http://www.somesortofchange.com/ A recent somesortofchange.com news story feed in RSS2.0 en-gb Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.somesortofchange.com/news/detail.php?id=000028 I will soon be running some small groups - of no more than 5 people in each group. 

The first will meet in the evening between 7.30 and 9.30 and will be for 3 sessions of 2 hours each, held every 3 weeks.  This will be a way to work with coaching techniques and  principles, find out how to make changes that enhance your life and benefit from the interaction in the group.  Sometimes a short intervention is all that is needed: in 9 weeks you really could change your life!

This first group will be for mums wanting to explore how to return to work.  You could have been out of the workplace for 6 months or 6 years - the time does not matter. You may know what you are seeking, or have no idea.  Come along and explore possibilities, develop your ideas and turn plans into reality.

If this is of interest to you plese use the contact form to send me a message and I will get back to you with dates and details.



]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.somesortofchange.com/news/detail.php?id=000027
One benefit of the recession is the way that expectations and priorities have been challenged for us. Old ways of doing things have shifted, and past principles and values questioned. This is difficult and stressful, and the impact is only beginning to bite, yet also this gives us a push to revisit what underpins our own actions and choices, and make the shifts that lead to a more meaningful life.

A positive response to changing times is to reflect on what is important to us, what our priorities are and thus where the focus for action in our lives could be. It is aso a way of taking back some control - when it can seem as if we have none.

Connecting with our core beliefs and values is happening all around us during this season; drawing on our inner and immediate resources the trend of the moment.  Make this a more conscious act, and see the benefits in your life.

In my experience as a life-work coach I see that we get what we focus on - and we tend to focus on our priorities.  Are you clear that the priorities that guide your thoughts and actions are really the ones you hold true? 

The simple act of asking yourself what is important to you, over the coming days and weeks, and noting your responses in a dairy or notebook will create a template against which to conduct a reality check. Then, if there is a mismatch between your principles and your routine actions you can make the changes that bring you closer to your true self. These will be from the basis of real clarity about what is important to you.

The greatest stress seems to result when we are acting against the true self; conversely the greatest joy and satisfaction evolve when we are moving closer to a strong and practical connection with all that we hold to be true and dear.
]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.somesortofchange.com/news/detail.php?id=000026 Tough times challenge us to make changes.  Once the change is in place then it's relatively plain sailing to get the practicalities established; not necessarily easy but generally straightforward as we are on the path. Until then we face all manner of difficulties.

Coming to terms with what is happening to us and deciding how to respond are two stages that go hand in hand.  Feeling muddled and not sure which way to turn for the best are common experiences, as are wanting to do the right thing, and protect those around us.

Talking to somone outside the immediate context, who helps us see things more clearly, weigh up options and decide on the best way forward can make all the difference.  Knowing there is an objective sounding board, with heaps of experience in helping people make the best of change does much for our clarity of thought and confidence in finding the right course of action.

It may well be that you want to help those around you who are dealing with transition, or you are going through it yourself.  A few sessions of life-work coaching will be a good investment. You can learn how best to support others, or develop a clear direction and practical strategies for yourself. 

'The process was uncomplicated and a lot of common sense, but that doesn't detract from the value it delivered. The benefit also comes from having an objective viewpoint from a third party who is able to help you identify what is important and what needs to change.'
]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.somesortofchange.com/news/detail.php?id=000025 These are challenging times. 

Stress, anxiety and uncertainty are common responses to the global economic crisis.  Many of us are being forced to make changes in our working and personal lives to adapt to the forces of external change. Career uncertainty, redundancy and financial worries all take their toll.

This is demanding and can stretch us in ways that are unfamiliar and lead us to places unknown.  It can be hard to know what to do for the best, which way to turn; feelings of isolation and responsibility for others all too easily create unhealthy stress.  It is vital to maintain our wellbeing whilst dealing with the challenges of change.

We often find that these challenges reveal to us inner strengths and external supports of great power.  Through cost effective training and coaching programmes we can help you to:

• Create a clear vision of what is important and what can be preserved and protected

• Focus on priorities and move steadily and confidently towards them
  

• Take control of the aspects you can control
  

• Rise to meet change and uncertainty with confidence and embrace the future with hope rather than fear

• Look after yourself and all that you value

• Move forwards to a better future

Please send an email if you would like to have a chat about how this works. 

I look forward to hearing from you.

]]> Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.somesortofchange.com/news/detail.php?id=000024
We ran our second WiSH course: Wholehearted for Headship, (supported by the National Association of Headteachers), in March in central London. We had another successful day, with 4 more outstanding headteacher speakers and another brilliant group of delegates. Excellent, helpful, positive and inspirational were the frequently used reactions to the day. One participant said: ' I really appreciated the gentle step by step guide through the day, highlighting the real issues of headship, and addressing them.' Another said: 'Very rarely do training courses address needs in such a personal and supportive way!'. Finally one delegate suggested: 'If there were more courses like this perhaps more leaders would go into headship.'

Evaluation from our two courses has revealed that the day really does make a difference! Of our delegate group 86% feel more confident in their ability to fulfil the role of Headship and 77% were positively committed to achieving a Headship. Watch this space.....

Our initial WiSH website is now live -  www.womenintoschoolheadship.co.uk  
We are looking forward to creating a forum for networking and peer support, as well as information and practical tips.

Meg Maunder, who was previously at NCSL, and I set up WiSH last year, having worked together on women's leadership programmes for many years. Our aim is to provide training to support and encourage senior women in education into Headship. In so doing we can help address the national crisis in Headteacher recruitment, and improve the quality of leadership in our schools.

Our delegates are an amazing example of the untapped potential in our schools. We cannot afford to ignore them. They can - and will - become the very best Headteachers.

New regional dates for Wholehearted for Headship can be found on http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/events/courses/courses-school-management/wholehearted-for-headship/]]>