tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46765004269298863032024-03-13T01:57:39.242-07:00Personal Development of an EFL TeacherAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-55707247020469360882012-06-29T03:57:00.001-07:002012-06-29T03:57:52.927-07:00Affordable Coaching for Freelance EFL Teachers<!--[if !mso]>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Professional &
Personal Coaching for </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">English Language
Teaching Professionals.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: eltpics, @aClilToClimb</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Many teachers
work intensively and with focus on their learners. The job requires a great
deal of self-motivation and dedication to maintaining inspiration and
motivation in the classroom. Then they have to actually teach something useful,
interesting and relevant to their sometimes less-than-willing students.
Teaching might well be the most “noble profession”; how many teachers feel
convinced of the truth of this? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">"In a completely
rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would
have to settle for something less."<br />
</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Lee Iacocca</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I believe a
person has within them infinite capacity to achieve extraordinary things.
Sometimes, we lose sight of what’s possible, what’s available to us, who is
around to support and work with us. It’s the human condition. As a coach, my
role is to provide a space where you can take time out to look at what’s going
on with you and your environment. As a teacher, I empathise with many issues
which can arise in the profession. I will listen with respect and patience, in
absolute confidence, while you think through the issue currently blocking your
way forward. Through a process of timely and incisive questioning, you will
gradually unblock the way and uncover the answer you were looking for, and
discover it was within you all along! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb3c6O9U20Q/T-2Hrj016gI/AAAAAAAAAJI/chfngG1Ivbc/s1600/window_eltpics_acliltoclimb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb3c6O9U20Q/T-2Hrj016gI/AAAAAAAAAJI/chfngG1Ivbc/s1600/window_eltpics_acliltoclimb.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: eltpics, a ClilToClimb</td></tr>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“The teacher who is
indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads
you to the threshold of your mind.” <br />
</span></i><em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Khalil
Gibran</span></b></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Investing in
ourselves can sometimes feel like a guilty waste of time and money. I truly
believe that I am giving my students a valuable additional service when I have
spent time on learning more and developing myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing the teaching profession as I do, I completely
understand the conflict of personal development with paying the bills and doing
as good a job as possible in too-short days! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: eltpics, @ALiCe_M</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“People want amazing
results with limited resources. They say they haven’t got time. We show them
ways you can use coaching to free up time.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shaun Lincoln</b>,
director of coaching and action learning at the Centre for Excellence in
Leadership (CEL)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> With this in
mind, if you are a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">freelance EFL teacher</b>,
I am prepared to work with you on a “pay-what-you-can” basis. In the open
market, coaches offer their services for €100 – €300 per hour. That hour goes
beyond the face-to-face interaction; the coach prepares appropriate material,
considers which tools would be of most benefit and follows-up after sessions to
check if their client needs additional support. It’s an important relationship
which a coach nurtures and cherishes for as long as the client has agreed to
work on something. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceatEd7hPXQ/T-2H6bYBWyI/AAAAAAAAAJY/Y9Sp4Hi611U/s1600/bottles_eltpics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ceatEd7hPXQ/T-2H6bYBWyI/AAAAAAAAAJY/Y9Sp4Hi611U/s1600/bottles_eltpics.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: eltpics, @sandymillin</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span> </span>“Coaching links entirely with increasing
capacity and raising attainment. It increases self-knowledge and helps direct
communication and the ability to challenge in a non-confrontational way with
clarity and purpose.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lesley Mackenzie</b>, head of Westfield
Primary School in Radstock, Bath</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You can reach
me via e-mail: </span><a href="mailto:michelle@keeptraining.de"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">michelle@keeptraining.de</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> or by mobile: 0174 97 22 5555. The
first “chemistry” meeting is always a complimentary consulting session. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Special thanks to <a href="http://englishforteaching.blogspot.de/p/eslpics.html" target="_blank">eltpics</a> for making such great photos available for free and to all the photographers who contribute. Good effort folks. Thank you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-42311379736737035482012-06-18T13:07:00.000-07:002012-06-18T13:12:23.647-07:00Coaching for ELF Teachers - BESIG / TESOL France Symposium June 2012What a weekend it was in Paris! Of all the teachers' conferences I've been to the last few years, it's up there at the top of my "had a great time" list.<br />
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The half hour talk I did went much better than I expected. Despite not getting across <i>every</i>thing I wanted to in exactly the way I would have wished. Perfection is such an elusive goal. Luckily I'm not someone who needs to reach it very often. I was in a positive frame of mind, the music perked me up and the audience, spread around the lecture room were receptive and friendly. Above all, Roy very generously agreed to be my guest coachee!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttW3phhm3QQ/T9-A9GtHDnI/AAAAAAAAAHk/UrIK7YfY87o/s1600/Michelle+coaching+Roy,+Paris+16.6.2012+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttW3phhm3QQ/T9-A9GtHDnI/AAAAAAAAAHk/UrIK7YfY87o/s320/Michelle+coaching+Roy,+Paris+16.6.2012+%282%29.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to share this shot - simply silly expressions!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K_JTVj6lwPo/T9-LSEEZ9LI/AAAAAAAAAIc/n0Z8RCIDji8/s1600/M&R,+Paris+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K_JTVj6lwPo/T9-LSEEZ9LI/AAAAAAAAAIc/n0Z8RCIDji8/s320/M&R,+Paris+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is more like it - a real coaching session...</td></tr>
