Susan Gregory

What distinguishes coaching from other problem-solving conversations? A coach will explore what you want to change? Help you describe your Why? Discern your current perspective? Identify assumptions and beliefs limiting your thought process, and the perceived problems you want to resolve. Marcia Reynolds says it well, a coach explores: "the person's perspective to expand their stories so more answers and actions come into view?....Coaching expands the context so people understand the situation beyond what they think they know...the lightbulb pops on as creative insights comes into view." If you haven't explored coaching yet, International Coaching Week is next week and there are several opportunities to learn more about coaching. Here are just two in the Edmonton area: CHOOSE COACHING, ICF Edmonton Chapter Hosted by Kelly Johnson, ICF President & Executive Coach https://lnkd.in/gPTtRrYU Join my 30 minute interview with Haesun Moon Phd, Executive Coach, Communication Expert and Author of Coaching a-z. Haesun invites you into the space of purpose, possibilities and progress. https://lnkd.in/gUgC4exz If you want to 'sample' coaching at any time, feel free to reach out for a complimentary session. It is my passion, and for the first time in several months, I have room on my dance card for two new coaching clients...exciting!

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What if every workday began with these three powerful questions? 📊 On a scale of 1 to 7 (low to high): ·      How engaged do you plan to be today? ·      How much risk are you willing to take? ·      How much do you care about others’ experiences today? These were the thought-provoking questions that 📚 Michael Bungay Stanier kicked off with at the Peel Regional Police Senior Leadership Team Day earlier this week. Diving into the concept of Best Possible Relationships (BPR) from his new book, we explored the value of examining our roles in workplace relationships—and strategies to make them stronger. It was inspiring to see Michael coaching Chief Nishan Duraiappah live, giving a real-time model of what a 'coach-like' culture could look like within the service. Watching leaders embrace this journey—taking risks, reflecting deeply, and committing to building meaningful relationships—was a highlight of the day for me, both as a planner and participant. Relationships are hard, and they can drain the energy from our work. Paying attention to HOW we want to be together can really improve WHAT we accomplish. Michael’s question, “How will you fix it when things go wrong?” has stayed with me as a guide for those inevitable tough moments. We circled back to it in the afternoon, sharing thoughts on what it really takes to create resilient, respectful workplaces. 💡 How do you approach those challenging relational moments at work? What strategies do you use to "fix it" when things go wrong? I'd love to hear your thoughts and approaches!

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An executive coach is someone who you can confidentially share your hopes, dreams, frustrations, challenges, fears, doubts, and struggles without feeling judged. Most clients find coaching reassuring and energizing. They are no longer alone and feel more secure knowing that most of their unhelpful thinking and actions are both normal and typical. They learn they can choose to make positive changes to grow both personally and professionally. There are a couple of ways we could work together to support your growth plan. Individual and group coaching: https://lnkd.in/ecGiNgne 10 X Coaching Intensive: https://lnkd.in/gxgm4BWX First-time Manager Success: https://lnkd.in/gMSwrkFm Which one will be most helpful for the new you? #professionaldevelopment. #businessowners #managers #management #business

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Susan Ní Chríodáin, David Lee and I are planning our next webinar and would like your help. This time, we are going to focus on bad behaviour at work: ❓ Why it happens? ❓ Why are we sometimes oblivious to our impact on others? ❓ What can we do about it? We'd love to share some of your stories about toxic behaviours that you have experienced so please either DM us or comment below if you would like to share. We will of course ensure stories are anonymous if you want them to be. As an example of the kind of stories that we want to unpick....in my very early career, I spent ages photocopying a huge report only to be told that the staples were the wrong angle in the corner of the document and that I would have to start again. And then, the person who I had done the work for threw all the pages on the floor and jumped up and down on them! Interestingly, when I created the image for this post, AI also included lots of paper being thrown about in the form of paper aeroplanes...I've never experienced that at work but I'm sure someone has. We are hoping that it will be both cathartic to share experiences and useful to figure out how to deal with these bad behaviours! Image by DALL-E Open Ai

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“Andy, Do you think coaching could help me?” asked an executive I was having a casual conversation with following my presentation. I replied, “It's hard to know for sure upfront. Coaching will only work if you are coachable and you have gotta want to be better and be willing to do the work to make changes that create your growth.” He assured me he met the criteria, and we decided to try working together. We’ll see if we can find his path to a place called Better. It is a milestone on the way to Best. Explore how you might include coaching in your professional development plan. https://lnkd.in/ecGiNgne #business

