•    OPENNESESS – The receptivity of heart and mind the coach brings to the moment.
•    ENERGY -The physical and emotional vigour the coach brings to the moment.

Although Hill focuses on the coach, I have found it useful to adapt the tool to analyse the FOE levels for the coachee as well. One of the great lessons that was imparted to me – if you really are committed to continuous improvement and striving for excellence, then you should always find at least one thing you can improve upon. Bear in mind however, that this comes with a health warning – only assess the coachee after assessing yourself as the coach.

Although reflective practice is great for honing your skills, what can you do as a coach to ensure that you optimise your energy and focus for coaching sessions? Here are some things to consider:
•    Contracting for self as “coach”– It is amazing how much time and energy we give to drafting contracts for the coachees and sponsors, but one way of ensuring that you are not overstretched or overcommitted is by treating yourself as “coach” as an additional stakeholder or party to the agreement. Choose which are the key aspects that you need to cater for (for example time between multiple sessions; start and end times etc.) and then ensure that these are specifically addressed when working out the contract.
•    Preparation & “Refresh” Time – this is particularly important when you are dealing with multiple sessions in a day. To ensure that you bring the same focus and energy to the final session as you did for the first session. Allowing time to “wind up” and “wind down” enables you to manage your energy and focus.
•    Hydration – make sure you have water to hand, keeping hydrated ensures that you maintain focus and attention.
•    Sustenance – if it’s going to be a long day, make sure that you have healthy snacks or foods available – a banana or yoghurt can be a life saver to maintain energy levels.
•    Stretch – a great way to re-energise is by getting up and stretching your legs for a short while. Why not combine the two and do a “walking” coaching session with the coachee – it can be amazing what a change of venue brings!

Those are my starters for ten- what are your hints and tips?

Martin Hill LL.B (Hons), FCMI, FInstLM, FISQC, MAC, EMCC Member, Coach & Coach Supervisor
Director for ILM 7 Coaching & Mentoring Courses

Events Calendar: September - December 2016

Thursday 15th & Friday 16th September
Wellbeing Coaching Programme, Wigan, UK
This 2 day ILM Endorsed programme will help you to empower clients with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make necessary lifestyle and behavioural changes to improve their health and quality of life.

Saturday 17th September
Coaching Network, The Mount, Orrell, UK
In these informal sessions we lead a seminar on a crucial area of coaching, followed by a chance to mix with like-minded professional coaches and share your learning. The seminar will be on Action Learning and Group Coaching.

Monday 19th, Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st September (plus 3 days at a later date)
Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring Programme, DW Stadium, Wigan, UK
This programme will develop your capability to act as a coach/mentor at the highest level. It takes around a year to complete. The extensive practical and theory-based work will enable you to work with any client to develop their leadership skills and support their career development.

Monday 19th, Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st September (plus 2 days at a later date)
Level 7 Coaching Supervision Programme, DW Stadium, Wigan, UK
This programme is for highly experienced coaches who are looking to become a competent coach supervisor. Ideal for those who lead coaching in an organisation.

Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th & Friday 7th October (plus 2 days at a later date)
Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring Programme, DW Stadium, Wigan, UK
This is an undergraduate level qualification, designed for mid-level managers and organisational coaches to develop the knowledge and ability to coach effectively at organisational level.

Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th & Friday 7th October (plus 1 day at a later date)
Level 3 Coaching Programme, DW Stadium, Wigan, UK
This programme is ideal for those who are new to coaching, it will develop your capability to act as a coach and develop those around you. It takes 6-9 months to complete this qualification.

Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th October
Career Coaching Programme, Dubai, UAE
This is a 2 day ILM Endorsed programme that aims to enhance executive coaching skills in the context of careers issues. The programme is for coaches and will build on their existing coaching skills and techniques to provide effective career coaching and counselling.

Saturday 15th October
Coaching Network, Dubai, UAE
In these informal sessions we lead a seminar on a crucial area of coaching, followed by a chance to mix with like-minded professional coaches and share your learning. The seminar will be on Team and Group Coaching Techniques.

Sunday 16th, Monday 17th & Tuesday 18th October (plus 6 days at a later date)
Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring Programme, Dubai, UAE
This programme will develop your capability to act as a coach/mentor at the highest level. It takes around a year to complete. The extensive practical and theory-based work will enable you to work with any client to develop their leadership skills and support their career development.

Monday 17th, Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th October (plus 2 days at a later date)
Level 7 Coaching Supervision Programme, Dubai, UAE
This programme is for highly experienced coaches who are looking to become a competent coach supervisor. Ideal for those who lead coaching in an organisation.

Thursday 3rd & Friday 4th November
Career Coaching Programme, London, UK
This is a 2 day ILM Endorsed programme that aims to enhance executive coaching skills in the context of careers issues. The programme is for coaches and will build on their existing coaching skills and techniques to provide effective career coaching and counselling.

Saturday 19th November
Coaching Network, The Mount, Orrell, UK
In these informal sessions we lead a seminar on a crucial area of coaching, followed by a chance to mix with like-minded professional coaches and share your learning.

Thursday 24th & Friday 25th November
Career Coaching Programme, Wigan, UK
This is a 2 day ILM Endorsed programme that aims to enhance executive coaching skills in the context of careers issues. The programme is for coaches and will build on their existing coaching skills and techniques to provide effective career coaching and counselling.

Tuesday 13th December
Planning & Pricing Your Coaching Services, Wigan, UK
1 day masterclass with Judith Barton that will give you the knowledge, tools and motivation to work on your business plan and pricing strategy.