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And another thank you to Tom for being an excellent scribe. Quiet, unobtrusive yet observant and careful in his capturing of what Roy said. Thanks so much gentlemen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feriWEFXEKY/T9-BRZlrV3I/AAAAAAAAAHs/yf9yoQLub08/s1600/Michelle,+Roy+and+Tom,+Paris+16.6.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feriWEFXEKY/T9-BRZlrV3I/AAAAAAAAAHs/yf9yoQLub08/s320/Michelle,+Roy+and+Tom,+Paris+16.6.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking what Tom has written on the flip. Which option to focus on.</td></tr>
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This post is essentially a follow-up to that and the request for my slides and book list. <br />
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So. Here's the list of books I've read since beginning my Post Grad coaching course:<br />
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<b>Man's Search for Meaning</b>, Viktor E. Frankl (very moving and highly inspiring. An extraordinary story)<br />
<b>Time to Think</b>, Nancy Kline ("Ease creates; urgency destroys" lady!)<br />
<b>More Time to Think</b>, Nancy Kline<br />
<b>Coaching for Performance</b>, Sir John Whitmore (The GROW model guy)<br />
<b>The Psychology of Executive Coaching</b>, Bruce Peltier (heavy going; haven't finished it yet)<br />
<b>The Power of Now</b>, Eckhart Tolle (v.spiritual and absolutely worth reading if you rush around a lot)<br />
<b>Egan's Skilled Helper Model</b>..., Val Wosket (just read part of those - want to finish it soon.)<br />
<b>Further Techniques for Coaching & Mentoring</b>, David Megginson (not read all)<br />
<b>The Chimp Paradox</b>, Dr. Steve Peters (an absolute must!)<br />
<b>Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking</b>, Malcom Gladwell (thoroughly readable and highly fascinating)<br />
<b>Outliers: The Story of Success</b>, Malcolm Gladwell (in the middle of it now. Brilliant!)<br />
<b>The Element: How Finding your Passion Changes Everything</b>, Lou Aronica and Ken Robinson (excellent and utterly inspiring)<br />
<b>Personal and Leadership Development: The Foundations for Continuous Growth</b>, Sean Reddaway<br />
<b>Procrastination: Why You Do It, What To Do About It Now</b>, Jane B. Burka and Lenora M. Yuen - (a pair of professional procrastinators - they really know what they're talking about!!)<br />
<b>The Tools: 5 Life-Changing Techniques to Unlock Your Potential</b>, Phil Michaels, Barry Stutz, (have read only the sample from Kindle. Will download when I've finished the 3 other books I've got on the go at the moment!)<br />
<b>The Magic of Metaphor: 77 Stories for Teachers, Trainers & Thinkers</b>, Nick Owen. (The book from which I read The Grammarian story in my talk).<br />
<b>Emotional Intelligence</b>, Daniel Goleman (a classic!)<br />
<b>The Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships</b>, Eric Berne, MD (another classic; if you can stick with his writing style and some outdated (in my opinion) attitudes, it's a really fascinating, insightful read).<br />
<b>Introducing NLP: Pyschological Skills for Understanding and Influencing People</b>, Joseph O'Connor & John Seymour (I'd already read their <b>NLP for Trainers</b> a number of years ago - deeply helpful for me professionally. The authors write in a very accessible way)<br />
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And the three other books I shared with you on Saturday:<br />
<b>Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway</b>, Susan Jeffers - If you're someone who worries a lot - or just from time-to-time - read this even if you don't read any of the others.<br />
<b>The Prosperity Plan: 10 Steps to Beating The Odds and Creating Extraordinary Wealth (and Happiness)</b>, Laura B. Fortgang (her Little Book of Meaning is a lovely read too!)<br />
And of course our very own Duncan Foord: <b>The Developing Teacher.</b><br />
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OMG. That's quite a long list. I'm surprised I've had time to do any work the past 10 months! Luckily I'm an avid reader.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODjFJqvzebw/T9-J0LVxMvI/AAAAAAAAAIU/1St4v7Ry-0I/s1600/DSC_0182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODjFJqvzebw/T9-J0LVxMvI/AAAAAAAAAIU/1St4v7Ry-0I/s400/DSC_0182.jpg" width="265" /></a>Anyway, there you go.<br />
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Can't upload the slides from the talk on Saturday here so have put them on the ELTAS group page on Facebook. Am contemplating sharing the video I made of Roy's coaching session - not sure about that one though.<br />
Maybe we'll make do with the photos above.<br />
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In closing, here's the text from my last slide: Whitmore's coaching "prayer"!<br />
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<b>„Where there is confusion, coaching can bring clarity.</b></div>
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<b>Where there is fear, coaching can build trust.</b></div>
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<b>Where there is concern, coaching can bring hope.</b></div>
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<b>Where there is isolation, coaching can bring connection.</b></div>
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<b>Where there is competition, coaching can bring
cooperation.“ </b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-74612140205239568712012-04-01T09:14:00.003-07:002012-04-01T10:21:04.401-07:00InspirationalSitting in departures of Glasgow airport waiting for my gate notification, the running digital ad board alongside the info board, was showing a promo:<br />
“Scotland is inspirational in many ways.” “How has Scotland inspired you?”<br />
Being in Scotland this week has inspired me greatly. Not because I was in Scotland but because I was at the IATEFL conference in Glasgow. The fact that it was my first experience of IATEFL and it was in Glasgow will be inextricably linked for me. What a friendly city. As clichéd as that may sound, I found it to be absolutely true. And what a friendly, approachable, welcoming lot the IATEFL crew are. On Sunday when I was unsure about where to go for the pre-conference associates’ dinner, my Twitter plea for information was answered by the President no less! <br />
Now, despite my post-conference fatigue, I can say I’ve felt inspired this whole week in Glasgow. My first ever IATEFL Annual Conference. I’d never made the effort before thinking the distance, inconvenience, time and energy needed to get me there and through the whole experience just weren’t worth it. As a small, freelance teacher of mostly in-company BE courses, what could IATEFL offer me? There would be mostly “proper” teachers; people who became teachers by design rather than by accident and who subsequently take ELT very seriously.<br />
