I'm a massive fan of the BBC's Masterchef and in particular I like observing how different people handle the stress and levels of challenge - and how they grow through the series. I heartily recommend watching Episode 11 from last night and especially the second half where they are working under the leadership of Chef Patron Marcus Wareing of the Petrus Restaurant.

Marcus gives a good demonstration of a Coaching style of leadership, not telling them what to do and helping them unnecessarily. He keeps them right at the limits of their challenge zone where they will grow the most. The Brookside actor Mark Moraghan gives a great example of an Amygdala Hijack where the neurochemicals being produced by the limbic system due to stress 'hijack' the higher brain functions. He storms out of the restaurant leaving five Michelin star chefs without their lunch!

Again, when he comes back Marcus shows a great coaching style and reframes the event for Mark, helping him to overcome the challenge, thus increasing his comfort zone. Some people may think Marcus is being unhelpful to begin with but I think we can all learn from his patient coaching approach - it takes immense levels of self awareness and self control to do this and long term has the greatest pay off.

Being Interested - the quickest path to Empathy and Rapport

"Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives"
William James (1842 - 1910)

I had just walked out of the lift when a client grabbed me..."Gregor, can you help me? I've got to get a result here or my boss is going to put me on a performance plan!"

I had 10 minutes before my next meeting and once we had found a quiet corner I asked him to explain. Read More...

This week’s coaching tip started with a quote from William James: "Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives"

It seems that William James may have been referencing a somewhat older text. I realised this when J.K. Rowling quoted Plutarch in her Harvard speech “What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality”. However, James does explicitly reference attitude “changing the inner attitudes of their minds”

Particularly when coaching around more fractious or difficult relationships I may ask, “What attitude are you choosing to have when you talk with this person?”

Often, though not always, this is met with confusion...... Read More...