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Today - right now, at this very moment - we unquestioningly allow all employees to create new data.  The outcomes of this de facto process drive nearly all other decisions and strategies regarding technology and security. Is this still the best approach for companies? In my recent Substack post, I pick up the discussion from one of our recent podcasts, starting with the origins of this practice through its current impact on data sprawl and propose an alternative. As IT departments navigate daily breaches, widespread security concerns, and the unstoppable advancements of xAI, now seems like as good a time as any to challenge the conventional wisdom of universal data creation rights. Maybe, just maybe, there is a new approach to organizational data management and a more strategic balance between accessibility and control that should be considered. #DataManagement #OrganizationalEfficiency #FutureOfWork #calculusofIT

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We've all been there: your organization is going through change, rumours have started flying, and the helpful reassurance you try to offer backfires. I loved this article by Liz Fosslien in Harvard Business Review on "How Leaders Miscommunicate When Tensions Are High". She nails the common pitfalls--I've seen them all in my experience coaching leadership teams. Here are three of them to watch out for, along with some practical examples of how to improve communications in difficult times. 1. Lack of Clarity: Ambiguity in communication can lead to confusion and misalignment. Take time to ensure your messaging is clear and direct to maintain team focus. 👎 "We had to cancel some projects. Move on to other tasks." 👍 "Due to budget constraints, we are cancelling Project X. We will reallocate resources to Project Y, which has higher strategic importance. Team members affected by the cancellation will be reassigned with clear new objectives by the end of this week." 2. Over-reassurance: While it’s important to calm fears, over-reassurance can appear dismissive. Balance empathy with honesty to sustain trust. 👎 "There might be a change in leadership, but it shouldn’t affect you." 👍 "We are preparing for a leadership transition to bring fresh perspectives. The new leader will be introduced at our quarterly meeting, where they will share their vision and strategic plans. Your roles and responsibilities will remain unchanged during this period." 3. Ignoring Feedback: Shutting out team input during high-stress times can worsen the situation. Foster an environment where feedback is welcomed and valued. The tricky part: invite input that you will be able to implement and remember to acknowledge it. 👎 "We’re not sure what the future holds, but keep working hard." 👍 "While we finalize our future direction, our immediate focus is on sustaining our current projects and improving customer satisfaction. We are hosting a series of workshops to gather your input and will communicate the finalized strategy by the end of next month." Navigating high-tension situations is challenging, but with mindful communication, you can lead your team through it. What strategies have you found effective in high-stress moments? Link to the full article: https://lnkd.in/gaK7j_kg

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“The VCR Method” is a GAME CHANGER! - says a fellow coaching client that benefited from this framework ---- Alright friends, it's Monday, it's a new week, I'm inspired, excited, and on a mission! Here's a quick coaching method that will help your clients go from stagnant to UNSTOPPABLE (while helping you become a better coach!) It's designed as a framework to help you shape your coaching sessions in a way that helps you position yourself as a leader, while taking a firm stand for your clients' success, and showing up your exceptional coaching skills. ---- The 1st Step: STOP Call Out the Problem that’s keeping the client from taking the suggested steps to achieve their goal This helps the client safely communicate what they are resisting, afraid of, or doubting about themselves or the process you are guiding them through The 2nd Step: Pause Help the client detach from the outcome they want and reassess the plan you have co-created with them. With a revised plan, you can both commit to moving forward. Detachment separates the client from expectations and provides clarity for critical thinking & vulnerability The 3rd Step: Play With resistance addressed, a plan co-created, and the client detached from the outcome [while still committed to their goals,] you can both move forward powerfully. It’s important that you’re in close proximity to the client for the first 2-3 steps they take. This will help them generate the momentum to develop the confidence to achieve their goal without becoming co-dependent to your presence. The 4th Step: Fast Forward Double down on what’s working and help the client increase their capacity for action and achievement. While your client is achieving milestones, they’re generating the confidence to set bigger goals. Repeat steps 1-3 to ensure they remain balanced while they pick up speed and generate momentum. The 5th Step: Reverse While holding your client accountable to their goals, go back to the notes you’ve collected regarding their resistances and pain points. Stay sharp for the client. They’ll be leaving things in their Blindspots while they advance forward. Keep their past challenges close so you can help them continue working through practices that help them transcend what’s held them back in the past Want help building a better coaching practice? Take Your Pick! Quarterly Group Programs 1:1 Mentoring Free Weekly Group Calls Let me know how that framework works out for you!

