In which I talk more AMAT, a potential new assignment and performance reviews in a matrix structure
Category: My own stories
Coaching vlog #27
Fresh off the press this time!!
Reorg, pneumonia, and what value I can add as a coach.
Coaching vlog #26
Another late posting – this is 3 weeks old with another one to post today!
Talking about being out of your comfort zone
Back when we first entered lockdown I came across an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone – by talking about stepping out of my comfort zone!
Julia Steel had a brave idea to set up a series of free online webinars (called Vid19) and hold several a day for 19 days. And she asked for volunteers.
I decided to offer… but I gave Julia an out!
My message was “Hi Julia, I love the idea of your virtual conference! I have an idea for a session on stepping out of your comfort zone, but wanted to check if you are happy to have someone with very little speaking experience before I submitted the form – I will not be at all offended if you are seeking more polished presenters!”
And Julia responded with “By all means throw it in, love the irony of you doing it is you stepping outside of your comfort zone”.
I filled out the form, at this stage quite terrified, but also knowing I had a soft landing. I started worrying about things like what if nobody signed up for my session!
About a week later I was presenting.
I did not prep as much as I felt I should, but I had a few slides (so people were not looking just at me) and a blog full of stories to share. So I just went for it!
Most of the feedback was about my soothing voice (does anyone know how I get into mindfulness voiceovers?). But people also seemed to enjoy the stories I had to tell.
Julia was extremely supportive. And the way it was run I actually have no idea to this day how big or small the audience was! From recall about half a dozen answered in the chat box when I asked questions.
I am pleased with how it went, acknowledging there is lots of room for improvement! And I’m willing to give it another go at some stage. I will take that as a win.
Coaching vlog #25
Coaching Vlog #24
Coaching Vlog #23
When there is no comfort zone to step out of…
How do I write a blog about stepping out of your comfort zone, when nobody is comfortable right now (or at least nobody I know)?
There are many posts about how to get through this unprecedented time. Wonderful advice. Opportunities to learn, listen, read or see things from your home that you normally had to go to in person, and often pay for.
You can watch orchestras or people signing from their homes.
You can do courses online or attend webinars on a plethora of topics.
You can watch penguins explore or snow leopard cubs play via zoo webcams.
But sometimes it is overwhelming. The uncertainty, the changes, the fear.
And that is ok too.
Sometimes what you need is to cry, or call a friend, or pet a dog. And then when you feel strong again you can once again take advantage of all that is being offered.
What you need right now is the right thing to do.
Coaching vlog #22
In today’s coaching vlog I talk about having a job still, my new assignment and the lesson I learned about how all the practices connect.
SUP!
Photo by Krzysztof Kowalik on Unsplash
You may have realised by now I rarely say no to trying something new. But a friend who I visit twice a year has asked a few times about me trying Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) with her and while I have never said no, I never jumped at the chance either. I am not sure why, but I felt like I would be really bad at it. This last visit was different. I said yes!
Firstly, I kayaked while my friend SUP’d. And got a great workout while having loads of fun! Then on day 2 we arranged for me to borrow a SUP, a nice big, stable one and off we went.
I was given the option of kneeling but chose to try and stand, with her holding the board. I wobbled. I knelt. I squatted. I did something vaguely resembling a downward dog. And repeated that cycle a few times. Eventually I stood!
And started paddling carefully.
We were in a creek, with only a light breeze. I headed off, slowly and carefully. With occasional tips about my arm position and technique. I must confess that despite being told more than once that the paddle was my friend to help stabilise me it never felt that way!
Then my feet got sore. I was gripping the board with them. My friend suggested I move them a little. And suddenly I was back on my knees! I am not sure what process my brain went through, but apparently even the thought of moving my feet panicked me! But I didn’t fall off 😊
We paddled across to the far bank, with me staying on my knees. Then cut back across to get out of the breeze. The day was mildly warm, the view was amazing, and my friend was so stable she had a drink on the front of her board! It was delightful.
At the turn around point I decided I wanted to try standing again. Without my friend to stabilise my board. There was a replay of the kneel, squat, downward dog, kneel cycle a few times before I finally managed to get myself upright again. I was so proud!!
I stood for about half the trip, kneeling when the breeze picked up.
I loved SUP. But I think I will try kayaking again, I felt a lot more stable sitting down!!