Those people are definitely there – in their thousands. What I discovered is that I fit right in! I met up with people I know and struck up conference friendships with new people – colleagues with whom I intend to stay in touch. <br />
Instead of feeling like an imposter or a semi-fraud, I felt right at home! Indeed I found the whole experience extremely inspiring, stimulating, (re-)motivational and lots of fun. There are many different types of teachers at IATEFL, and I mean more than those from the different SIGs and therefore teaching with a different focus (business English, ELT for young learners,teaching full-time in schools – public or private). There are traditional English school teachers, the pragmatic “this is my business”, entrepreneur-minded and the real actual academics. I peeked into the world of ELT in academia where people study the process of teaching, the effects on learners of different types of teaching, the whole educational psychology aspect. It’s fascinating! There are so many big, “technical” words for language, language teaching, language learning – a never ending source of material for academic discourse. A whole other world from that which I inhabit on a daily basis. And utterly fascinating.<br />
As well as conversing quite comfortably with the IATFEL President, I fell in with a number of renowned and highly respected ELT authors, with movers and shakers of the wider community, I chatted with representatives from the publishers, owners of international language schools. In other industries I could imagine the “famous” people being less approachable. At IATEFL, it’s much more a “we’re one big family” environment. Ultimately, everyone is a teacher and with that commonality at the core, building relationships and making connections is as natural as drinking gallons of coffee between the many talks and workshops during the conference!<br />
Being an international conference, meeting teachers from around the world was also very exciting – I talked with teachers from Cameroon, Ghana, Serbia, Poland, Turkey, Wales (!). Talking with some of them reminded me of how privileged we are in Germany in terms of infrastructure (unlimited access to internet) and good pay. And all the many different accents floating around the SECC!! People talking sometimes in their native language but often using English to chat between nationalities. A brilliant example of ELF in action! Personally, I found it quite strange – in a good way – to know that no matter who I wanted to speak to, I was guaranteed they would understand me and be able to confidently chat back. A refreshing change for an English woman living in a foreign country <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yCnaAi4gA88/T3h-SSBMG8I/AAAAAAAAAHc/IBLWAEwojME/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
So what I am ultimately saying. Being at IATEFL Glasgow was exhausting, at times frankly overwhelming. Ultimately, though, I found it highly professionally organised, varied, informative, fun and utterly inspiring. If you were also there, how would you respond to a banner ad flashing up next to the departures screen:<br />
<span lang="DE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
“IATEFL is inspirational in many ways. How has IATEFL inspired you?” <br />
Michelle.<br />
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PS: Here are some pictures from the week. Thanks to Mike Hogan for sharing on Flickr: <a href="http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyJ2D5y">http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyJ2D5y</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-3786265588331226462012-02-01T01:31:00.001-08:002012-02-01T01:31:04.284-08:00Holding My Horses<p>I’m all a flutter. Thoughts are continually whizzing around my mind; ideas popping like firecrackers on new year’s eve. A slow churning of subtle excitement and anticipation – a few nerves too – accompanies me during the day. And keeps me awake at night (well, one night so far, if I’m honest!)</p> <p>What’s going on, you may well ask…</p> <p>Nothing earth-shattering nor particularly monumental. I volunteered to be part of my local teachers’ association. The difference this time (I’ve been on the committee team before) is that my role is to chair the group. My experience of those who have gone before gives me a great sense of responsibility. It is a role which requires management and leadership; commitment to doing the best for the association members. It requires creativity and forward-thinking; clear and transparent communication between committee team members and the wider membership. </p> <p>I’m also discovering, fortunately in the early stages, it also requires patience and an understanding of the nature of the people who make up the membership. It requires me to “hold my horses”!</p> <p>As a person who thrives on new ideas, looking for different ways of doing things, being creative and getting things done, I have to avoid riding roughshod over others. Thank goodness the chair is but one person among a group of bright, intelligent, knowledgeable people. People who hold a gentle restraining hand on me, while supporting other ideas with enthusiasm and willingness. </p> <p>Personally, it is disconcerting and frustrating for me when I hear cautious voices. Those who question my ideas and present an alternative perspective. On one level, I understand the importance and validity of those voices; doesn’t stop me from feeling annoyed, irritated and frustrated, though!</p> <p>Feeling a certain way about something is OK – I firmly believe. It’s how we deal with those feelings that is important. As I want this experience to be a personal developmental one, I set myself the challenge of behaving like an “adult” (those who familiar with transactional analysis will know what I mean!). </p> <p>So, I will continue to indulge my penchant for idea storming. Then I will listen to those around me and accept that not all of my ideas will be possible to implement. I will value the judgment and wisdom of my team and work on mutually agreeable solutions. I will hold my horses back for a certain amount of time.</p> <p>Do I sound like a Chairperson yet? I’m really looking forward to doing positive, useful and interesting things with – and for – ELTAS. I will keep an eye on my passion while not allowing it to be dampened too much. </p> <p>There now, there’s that churning excitement in the pit of my stomach. Potential, I love it. The start of something new and improved. Let’s see what the team and I achieve together.</p> <p>I’ll keep you posted!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-30896667798335877772011-12-12T01:25:00.001-08:002011-12-12T22:28:47.173-08:00From Trainer to Coach?<blockquote></blockquote> <p>It was something I felt unsure about. As a trainer, a significant part of my job involves informing, advising, actively guiding participants along a path I have pre-designed. As a teacher, there’s often an expectation to simple “tell”. </p> <p>Coaches are trained to – well, <strong>not</strong> do any of that!</p> <p>Nevertheless, being around so many coaches and reading so much about it as a “theoretical subject”, I wanted to find out more about coaching firsthand. And boy, did I!