All posts by Dorothy Nesbit

Coaching: where’s the evidence?

Developing as a leader

In the field in which I work – as a coach to leaders – the thirst for evidence (be it of the impact of leadership on business results or of the impact of coaching on leadership effectiveness) is ongoing.

As I think of this I smile. It has been my experience – both as a client of coaching and as a coach to a range of clients – that coaching is an approach whose worth is beyond measure. How many other approaches to leadership development can claim to change lives, even whilst helping people radically to improve their effectiveness in the workplace or indeed to make progress towards unfeasible goals? Not many, I think.

I do not wish to suggest that evidence – of the kind that can be written up in papers and widely shared – is not important. It is. It provides a sound basis for deciding (or not) to invest in coaching and other approaches to leadership development. The more we make decisions to invest on the basis of clear outcomes and having made a sound assessment of the likely effectiveness of the approach we choose, the greater the return on our investment. To do otherwise is to do a disservice to coaching as well as to the businesses for which we are responsible.

I was grateful when a colleague highlighted to me the International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring, which is accessible to anyone with an interest in coaching and mentoring at http://www.business.brookes.ac.uk/research/areas/coaching&mentoring/.

Should you find something of value in the Journal or should you know of any alternative sources of information about the effectiveness of coaching, please add a comment here.

Yearning for change in a time of recession

Developing as a leader,

I have been taking some moments today to absorb the comments that have reached me – via e-mail as well as here on my blog – in response to the interview I posted last week with Daniel Pink. What themes are emerging?

Almost without exception, your comments suggest a yearning for change. One reader suggested that it’s time for an approach which is about having ‘enough’ rather than always wanting more. A number of readers point to the opportunity to find ways of moving forward which honour the needs of the many rather than affording excess to the few. Your comments that it’s time to cut back this excess as well as Daniel’s invitation to go back to first principles raise a question for me: how can we meet our needs in ways which restore and preserve the exquisite balance of the planet?

No wonder then, that you view this time of change as a time of opportunity, even whilst wondering whether the opportunity will be taken. Perhaps this is why one reader, responding to the question “Many commentators view the current situation with gloom and despondency. How do you view it?” responded “With optimism, tinged with gloom and despondency”.

One question emerged from your postings which I did not expect to ask: who do we look to for leadership at this time? One correspondent sees the role of our political, corporate and other leaders as “To continue to bluff whilst the situation sorts itself out”. It seems that some of us look to those in leadership positions to take responsibility (even whilst lacking faith in the outcomes of such an approach) whilst others amongst you prefer to do what you can to live your life in integrity with the values you want your leaders to promote.

Reading your comments has evoked memories of Buckminster Fuller, twentieth century inventor and commentator. It’s interesting to me that he asserted, as early as the 1970s, that we were living for the first time in an age in which we have everything we need for all our needs to be met. His prediction was that it would take at least 30 years for us to recognise and act on this fact. It was also Buckminster Fuller who commented widely on the role of integrity. I leave the last word on leadership with him: “We are at the point where the integrity of the individual counts and not what the political leadership or the religious leadership says to do”.

In closing, I extend my warm thanks to Daniel for sharing his thoughts and to all those who have shared their comments by e-mail and on this blog. Please continue to share your thoughts – it seems this thread is one worth keeping alive.

Belshazzar’s Feast: a moment of truth

About Dorothy,

It’s Sunday, October 28th, and the day of our concert has come. More than 100 members of the London Symphony Chorus join the London Symphony Orchestra and baritone soloist Peter Coleman-Wright. We are getting ready to perform Sir William Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast under the baton of Sir Colin Davis at London’s Barbican Centre.

Belshazzar’s Feast is a staple of the chorus’ repertoire. We have also performed at this venue, with the LSO and with Sir Colin many times before. Even so, the atmosphere is one of anxiety as well as excited anticipation. Our first joint rehearsal, just two days earlier, was far from concert standard. And, because the piece includes entries for the chorus which – even with experience – remain challenging, we anxiously wonder if Sir Colin will clearly signal these moments. It doesn’t help that, during the first half of the concert, chorus members have been blown away by Mitsuko Uchida’s dazzling performance of Beethoven’s fourth Piano Concerto. How can we possibly live up to such a high standard?

