Get Back on Track With What YOU Want…

While I was in the classroom, I got an email from a teacher who wanted to talk with me about a student issue. As I walked to her class I was thinking to myself, ‘Don’t be a solution listener.’ I listened to the issue, paraphrased what she was telling me, and then proceeded to ask…

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SCARF: Preventing Exposure to Dysfunction

Neuroscience study after study continues to reveal the emerging new knowledge that the human brain is a social organ.  Its physiological and neurological reactions are directly and profoundly shaped by social interaction. The challenge this presents for leaders is that instead of the “job” being regarded as an exchange for financial compensation, we now know…

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Courage Under Fire

As a school leader, when was the last time you were challenged and acted with courage under fire? You may wonder what does “courage under fire” look like? Maybe it’s moving forward with intention even when you’re unsure or anxious about what you’ll be doing or how it will be received. Perhaps it’s really facing…

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How Phone Coaching Works

Listening to See I called Armando to welcome him as a new client, share my excitement to be his coach, answer questions, and schedule our first session. When I asked what questions he had, Armando said, “After reading your email, I understand it’s my responsibility to call at the scheduled time from a place where…

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Resolutions That Stick

New Years’ Resolutions are easy enough to make but hard to keep over time. We begin with commitment and enthusiasm, to change a habit that is important to us. But our brains… and our muscles… and our psyches… default to the old patterns very soon!   Before we know it, we are back on the old…

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Technology Gone Awry!

The other day I spent time syncing all my technology.  You know the drill.  Sync the Ipad to the computer; then sync the Smart phone to the computer.  I felt so proud of myself; I had all my technology aligned. Then disaster struck.  When I accessed my pictures on my Ipad, the various “sets” of…

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Let Your Coach-Like Light Shine Bright!

January is the time of the year that brings a feeling of renewal and recommitment. You make New Year’s resolutions around dieting, exercising, saving money, etc. With the beginning of a new semester, it’s also time to reflect on where you are as a coach leader. Consider this quote by Tony Robbins, author and professional…

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Lessons Learned on a Gurney

Who would have ever thought that the lessons of using positive intent – one of our essential coaching skills – would be reinforced for me as I was being wheeled back to my room after a recent surgery?  Certainly not me, but there it was!  With my morphine pump held tightly in my hand I…

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If You Are Reading this, Thank You Coach!

I had the opportunity to have a very valuable coaching session as part of our ongoing personal development process within Coaching For Results Global. You might call it “coaches coaching coaches.” I have moved from being a passive observer of my “issue” to taking an active role in the situation. How did my coach help…

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Watch Yourself! Change Ahead!

Real transformations in life sometimes happens when you least expect it.  One of my major transformations happened twelve years ago, when the National Staff Development Council (now Learning Forward) initiated a bodacious project.  Dennis Sparks, then Executive Director, thought that every principal and superintendent in high poverty schools should have the benefit of a coach…

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