</p> <p>I tell you, when you look in the market at who to learn with, there are <strong>so</strong> many coaching companies out there, all offering top notch programmes. In the end, I went for a UK-based coaching company – it’s a subject I needed to learn in my native language. Then, having had a couple of unrelated, separate recommendations for the same provider, I though it must be “a sign”! Plus, I was able to negotiate a good deal because the owner is a fellow Springboard trainer!! I signed up for the university accredited <a href="http://www.barefootcoaching.co.uk/postgraduate-certificate-business-and-personal-coaching">Business & Professional post graduate certificate with Barefootcoaching</a>.<br /></p> <p>What a good decision it turned out to be. I found myself in a group of 9 other wonderful individuals. We worked and learnt together for a total of 12 days over a 3-month period. Each module we were treated to a renowned, published speaker with years of experience as coaches – <a href="http://www.barefootcoaching.co.uk/team/john-perry" target="_blank">John Perry, stress coach</a>; sports psychologist and <a href="http://www.barefootcoaching.co.uk/team/damian-hughes" target="_blank">‘Liquid Thinker’, Damian Hughes</a>; and <a href="http://www.barefootcoaching.co.uk/team/tom-preston" target="_blank">top executive coach, Tom Preston</a>. Barefoot also invites US <a href="http://www.timetothink.com/uk/" target="_blank">Thinking Environment founder, Nancy Klein</a> each year. I was unable to attend that session but I find myself utterly convinced of her ideas (see my previous blog post!).<br /></p> <p>Coaching, as I have understood it, is all about listening. Training involves listening too, then with a degree of input or advice being expected. With coaching, the fundamental belief is that the client has the answer – whether they are consciously aware of it or not. Working as a coach, according to the Barefoot philosophy, I found myself feeling liberated. My natural habit has been to (half) listen to someone while trying to come up with a brilliant, clever solution for them. As is so often the case, we think a person with a problem is looking for an answer from us. What happens when they go away with our solution to their problem? Usually not much! For best solutions, we need to come up with our own – we know the ‘problem’ from our own perspective and we have the answer which will best fit us. The coach’s job is to facilitate the thinking process so that we uncover that best answer.</p> <p>With Barefootcoaching, I have been exposed to a multitude of differing methods and approaches to coaching. For me, this was ideal. I am not a specific NLP- or systemic- or CBT-coach. I work with a mixture of methods and tools according to what I feel best suits my client’s needs. I feel myself to be unique; my coaching style is the ‘Michelle Hunter’ style of coaching. No doubt, as my experience grows, my style will develop, become more informed and richer. The more people I work with, the more I am learning. I’m already noticing how my new-found coaching skills are impacting my training courses and ELT classes. I may have initially been unsure about the value of embarking on a coaching course, now I feel it has been <strong>in</strong>valuable. I now have skills which add to my own personal growth, boost my current trainer skills, and which provide me another avenue of business. </p> <p>So, friends! Spread the word – I am an English-speaking coach in the middle of Europe. Ideal for all you English-speakers living and working in Europe who could benefit from someone who will truly listen to you with the goal of moving you forward – professionally and/or personally (it's all about 'mobility'). It’s early days but watch out for news on more keeptraining coaching offerings in 2012. I’ll certainly keep you posted!</p> <p>For now, have a wonderful, peaceful festive season. </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-10226459658817697082011-10-12T00:11:00.001-07:002011-10-12T00:54:30.747-07:00When was the last time you felt truly listened too?<p>I’ve recently discovered something amazingly powerful and simply – well, simple.</p> <p>Listening. </p> <p>Being at ease, interested and totally focused on the person talking, I can give the gift of true listening. The results can be extremely powerful. How do I know this? I’ve begun to experience it on the coaching course I’ve just started. It’s early days and my fellow students and I are slowly getting to grips with it ourselves – along with dozens of other fascinating coaching tools. </p> <blockquote> <p><em>“Ease creates. Urgency destroys.”</em> Nancy Kline</p></blockquote> <p>The source of this philosophy is an American lady called Nancy Kline. Over a period of 15 years, she developed the “Thinking Environment”. Her book, “Time to Think” gives a full and detailed account of how she and her colleagues have worked through ideas based on listening to help individuals and organisations move forward. It’s a set book on our course and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who’s job or daily life revolves around communicating with others. </p> <blockquote> <p><em>“A Thinking Environment is not just a theory and set of skills. It is a way of being in the world.”</em> Shirley Edwards of Xerox</p></blockquote> <p>I’m nearly at the end of the book, at the part where she describes how doctors advised that her alternative course of action to deal with her cancer would kill her within a month. That was nearly 40 years ago. One major aspect of her experience was how the medical profession didn’t listen to her, treated her as something to be fixed without taking her – the person – into (much) consideration. A common trap for those of us whose mission it is to help.</p> <blockquote> <p><em>“We think that to help is only to talk, to ask, to suggest.”</em> NK</p></blockquote> <p>We believe, in our rushed, busy lives, that by delivering a quick answer or solution we’re saving time. But are we?</p> <blockquote> <p><em>“To take time to listen thoroughly is to </em>increase<em> the total time available to you. Interrupting takes twice as long.”</em> NK</p></blockquote> <p>Learning about thinking carefully and listening thoroughly, I started to see how this philosophy could be applied to teaching. Teacher Talking Time regularly pops up as an issue for discussion. I know I’m fond of talking about my favourite subjects. I like to show my students how wise, knowledgeable and well-educated I am by telling them all the ways they can improve their English skills. When given half the chance, they do actually come up with their own ideas for improvement. More experienced learners can often fix their own mistakes when given space to think in their own time. </p> <blockquote> <p><em>“If you really believe that someone can think well for themselves, you do not feel the need to think for them… The quality of your listening will ignite their thinking.”</em> Course notes, Barefoot Coaching.