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If you were to design your own bumper sticker, what would it say? 🤔 🤔 🤔 This was offered as one of the ways to introduce yourself at a Leadership Communications workshop led by my friend and colleague Richard Ellis ICD.D last week. And I freaking loved it! I knew right away what my bumper sticker would say. It’s been on my mind for a while now. 💪 Choose Courage Over Confidence 💪 So often leaders come to coaching wanting to develop more confidence. And sure, they do go away with it. But the thing about confidence is, it’s fickle. It’s unpredictable and undependable. You can be full of it, feeling quite good about yourself, and then walk into a room full of brilliant, highly accomplished people, a step or two ahead of you, and all confidence disappears. You can be asked to make a presentation and suddenly feel grossly inadequate. You can accept a promotion feeling chuffed and almost immediately wonder what the heck you were thinking and fearing you are not up for the job. Friend, confidence is all fine and dandy but what will serve you best is often not confidence at all. It’s courage. Courage to try. Courage to fail. Courage to be judged. Courage to take a risk. Courage to get shot down. Courage to speak up. Courage to disagree. Courage. Courage. Courage 💪 Choose Courage Over Confidence 💪 Ready to give it a try? Need a little support along the way? I've got ya. Reach out and we'll start building that courage right away. #leaders #leadership #executivecoaching #coaching

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🌞 As summer approaches, it's easy to get caught in the rush to clear our to-do lists. But what if we took the time to truly pause, reflect, and recharge? Some leaders I am working with ‘aren’t sure if they will take a holiday.’ ⛓️ 🖥️ 🙁 What value can pausing bring? 🧘‍♀️ Purposeful pauses integrated into our day-to-day routine are an effective way to tackle challenges and create space for reflection. @JaniceMarturano, writing for @Forbes, suggests they may even be the "key to becoming a mindful leader" (link in comments). A longer pause, to step away and gain perspective, is also helpful. I find that summer is a great time for me to step back, look at things from a rested and hopeful place, and really think about who I will be working with in the fall, what they need from me, and what they can offer each other. 🌟 It's a time to remember that I am more than just my role or my work. I have amazing family and dear friends that I love to engage with. 💖 It’s also a chance to set intentions for the coming year. Each year when I do this, I return refreshed and ready to go—open to the possibilities! 🚀 What do you do to reset or to pause? I’d love to hear your strategies! 🛶 We will be pausing our social media posts for the summer, so we can step back and rejuvenate. See you in September! 🍁

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It's been a while since I shared how I work with clients, so here's how you can work with me in the last quarter of 2024: 1. DiSC assessments & debrief session 2. Strategic planning facilitation 3. Professional excellence program 4. Emotional intelligence training 5. Meeting facilitation training 6. Meeting facilitation (Team charter sessions, offsite retreats, focus groups & advisory boards) All of our services are designed to be interactive and results-driven. If you're interested in learning more, let me know. If you just want to chat about how we can work together, we can do that too! Book a chat here: https://buff.ly/3ZH4iBR #DiSCassessments #personalitystyles #business

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This week on the Inner Leader Podcast, I share some radical assumptions and steps to help you thrive through conflict. One assumption is to release the victim archetype so that we can stand fully in our power. If you have a tough conversation coming up, give this one a listen for some tips to get you fully in YOUR power. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. I'm listening to The Inner Leader Podcast | So You Think You're a Good Driver? The Joys Of Conscious Conflict on Podbean, check it out! https://lnkd.in/g6ei3YVr #leadershippodcast #leadership #conflict #managingconflict

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Karen Vieth of InSync Training and Bradley Davis, BRMP of International Accreditors for Continuing Education & Training (IACET) get us beyond the basics. The virtual classroom isn't just about how to run fun activities anymore. It's about directing the conversation and making sure learning happens. Take a listen. #virtualclassroom #facilitation

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On this day 2 years ago, I piloted the ICF Level 1 - Certificate in Professional Coaching. We're now planning for our 6th cohort in September. Every cohort is unique and special, and they all learn so much more about themselves than they ever imagined. This is the secret sauce for me, it's life changing as you learn how to change the lives of others. #coacheducation #coach #training

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At Mattson Enterprise Inc. we understand the transformative power of a growth mindset. In the journey towards personal and professional development, the mindset one adopts plays a pivotal role in shaping outcomes. At the core of this mindset spectrum lie two distinct approaches: the growth mindset and the fixed mindset. Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: A growth mindset is characterized by the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Individuals with a growth mindset embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see effort as the path to mastery. They view failures as opportunities to learn and grow, and feedback as constructive guidance for improvement. On the other hand, a fixed mindset is rooted in the belief that abilities are innate and unchangeable. Individuals with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges, fear failure, and see effort as fruitless. They may interpret setbacks as evidence of their inherent limitations, leading to a reluctance to step outside their comfort zone or take risks. Importance of Cultivating a Growth Mindset: ✅ Embracing Challenges: A growth mindset fosters a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to be avoided. By confronting challenges head-on, individuals with a growth mindset develop resilience and adaptability, essential qualities for success in any endeavor. ✅ Persistence and Resilience: Cultivating a growth mindset instills a sense of perseverance in the face of adversity. Rather than being deterred by setbacks, individuals with a growth mindset view them as temporary obstacles on the path to success. This resilience enables them to bounce back stronger and more determined than before. ✅ Continuous Learning: In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to learn and adapt is paramount. A growth mindset fosters a love of learning and a curiosity to explore new ideas and opportunities. By embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, individuals with a growth mindset stay ahead of the curve and thrive in dynamic environments. ✅ Fostering Innovation: Innovation thrives in environments where experimentation is encouraged, and failure is seen as a stepping stone to success. A growth mindset promotes a culture of innovation by empowering individuals to take risks, explore new possibilities, and challenge the status quo. ✅ Unlocking Potential: Perhaps most importantly, cultivating a growth mindset unlocks untapped potential. By believing in the power of effort and perseverance, individuals with a growth mindset can achieve remarkable feats that may have seemed impossible with a fixed mindset. This belief in the limitless capacity for growth propels them towards greater heights of success and fulfillment.