As members of the orchestra tune their instruments, I take in my surroundings. The deep chestnut of violins, violas, cellos and double basses show warm and vibrant against the dark black of our concert dress. The latter transforms both chorus and orchestra – the men are suddenly more handsome and slim, the women more elegant. The colourful dress and jovial informality of rehearsal have given way to a disciplined and adrenaline-charged readiness to perform.

The audience applauds as the orchestra’s leader steps onto the concert platform. This is the sign that our performance is about to begin. She is quickly followed by Sir Colin, who takes in the orchestra and chorus with a sweep of the eyes before raising his baton. Audience members stop talking and a hush descends.

A brief statement by the trombones precedes the chorus’ first entry. This is a dramatic and unaccompanied declaration by the tenors and basses, who sing of the prediction by Isaiah: that the sons of Israel will be taken away from their homeland to become eunuchs in the palace of the kings of Babylon. It is a bold entry which sets up the story as well as introducing the chorus.

The men make their entry with both drama and precision. As I hear their confident beginning I notice a release of tension. My inner anxieties give way to a deep engagement with the music. I am ready to sing.

Interviewing Daniel Pink – leadership in a time of global recession

Developing as a leader,

Yesterday, I introduced Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. I’m grateful to Daniel for agreeing to share his thoughts on leadership at this time of global recession. And I’m curious – what are your thoughts in response to my questions below? And how do you respond to Daniel’s thoughts? if you feel inspired to respond please post your comments on this blog. Meantime, I send my heartfelt thanks to Daniel for sharing his thoughts across the pond.

Here are the questions I put to Daniel, together with his answers:

Dorothy: Many commentators view the current economic situation with gloom and despondency. How do you view it?

Daniel: Well, what’s happening now in the financial world is scary — especially here in the U.S. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. But just as we had “irrational exuberance” on the way up, we seem to be having “irrational panic” on the way down. Things are not quite as bad as they seem on the surface. Living standards around the world are increasing. We’ve got a mess to clean up, but we can’t let dire straits today mask the broad trend — which is toward greater prosperity, albeit not in a smooth line.

Dorothy: In the words of Ecclesiastes, “to everything there is a season”. What is it time for at this time of economic downturn?

Daniel: It’s probably a time to get back to first principles. It’s tough to get rich quick without cutting corners. Economies are about giving people goods, services, and experiences that make their lives better. Pretty simple, but easily forgotten.

Dorothy: And what do you see as the role of our political, corporate and other leaders at this time?

Daniel: Here in the States, it’s clear that political leaders will be more involved in the economy. We tend to relish the idea of small government, but the fact of the matter is that big government will make a comeback here. And our leaders — both political and corporate — will be navigating a new terrain.

In the Pink – Introducing Daniel Pink

Coaching, Developing as a leader, ,

I first heard of Daniel Pink after he spoke to coaches from across the world at a conference of the International Coach Federation about the research that underpins his book A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future.

Reading his book, I experienced his writing as a welcome window on a changing world. I was curious about his thesis that the age of “left brain” dominance is over and I enjoyed his introduction to six “right brain” capabilities that underpin professional success and personal satisfaction in the twenty-first century. His descriptions resonated with me given my work in the field of leadership, including my involvement over the years in research into what makes for an outstanding leader. And even whilst making links between Daniel’s ideas and my own experience of working with leaders, I found Daniel’s ideas stimulating, insightful and fresh. I made contact with Daniel and we have become occasional e-correspondents.

Guess what! Daniel is due to speak in London in December at the International Leadership Summit, Leaders in London. I asked him, “could I include a brief interview with him on my blog?” and he said yes. I’m excited about this and looking forward to posting this brief interview in the coming days.

Oh! And by the way, if you want to hear Daniel speak, you’ll find more information at http://www.leadersinlondon.com/

Talking about leadership

Developing as a leader

Sometimes, putting an experience from one area of one’s life alongside an interest in another area of one’s life can be thought-provoking and fruitful. This is how I experienced a conversation I had over the weekend with a cherished friend of mine who is also a senior leader in his company.

He was asking me about the Training Journal Daily Digest to which I have been a subscriber since 2002. I love the way the Digest pops into my intray every day and I find it a rich resource. Readers who post requests for help and ideas invariably receive a varied response from a generous readership. Many more readers whose names are never seen benefit from the dialogues to which they are a witness.

