Coaching Skills
YET—The Magic Word
As we continue to explore our positivity mindset and genuine, authentic, heartfelt positivity, adding the concepts of possibility and potential and the word “yet”, broadens and builds on our own self-talk and the words we offer to others. People often tell us that they have the most difficulty believing in others and offering value statements…
Read MoreFrom “I Don’t Want Your Feedback” to “Please Give Me Feedback” – A Shift in Mindset
Let’s begin with a recent conversation with Jasper ISD Superintendent, Gerald Hudson. It’s late on a Friday afternoon, long after the work day is over and the phone rings. Gerald, who has been in his position less than 6 months, says, “My folks want coaching!” Having known Gerald for many years, I respond with surprise, “Really. You haven’t…
Read More“Thanks, My Instructional Targets are Crystal Clear” – Clearly Articulated Standards and Expectations
Earlier this month we shared how a change in mindset from “gotcha” to growth, along with reflective feedback that’s focused on what’s working, can change the results one gets. This conversation is about how adding clear standards and expectations can magnify the impact of coaching. This continues one district’s story . . . In Garland…
Read MoreWe Did It! – Measuring Impact
Congratulations! This month’s three-part focus has been on celebrating the impact of coaching from one district’s perspective. Now, we will celebrate one school’s success in a year’s time. Jackson Middle School is a technology magnet school in Garland ISD. In 2014, the school was struggling with Index 2 on the state accountability system. This index is the Student Growth…
Read MoreNew Beginnings
As a lover of school and a lifetime student, I am always jazzed about starting a new school year. A major appeal is the opportunity for new beginnings each year. We don’t have to wait for a new year to have a new beginning, yet there is something about the flow of school calendars that…
Read MoreThe Importance of “Who” in Coaching
“To finish the moment, to find the journey’s end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Thank you, Ralph Waldo Emerson, for reminding us that wisdom comes in the moments, the steps, and the hours! Maybe this is why coaching has become the…
Read MorePresuming Positive Intent and Positive Presuppositions
Welcome Back! It’s a new year, a new beginning, and that special time of the year that offers us all a fresh start! Just listen to this celebration from Principal, Amy Howell of Northwest ISD, Texas. “I wanted to let you know a wonderful celebration we had! During our coaching conversations we talked about the…
Read MoreWorking on New Hardwiring
In this month’s Ezine, we looked at the difference between the global notion of presuming positive intent (a mindset) and the technical skill of designing our questions or statements into positive presuppositions. The purpose of this blog is to consider ways to ensure our spoken language matches our mindset of belief in others. So how…
Read MorePositive Presuppositions—The Questions We Ask
In this month’s series, we have focused on the mindset of presuming positive intent. Now, we are ready for what you have all been waiting for . . . the questions. How do you construct questions so that your language matches your mindset? Here we go . . . positive presuppositions. As educators, we have…
Read MoreReasons Why I Don’t Give Advice
ADVICE: It’s a topic that never ceases to emerge when people are learning to coach more effectively. Recently after coaching a participant during one of our seminars, the question was asked, “How do you keep from giving advice?” I answered the question then and with your permission I’d like to explore the topic with you…
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