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Client: [eureka moment] herh coach so all these while, I was shying away from holding myself accountable and responsible so I was sweeping important issues under the carpet. Yet I am quick and fume at others when I cannot hold them accountable. How sad I feel. I was not deeply feeling and thinking through my ideas and plans hence creating clusters of issues that later makes me feel overwhelmed. Then I turn around to blame people around me for not empathising with me enough or not supporting me enough. I have not treated myself [name] well. I am henceforth not going just shy away from my responsibilities and accountability. I will not just scratch the surface of issues but self check my feelings and observe my thoughts about why I am thinking they way I am thinking about the idea or issue. Commit to mean my words and say only what I mean, because I must put me first. Me: It is inspiring to observe the shifts ongoing for you and the emergence of your deeper you. Such an profound experience. When a client feels safe and trust in the process, you can contend with their limiting beliefs and double masking through thoughtful and provoking questions Are you next on the journey of rediscovery, discovery, and mastering your life? #coachscofray #transfornationalcoach #mbitmastercoach #mBITtrainer #executivecoach #performancecoach #leadershipcoach #personaldevelopmentcoach #corporatetraining #chapter9ing #thisismyquest visit www.coachscofray.com

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by constant challenges and struggling to keep your team motivated in the face of adversity? In this week's episode of Helping organisations thrive podcast, we tackle the critical issue of leadership resilience head-on. Join me as I welcome Marie-Hélène Pelletier, PhD, MBA to explore the strategic elements of building resilience as a leader. We'll strip it back to basics, defining resilience and strategic resilience, and uncover why a strategic plan is vital for success. Dr. Pelletier guides us through: Where to start when creating a strategic resilience plan. Impactful exercises and practices for building resilience. Key behaviors for successfully executing and maintaining your plan. By the end of this episode, you'll feel inspired and equipped to tackle resilience more strategically, transforming how you lead through challenges. Don't let unpredictability derail your leadership. Tune in and learn how to thrive, not just survive, in today's dynamic business environment. Link to the full episode in the comments below.

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I have a confession to make... After reading Kat's book Beyond Illusion, my favourite response to skeptical questions from my coaching clients is going to be, "Did you do your homework?" Let me explain why! Beyond Illusion addresses two primary audiences: skeptics and philosophers seeking the truth of life, and service providers in the fields of nonduality and spirituality, such as coaches, trainers, therapists, and authors. I personally identify with both groups. As a nondual author, I found this book thoroughly enjoyable. Katrijn tackles complex topics with a natural and beautiful clarity. Her way of writing already illuminates how one could approach life in a complete and unfettered way, cutting straight to the core of how things are. A comforting insight from the book is that the separate self is not portrayed as an enemy to be conquered. Katrijn acknowledges its apparent existence. The book enables you to see the confusion between the separate self and our true essence more clearly. For coaches and authors like myself, this book is incredibly useful. You can recommend it to skeptical clients without needing to create your own scientific explanations of nonduality, saving you time and potential frustration. Even if the illusion of separateness seems obvious to you, this book still offers refreshing perspectives and insightful quotes. It serves as a valuable reminder of nondual insights, allowing you to appreciate what may have become familiar. Refreshing these insights will help in guiding others on their path to self-discovery. If you're a nondual coach, don’t make your life more difficult. I recommend purchasing multiple copies to offer to your new clients, particularly the skeptical ones! This book enhances your approach and empowers you to fully embrace your distinctive style. After sharing a copy, you'll find yourself less often thrown back by your clients' doubts. Instead, you can playfully ask them, "Did you do your homework? ;-)"

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P.E.T. AKA, Parent Effectiveness Training, (the program by Dr. Thomas Gordon that introduced Active Listening, I-Messages to the world) was in the news recently...that is, it was in "Newsweek" Magazine: They interviewed GTI Master Facilitator, Meike Lemmens and our CEO, Linda Adams, and produced a very in-depth article - please share away! https://lnkd.in/gPvikAdU #newsweek #parenting #parenteffectivenesstraining #magazine #blog #parents #gordonmodel

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