How would it be, we wondered, if there were an equivalent resource for leaders? This morning I woke up with a sense of excitement as I think of the rich possibilities this might offer. I also notice a curiosity – I have many questions rattling around in my head. They include:

  • To what extent are people who hold leadership positions interested in the art, craft and science of leadership?
  • Where do people who hold leadership positions look for ideas and opinions about leadership? In particular, what do they read?
  • What appeal might a Daily Digest for leaders hold? And what “rules of engagement” would best serve such a readership?

If you have thoughts about any of these questions, please share them. I’d love to see them here on the blog or in my in-tray at dorothy@learningforlifeconsulting.co.uk.

Feasting on William Walton’s Belshazzar

About Dorothy

In 1986, freshly graduated and moved to London, I auditioned to join the London Symphony Chorus. This was a way of continuing to enjoy making music, an activity that was so much a part of my life that I took it completely for granted even whilst knowing that life would be much the poorer without it. Fresh from my audition, I joined the choir to rehearse a piece called Belshazzar’s Feast by William Walton. It was a piece the choir had recently performed and we had just one rehearsal before we joined the conductor and orchestra for our joint rehearsals. It was a terrifying circus ride of a musical experience for the newcomer.

Twenty years further on and the London Symphony Chorus continues gladly to perform Walton’s oratorio despite early predictions of its immediate demise. Legend has it that the early addition of brass bands was suggested by the conductor Sir Thomas Beecham prior to its first performance at the Leeds Festival in October 1931. The bands were on hand for a performance of Berlioz’ Requiem, and Beecham said to the young William Walton: “As you’ll never hear the thing again, my boy, why not throw in a couple of brass bands?”

Frankly, Belshazzar’s Feast is a thoroughly good sing. Arranged for two choirs it offers a strong tonal quality (good tunes!) with vibrant synchopated rhythms. Even with its rich orchestration and baritone solo, the choir is centre stage throughout. The piece tells a story and to tell a story, you need singers. No wonder, then, that it has become a perrenial favourite of the concert hall.

Still the full depth and richness of the story is sometimes lost even in the midst of the music’s own drama and joyous rhythms. This is the story, told in the Old Testament book of Daniel, of the captivity of the Hebrews in Babylon under the reign of Belshazzar. Osbert Sitwell’s narrative, drawing on the Psalms and the book of Revelations as well as on the book of Daniel, tells of the weeping of the Hebrews by the rivers of Babylon even as they are required by their captors to sing of their homeland. Their horror when Belshazzar orders the use of sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem to serve wine at a feast is easily lost. The narrative also reminds us of the strange writing that appeared on the wall to announce to Belshazzar that he had been weighed in the balance and found wanting. When Belshazzar’s death follows, the Hebrews’ joyful celebration of their freedom is mixed with weeping at the fall of the great City of Babylon.

I think of all these things as we prepare to perform Belshazzar’s Feast under the exacting baton of Sir Colin Davis. I hope that you might be there – at the Barbican on 28th and again on 30th September. And whether or not you’re there, I shall be giving my all, to the story of the Hebrew slaves and to the fine music of Sir William Walton.

Coaching: the Rolls Royce of personal development experiences

Clients and testimonials, Coaching, , , ,

I have a reciprocal arrangement with a coaching colleague, whereby we interview a percentage of each other’s clients at the close of a coaching relationship. This supports the process of drawing coaching to a close and yields valuable feedback which helps us both to continue to learn and grow.

Recently, I completed my coaching with RN, a senior leader in his organisation with a European remit. I am grateful to him for allowing me to share his testimonial following our work together. He told my colleague:

“My goals for coaching have been 100% met. I have adopted a more conscious approach to work and career decisions and I am more aware of options. Coaching has enabled and accelerated my ability to identify my values, priorities and options in my work life. I am more energized and happier and so more productive – and this has spilled into my private life too. This is more than I expected when we started.

“In the initial opening session we discussed coaching and set the scene and it went well from there. Dorothy had a positive attitude and was a good listener. She was always challenging and asked me questions that opened up new perspectives for me. I found coaching action-orientated – it was not relaxing at all and at the same time it’s a very selfish thing, wonderful to have someone there to talk to where it is all about you. I liked the length of our sessions: they gave time to get to the bottom of things but not be tired. The frequency was adapted to my priorities. Also, when I sent e-mails in between sessions I always got a quick happy, and positive response from Dorothy.

“What would I say to anyone who was thinking of investing in coaching? It is the Rolls-Royce of personal development experiences. I would recommend it absolutely”.