</p></blockquote> <p>Being aware of the power and value of listening, I’m going to test it out in my teaching sessions and see what impact my new skills have on my students. Away from professional life, I’m applying this new found knowledge at home too. And you know what? It’s actually a huge relief to not feel the need to come up with the solution all the time. Listening – truly, genuinely and actively listening is definitely a skill to be learned. The reward is more energy. Wracking your brains for the answer, trying to come up with the next pithy question before the other person has finished, or jumping in to complete the other person’s sentence – that can be exhausting. Sit back with ease, relax, keep your ears and eyes – and heart – open, and you’ll be amazed at how the other person blossoms before your eyes!</p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p align="left"></p></blockquote> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-40388369648089301382011-05-27T00:20:00.001-07:002011-05-27T01:26:55.240-07:00Teaching CLIL in an International environmentAfter listening with great interest to the discussions about <strong>Content Language Integrated Learning</strong> at the <a href="http://www.dhbw-vs.de/?id=1480">Professional Development conference </a>last Saturday, I had my own first experience of CLIL teaching this week. I was asked, at very short notice, to step in and give a 2 1/2 day presentations skills seminar at a local university. Sure, no problem! I said. I currently run an in-company "Presenting in English" workshop. Adapting the material for this assignment should be no problem.<br /><br />What I discovered was that my Presenting in English material was, pretty much, directly useable for straight presenting skills. Good to know that my English learners are benefitting from a strong emphasis on this essential skill. For me personally, the refreshing aspect was being able to focus solely on the presenting skills. Taking the emphasis off language issues was great!<br /><br />Naturally, when the job is to focus more on the language than the specific presentation skills, I give my all to do that. What I discovered in the CLIL situation was how refreshing it was to pull back and monitor the overall effect the presenter had on the audience. The English teacher in me did hear the minor linguistic errors, occasional mis-pronunciations etc., but I could let them go and concentrate on the most interesting aspects: body language, voice power, presenter interaction, visual aids useage, power point impact and overall effect on the audience.<br /><br />The students found it considerably more difficult using English to do something a number of them already felt confident doing. We agreed up front that our focus was not on their English skills - nor would they be marked down for any language-related mistakes. This took a certain amount of pressure off them! They also acknowledged the benefit of making the extra effort to work in English; most expected to have to present in English in the near future in order to get internship places or jobs.<br /><br />It turned out to be a very positive few days for both myself and the students. They said they had enjoyed the hands-on practise and personal feedback on their presenting styles. I experienced first hand how CLIL works and the advantages having a teaching English background can have when working in an international environment such as a European business school. Most especially, I enjoyed doing what I do with a different emphasis - it felt a little like a holiday, to not focus solely on English! Integrating content and language seems like a logical and sensible step forward to me. I will certainly be doing more of it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-27805779967221833232011-04-14T22:46:00.001-07:002011-04-14T22:46:31.876-07:00Ever learning<p>Had another opportunity to learn from a student this week. It was meeting 6 of a block of 10 focusing on job interviewing in English. D. is a bright, motivated young HR professional looking for a new job. She approached me to help get her fit for upcoming job interviews which might be in English. Her being in HR herself makes it doubly interesting; we’re able to look at the process from both sides.</p> <p>Her English is already pretty good but as is so often the case, she’s advanced enough to be aware of the gaps. The situation also gives me the chance to talk with her in depth about HR stuff which interests me personally. She can follow and understand me perfectly; expressing her own opinions in clear, fluent English is the problem. And here the crux. We were practising arguing a point in an interview situation – target language: linking words such as however, although, nevertheless, for example, in this instance etc. </p> <p>I set the scene and chose the topic for discussion: interviewing HR manager believes women between 25 and 35 shouldn’t be employed because they’ll all go off and get pregnant (!) D. laughed heartily. Apparently she works with a man who actually holds similar beliefs. She did an excellent job of patiently explaining to misogynistic HR manager (me) why one can’t exclude anyone from the hiring process and that much research proves the value of women to organistions. There wasn’t much use of the target language but she did a good job. </p> <p>Feedback time. She explained how she can – and does – argue such points with ease and intelligence in German. In English she struggles to find the words and ends up going off in all directions until she can get back to her point. Nothing surprising there. So, to <strong><em>help</em></strong>, I gave her an example of how I would argue the point in English. </p> <p>Now, this is one of my favourite, hotly argued topics; off I went, with ease and fluency making my point. Ta da! Aren’t I brilliant!? </p> <p>My lovely student, D. looked at me with fire in her eyes and explained how, when she hears me speak, it’s so obvious that is what one can say. My use of English is elegant and fluent – she understood every word – but recreating such language herself is beyond her.</p> <p>And that’s when it hit me. I took advantage of the situation to “show off” and in the process, highlighted my student’s weakness. I was enjoying being able to sound off (about something close to my own heart) without considering the impact on D. We had our target language and a focus for the role play, I should have kept to that and helped her use the language she has in a confident way. Instead, I was virtually lecturing her on how to deal with narrow-minded, sexist managers. Something she is perfectly capable of doing herself – in her own language.</p> <p>This was a wake-up call and I’m very grateful to D. for holding a metaphorical mirror up before me. She reminded me that my job is to concentrate on her language skills, not discuss my favourite topics as if we’re two best friends out socially together. On the one hand, it’s ideal to have common themes to talk about in 1-2-1 coaching. On the other hand, we’re there for a specific reason and as “The Teacher”, I mustn’t loose focus. </p> <p>A lesson re-learned. Thanks D. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-8223730194178538452011-04-09T00:29:00.001-07:002011-04-09T00:29:28.250-07:00One poor lesson does not a poor teacher make<p>After Thursday’s shenanigans with my kids, I went on to have 2 lessons – 2 mediocre lessons. Fortunately, the first was just an hour, one-to-one. We spontaneously took ourselves off to a café and sat outside in the sun. My student felt it was the best English lesson she’d ever had. I suspect her feeling had much more to do with the sunshine than the actual lesson.</p> <p>The second, much longer with 14 young students, wasn’t so successful. Despite half an hour outside in the sun. We started off well – the opening of the lesson which I had planned. Things started to deteriorate when I had “a bright idea” which I hadn’t planned or thought through. Often, my bright ideas actually work out which is why I continue to give into such urges. However, this one really didn’t work and my students began to loose interest. A room full of young people on a sunny day who’ve already been in a classroom since 8am and know they’ve still got a number of hours till home time, is not a good place to be if you’re slightly off your game. </p> <p>Now I’m writing this from a distance, things look less dire. As I would say to any colleague, we all have bad days. It was a shame that this was the last meeting of the semester. I shan’t see the group again until December. Time to get it right by then.</p> <p>The other factor which has left me feeling less than satisfied with the situation is “grading”. This group is one of the few where I have to grade the participants’ oral performance. A tricky task at any time, especially when I feel so many of them have a brilliant command of the language (better than many native-speakers back in parts of the UK). Someone is often disappointed and questions the grade – questions me. Why did I give them that grade? I don’t know about you dear reader, but I would never have dreamt of questioning my tutor as to the grade I was given. Firstly, s/he knew what they doing (presumably), had given the mark due thought and consideration. Secondly, I would be too busy getting on with something else by then! </p> <p>Perhaps I’m too far removed from the stress of getting a degree today. Life moves on and other things take precedence. To be fretting over a couple of grade points seems such a mis-use of precious energy. But then, someone else might point out that worrying about one less-than-brilliant lesson is an equally poor use of energy. We’re all in different places at different times. I guess as long as we can look back and review a situation objectively and <strong>learn from it</strong>, then it was worth it. That’s what development’s all about, right?!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-52655239170151178092011-04-07T23:04:00.001-07:002011-04-07T23:04:21.259-07:00Room for Improvement<p>Today started with a bit of a battle. Or at least a bout of miscommunication which could have escalated into a battle. Once again, I saw how my under-developed communication skills can let me down. Poor familial inter-communication, it’s an ongoing issue for we 4 Hunters. </p> <p>As a trainer, clarity and transparency are essential to help participants get the most from a training course. If they are constantly having to ask each other “what did she mean?” Or they feel confused and lost, the group soon becomes uncertain and dissolves into a dissatisfied well of “why are we here?” The training objectives can’t be met, post-course evaluation is negative and the client never books again. </p> <p>This I know. This I strive to avoid. Indeed, I feel I’m good at communicating with my participants, on the whole. If a misunderstanding should arise, or someone is unclear about any instruction, they know they can ask me to explain again. And again if necessary. Without clear, two-way communication, there is little sense in running a training course.</p> <p>Why, then, is it so difficult to apply the same knowledge, skills etc. in my own family? To make sure that each person has understood what has been discussed and either agreed to or not agreed to? It’s a basic rule when working with groups, get acknowledgement and tacit agreement from each and every individual in the group. This avoids problems and dissension down the line. Today is a point in case. Teenage daughter had arranged to go with friend to shopping mall. The return journey was arranged. The getting there, however, was the sticking point. Daddy had to be at work for a meeting by 9. Mummy didn’t have to anywhere till 11.30. Teenage daughter subsequently fixed in her mind that mummy would run her and friend to shopping mall at 9.30am so they could maximise their shopping time until the return bus departed. Mummy, on the other hand, was still working out a plan whereby she wouldn’t have to drive back and forth, wasting time and petrol. </p> <p>The shopping day dawned; mummy got up extra early in order to prepare that day’s classes and meetings. In her mind, leaving around about 10 would be OK. Then she’d only have an hour or so to kill until her first lesson.</p> <p>At 9.35 came the shout up the stairs – “Are we going now?” “No! I’m not ready” (Indeed, I was in the bathroom, drying my hair without any make-up on). I won’t bore you with teenage daughter’s response to the situation. Needless to say, she was most upset at her plans not running according to her schedule.</p> <p>OK. We got out the door at 9.57am. Sullen silence in car. Then little teenage son pipes up – “Bank!” Oh yes, he needed to withdraw funds for shopping (he was magnanimously invited along on this trip!) I pulled into bank – to find I couldn’t park anywhere due to the extensive road works. Eventually managed to stop fairly near to be told that daddy had said teenage son could have cash from the family coffers, rather than use his own hard-earned pocket money for clothing (deemed an essential, parental-funded item.) Fair enough. I was simply unaware of this agreement and had no clue as to how much the head of the household wanted to fork over. I had to make an executive decision and take out what I thought would be approved by daddy. </p> <p>So, cash handed over, I attempted to exit the dead-end road so as to get on with journey to shopping mall. Oh no, not so hastily. A huge skip truck was by now, blocking my exit. Another 5 minutes wasted. Teenage daughter muttering and huffing. Little teenage son feeling bad about money confusion. Friend utterly silent in back with iPod firmly plugged into his ears. Me. Well. Breathing deeply and calmly. There’s nothing be done other than wait. And consider. Here’s another fine mess you’ve gotten yourself into.