Posts by Vicky Dearing, MCC, M. Ed.
Listen to the Children
Recently I came across this brief video of young children sharing ways in which they deal with stressful times when anger comes to the surface of their feelings. Seems like we have an opportunity to learn from the youth. Check it out at https://youtu.be/RVA2N6tX2cg. There is a connection here to the power of listening with…
Read MoreThe Importance of Empathy
As leaders, we know that offering the gift of empathy to another can make a big difference in building a trusting relationship and, in turn, elevating results. Brené Brown offers a clear explanation of what empathy means. Go to https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw to see for yourself. In the past, some leaders may have looked upon empathy as…
Read MoreThree Ways to Create New Possibilities with Your Client
In coaching, there is typically a gap between where the client currently is and where she or he desires to be. Our role, as coach, is to support the client in closing the gap, either partially or completely. We have this saying in our Level II seminar: “Think what you’ve never thought, write what you’ve…
Read MoreConnecting to Your Client
This month we’re centered on three important behaviors of a coach as she meets with her client in a coaching conversation, virtually or in person. Earlier, we considered important ways for a coach to prepare for a coaching conversation. Today, let’s zoom in on an important way to be in the coaching conversation. It begins…
Read MoreConverging: Three Ways to Prepare for the Conversation
When coaching another person, be it a colleague or a client, all committed coaches desire to provide a safe and confidential space, some may even call it sacred, where the coach and the client join together in an open and honest manner, free of outside distractions, and ready to be different as a result of…
Read MoreProductive Conflict – Essential for High Functioning Teams
Very few people would say, “I’d like to have more conflict in my life, please.” Additionally, few teams would request additional conflict between and among members. Yet, as Patrick Lencioni author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (2002) says, “All great relationships, the ones that last over time, require productive conflict in order to…
Read MoreTrust and Vulnerability Go Hand-In-Hand for Success
If you have ever participated in a “trust fall” you have a very good understanding of how trust and vulnerability go hand-in-hand. Having experienced this sensation, I can personally attest to the accuracy of the statement. You climb up about six feet and have people, some smaller in size than you say, “Come on! We’ve…
Read MoreIt’s a New Year for a Fresh Start
Welcome to 2019! What would make this the best year yet for you? Since a major responsibility for you and all leaders is to continue to inspire and motivate others to achieve extraordinary results, you may very well be thinking about fresh ways or ideas to influence and support a positive work culture, where people…
Read MoreFollow-Up that Matters
The end-of-year conversations are now complete. You have sent your required paperwork to the HR Department. And yet – there are possible follow-up steps that significantly matter and that you want to be sure to include before the school year concludes and you place all your energy on the upcoming school year. As we continue…
Read MoreLet’s Grow Together!
If we had a special thermometer equipped to measure the level of the culture at your school, your district, or the place where you work, how high would the mercury rise? At its highest level of measurement, we would see and hear staff members working and talking together based on clearly defined beliefs, values and…
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