As I review R’s comments I celebrate our work together – including so many details about our coaching partnership and about R’s commitment to coaching which I am in no position to share.

And I also extend an invitation to you: if R’s testimonial describes an experience you would like to have, or if you know someone who may be interested to work with me, please contact me directly via dorothy@learningforlifeconsulting.co.uk.

Emotional Freedom Technique: trying out a new approach

Alternative approaches, Coaching, Your personal and professional well-being, , ,

A good coach, in my view, is also a committed learner. After all, whether your clients are senior executives, Olympic sportsmen and women, or any other man or woman who (like you and me) is trying to find their way in life, who wants to work with a coach who lacks the wisdom that comes from engaging in their own learning?

When my friend Alex invited me to a session of Emotional Freedom Technique, something he has recently invested in learning and is now beginning to practice with clients, I am aware of all the experiences that have prepared me to try out this new technique. I am also comfortable to try something that is as yet unknown to me.

This proves to be just as well, not least because we hold our session in the open air outside the Royal Festival Hall. I am comfortable that passers by may see – watch even – a process which involves tapping on my hands, face and body, like acupuncture without the needles. I am also comfortable that, should the process stimulate emotions in me (which it does), passers by may see – watch? – as I sit with them.

On the surface, the issue I choose to work with is not close to the emotional bone. In the summer of 2007 I started to experience some physical discomfort in my left knee which has not completely disappeared. Still, as the session progresses I start to make some connections. A penny drops as I realise this started less than twelve months after my father died. Is there a connection? I also realise that, whether or not there is some causal link, I have made a link in my mind, fearing that this is the beginning of a journey towards a debilitating old age. No wonder I am impatient and anxious when I think of my knee.

As the session progresses Alex asks me what’s coming up for me so that I am able to share the thoughts, the emotions and the physical sensations I experience as we go. Throughout the session he is ready to go with the flow, adapting to whatever comes up along the way. At the end of the session I am experiencing no changes in the physical sensations in my knee, though I am open to the possibility that change may occur and I have made some connections along the way.

Over the weekend, as I go about my usual activies (walking to Blackheath and back to collect my dry cleaning, digging in the garden, etc.) I notice the sensations in my knee. There are moments when the pain shifts to another part of the body altogether. There are moments when my knee is quite comfortable. Above all, my relationship with the discomfort I experience is changing. I know that the changes I am currently making to my diet are likely, over time, to create the optimum environment for good health in the second half of my life, I know that my father’s experience in old age need not be mine, I know that – whether the pain goes or stays – I can handle whatever comes my way.

With grateful thanks to the readers of UKHRD

All articles,

Six years ago, with bated breath, I left my job with the Hay Group to set up my own business. The deep personal and professional journey on which I was about to embark was as yet unknown to me. The richness of joy and experience that lay ahead were beyond my imagining at that time. I felt fear, excitement. Mostly, I felt fear.

My colleague from way back when, Norman, let me know of a community of professionals with an interest in questions of learning and development, who meet virtually through a daily digest of postings and responses. Back then it was called UKHRD. Since then it has become the TJ (Training Journal) Online Discussion Forum. From the beginning, I found a community of people willing to support each other. From the beginning, I discovered my own joy in participating in the forum. I loved to share and I loved the variety of feedbacks that came my way.

Last Christmas I was blown away to receive a card from Carrie, one of the readers of the Digest, who let me know just how much she enjoyed my postings. Suddenly I became aware of my own joy in writing in a new way. What a paradox! So obvious was it to me that I enjoy writing that it was sitting outside my conscious awareness. I started to ask myself, what do I want to do with this gift that I enjoy so much?

Later, it seemed natural to engage members of the Forum in this question. I spoke with Angie, another member of the Forum, about her own experiences of blogging. Our conversation was more than enough to inspire me to begin this blog even whilst being as yet uncertain about the purposes it would serve and unaware of what it might lead to.

Suddenly, this evening, as I plan a posting which has yet to be written, I think of my colleagues on the Forum with a deep sense of gratitude. From those who have read my postings in silence to those who have given feedback, from those who have welcome my postings to those who have found them harsh or unfair, from those who have sought out my professional support as a result of what they read to those who have offered support in a wide variety of areas. And this evening, I especially think of those whose actions inspired me to begin this as-yet-still-young weblog.