</p> <p>The kids were eventually dropped at the mall at 10.33am. I drove off towards my appointment with an an inconvenient 40 minutes to spare. So. What did I do. Came and sat in a café and wrote this blog post. </p> <p>What have I learned? I really need to apply some of my trainer skills at home. I shall approach the subject this evening and point out what happens when instructions are not clear and agreement is not checked and clarified. That is, of course, if we’re all in the house at the same time. Teenage daughter has invited friends over to BBQ and little teenage son has football training. Head of household will probably stay safely tucked away in the office till late again. I guess it’s little wonder that none of us communicates effectively…</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-68540434138979571842011-04-05T05:36:00.001-07:002011-04-05T05:36:02.471-07:00Something good for my community and me<p>Self-development is on my mind at the moment – it’s in my thoughts most days. Today it’s particularly occupying me. I got up extra early this morning (something I avoid most times) in order to participate in a special activity at my kids’ school. As one of 6 parents who have donated many hours over the last year or so, I’m happy and proud to being doing something positive and constructive in the community. The project is called “f.ü.r.” – which stands for Friends Practise Respect (and consideration for others). Our aim is to raise awareness among school kids about different types of violence (hitting, bullying, wounding with words, damaging our surroundings, excluding people). We focus on how to stop, reduce and avoid violence in school. </p> <p>I can’t take credit for altruistically volunteering to do good. My motivation was initially to do something interesting from which I would personally benefit. I saw an opportunity to apply and widen my trainer skills whilst also practising and improving my German. Violence is something I find abhorrent, even more so when it’s practised on children by children. So part of me was also drawn to wanting to contribute to doing something about it. </p> <p>Today was the 6th time we’d facilitated the process in a classroom. Once again, we were surprised by how different our experience was. The very first time, we were all nervous, pre-occupied with remembering our lines, getting all the parts in the right order, managing our props. I have to admit that my part was much less than the others – I’ve learned only 2 lines off by heart because of my lack of German fluency – and that I was less nervous. Also less engaged, if I’m honest. </p> <p>Since that first performance, we’ve come a long way. Last week was probably the best “show” so far. We all found our flow; I finally clicked with my role (I often need extra time to internalise material designed by someone else) and we went for our habitual post-performance coffee full of energy and positivity. We – 4 women, 2 men – have gelled into a close-knit “f.ü.r.-team”. And I’m proud of having overcome my “Presenting in German” inhibitions; indeed, I can provide a special twist to our message, as a foreigner who could have suffered exclusion, I’m fully accepted in my team and seemingly from all the children in each classroom. Truly a wonderful feeling. Which confirms my ongoing self-development. I have tangible evidence of how far I’ve come since a newly arrived English woman in a country where I couldn’t string a sentence together 15 years ago.</p> <p>Another thing I’ve learned is that it’s possible to be active in my community alongside a busy work and home schedule. There are evenings when we have a meeting scheduled when I really wish I hadn’t joined up. Then we’re altogether and I’m glad to know these people. We have achieved no mean feat – it does me good to see an idea become reality. Now we’re ready to move to the next level of our project and present violence prevention to older classes. Bring it on! How fab that I can benefit while helping groups of children develop their own sense of right and wrong. It’s a win-win situation which costs me a little less sleep occasionally and a few evenings away from the TV. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-44260898738869104672011-03-27T03:13:00.001-07:002011-03-27T10:01:57.326-07:00Networking with other EFL Teaching Professionals<p>I was happy to volunteer to attend the inter-ELTA meeting, representing the Stuttgart association (ELTAS), on Saturday. In Hamburg, a city I hadn’t visited before. So, despite the 11 hour round trip by train, I was very excited at the prospect of getting a whiff of sea air. </p> <p>In fact, the train journey up north proved very fruitful – I managed to concentrate for the most part, on a number of outstanding jobs (lesson planning, report writing etc). Completely undisturbed. It was very satisfying. A good lesson for future reference: get myself tied down somewhere with no option for escape and simply knuckle down. Hum. If only it were always so simple….</p> <p>Anyway, I’d planned on exploring a little on Friday evening once I’d checked into the hotel. That plan went by-the-by: it was just too cold and wet and dark. A hot meal and early night seemed a much better option. Especially after all my hard work on the train. This proved to be a good decision. The next day was bright and sunny. Up and breakfasted in good time, I used the opportunity to walk down to the nearest bit of water. As luck would have it, the stranger I asked for directions turned out to be a sea-faring local (are there any other kind of local in Hamburg?) who accompanied me down to the outlook where he explained about the container ships we could see in the harbour. All very interesting. I was touched by his willingness (indeed, eagerness) to talk with me. An excellent start to the day. And the smell of the sea….. ahhhhh. How I miss that. It really lifted my spirits.</p> <p>Arriving at the meeting place, I was greeted by one of my online Xing contacts, Emma! How cool is it to meet a virtual contact in the flesh. (See current blog post in <a href="http://blog.keeptraining.de/2011/03/27/a-fabulous-frau-who-totally-rocks/" target="_blank">Fabulous Frauen</a>). Then I was greeted by 2 familiar faces from the BESIG conference in Bielefeld – John and Wolfgang. We three sat together and enjoyed some typical British-humour interactions <img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_6L-Jqz1jF7c/TY8N1QzO2BI/AAAAAAAAADY/n5nOKuY4CcE/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /> It’s always nice to have some light-hearted moments during serious meetings.</p> <p>The meeting itself was primarily about sharing info on how the different associations manage their businesses. A very interesting insight into what other teachers do. A side-effect was the networking among we participants, always an invaluable activity, indeed an essential part of any business. We were able to conclude the day with an agreement to set up a common platform for each association to post on their current activities and to share info useful to the inter-ELTA group as a whole. How exciting is that to be part of something in its infancy. I, for one, am very much looking forward to seeing how the inter-ELTA wiki develops. </p> <p>In the meantime, I have to figure when and how to get back to visit Hamburg properly!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-47775414935037552452011-03-15T01:04:00.001-07:002011-03-15T01:04:47.637-07:00Have I become a network junkie?<p>Usually, I’m somebody who likes to keep my friends to a minimum. My sister has hundreds of friends around the world. It all seemed like such an effort to keep in touch, arrange get togethers, remember birthdays and attend special occasions. I’m a classic introvert; I get my energy from stillness, quiet times and reflection. Having lots of people around me, lots of people relying on me – well, it’s just not my thing.</p> <p>So I thought.</p> <p>Now I’m hooked on social media & networking. I’m connecting with complete strangers around the world. And I’m loving it (a totally incorrect grammatical structure but widely recognised from a certain ad campaign).</p> <p>This morning, for example, I started a conversation – via FB messages – with a guy I “met” in twitter who lives in Australia, on the Gold Coast (how lovely must that be!?) He looks like a nice chap, from his picture. His message was well written and friendly, so I responded – communicating with him as if he was an acquaintance of many years! Bizaare! </p> <p>Often, when I meet someone in the traditional, face-to-face way, I’m more cautious, I hold myself back and tend not to share too much information. I like to get the measure of a person before I commit myself to getting to know them. </p> <p>Since concentrating on networking for my business, I’ve turned into more of an extrovert. I actually enjoy getting out and about and meeting people – and then going home and checking out how I can carry on the conversation online. </p> <p>Being home and carrying on a conversation online…. This is the ideal for me. Connecting from the comfort of my office, dining table, sofa. It’s on my terms, in my environment without the pfaff of putting on any make up or deciding if my outfit is appropriate. I can dispense with all that stuff and focus on communicating. And communicating in a thoughtful, delete-that-sentence-if-I-don’t-like-it way. </p> <p>The people I “meet” online seem really cool – interesting, informed, intelligent, motivated people. Just like me! Maybe that’s why I feel I can connect so quickly and easily, I’m finding like-minded people. Presumably they’re doing what I’m doing, networking from home, work, where ever, so there’s instantly a natural affinity. </p> <p>Or maybe it’s a case of the rose-tinted glasses making it seem that way. I used to be known as Shelley, the one who only sees the good in people. She’s so naïve and dreamy. Over the years, I’ve developed more of a cynical, “worldly” view and tried to be more like other grown ups. But I guess my natural tendency towards positive outlooks still rules. I can’t help it. I genuinely like people (even if I don’t need to be around lots of people all the time), I truly believe they’re good. Which quite clearly isn’t always the case. However, by connecting through a computer screen, I can enjoy “new friends” from a distance. I can exchange ideas and thoughts with them as and when I choose. I can walk away when I need to – although “unfollowing” someone in twitter would be hard. That would indicate that I find them no longer useful or interesting – a very hurtful thing. And I’m learning such a lot. Ultimately, that’s what life’s about, surely? Learning, discovering, developing and equally learning about, discovering new people and developing new connections.</p> <p>It’s a wonder. I’m very happy to have met all the people I have over the last 18 months and look forward to all the new connections I shall make in the coming months. </p> <p>Now I really must get on with some proper work – bye for now!</p> <p>Michelle</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-13227807075685994102011-03-08T00:17:00.001-08:002011-03-08T00:17:52.161-08:00Busy Days are Best<p>I’ve discovered my stress levels increase when I have a home office day… On days when I’ve been on the go all day, running from appointment to appointment, having a whole day to myself seemed like just what I needed. Since the start of this year, I’ve had more days in the office than not. This is not as good as I thought!</p> <p>There definitely needs to be an element to my development plan for unstructured days. When I’m booked for various classes, I have a plan for the day. Left to my own devices, well – no plan! This has to change.</p> <p>Fortunately, I met a very interesting man recently. Brian Mayne developed what he calls <a href="http://www.liftinternational.com/" target="_blank">Goal Mapping</a>.</p> <p>I have the book, am registered for the <a href="http://www.goalmappingonline.com/" target="_blank">online version</a> and have networked with Brian’s German colleague, <a href="http://www.goalmapping.de/" target="_blank">Timo Pommer</a>. I’ve still to map out one of my (many) goals. Which one to start with? </p> <p>OK. So my first goal is to draw up a goal. Just after I’ve finished blogging and checking out my social media interests and reading the news and….</p> <p>Ahhhhh. Here lies the problem. Put the laptop away and focus.</p> <p>Right. I’m off. Will report back when I’ve mapped out a goal.</p> <p>For now, happy <a href="http://blog.keeptraining.de/2011/03/08/international-womens-day100-years/" target="_blank">International Women’s Day</a> to you.</p> <p>Michelle</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4676500426929886303.post-21215399402614668392011-03-07T03:33:00.001-08:002011-03-07T03:46:07.492-08:00Am I a teacher or a trainer?<p>Last week, I had my first ever coaching session. As instructed, I came with my topic for discussion. However, within a few minutes, we’d touched on another of “my issues”, namely:</p><p> What am I? What do I do?</p> <p>At this point in time, I consider myself to be in a transition phase so answering this question was not clear cut. What I did confirm was my reluctance to label myself “teacher”. That’s what my mother was – very successfully. Am I just a follow-on from my mother? Have I not managed to forge my own unique path in life?</p> <p>Delving into the psychology of my mother-daughter issues is not my aim here. Exploring my development as a teacher of English as a foreign language is. The process started a while ago – informally. The thing with development is that it’s important to track and record. So, this blog will be my forum for doing that; doing it “publicly” is a bit of an experiment to see whether my issues are common to others too. I suspect they may well be.</p> <p>Anyway, back to the coaching. My coach and I did get onto the main topic eventually. We agreed to leave the teacher-trainer issue for another time (or for a different kind of professional!). The development of my business was what I wanted to explore. How to move from weekly 90 minute classes to only offering workshops over 2 to 3 days. Although this move seems to be happening of its own accord, I want to proactively manage it and capture the potential I see here.</p> <p>For now let me leave you with this thought from a guy called John Dewey:</p> <p>“The self is not something ready made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.”</p><p>Try to take time for yourself and your own development - in fact, keep developing, never stop!</p><p>Yours,</p><p>Michelle</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02307360311615917108noreply@blogger.com0