By Linda Wooston (BC2004)

Last year I participated in a Meyler Campbell fishbowl where I was coached by Nancy Kline in front of 50+ of the Meyler Campbell network. I only said yes as I knew it was something that terrified me, though I did know I would be in good hands with Nancy. I wondered afterwards what the session looked like to the observers, when at one level so little happened then at another so much happened. It was a real turning point for me.  I decided to go for a big topic that was on my mind but had no idea where I was going to go with it. Right until the last moment I was debating in my head whether I should go for something safer like my role as Master of Ceremonies at my niece’s forthcoming wedding . I’m glad I took the bigger question of my role in bringing about world peace and what more I could do. I know – it was big ask for a 50 min coaching demonstration……… Through Nancy’s incredible attention and seemingly simple questions I had many insights and went on to put many of the thoughts I had that evening into practice. The context to “world peace” is that a couple of years ago I heard Jeremy Gilley speak, the founder of Peace One Day, I cried as I listened to him as I sat at a table full of strangers. I was so moved that I wrote to him. As a result I have been coaching him ever since. (He is happy for it to be known that we work together).

You can see him telling his story in a TED talk that went on line this http://www.ted.com/talks/jeremy_gilley_one_day_of_peace.html

One of a number of things that came out of the fishbowl for me was the connection to the Olympics. Peace One Day is  going to be an integral part of the cultural Olympiad, and on Peace Day this year (September 21st) Jeremy will be announcing the goal of a global ceasefire and a 70% reduction in violence on September 21st 2012. It’s a big goal. Brazil will carry forward the message of peace in to the 2016 Olympics. I hadn’t realised as I thought /  talked about it that the watching audience could see the BT Tower circling over my head out of the window with the countdown to the Olympics in bright lights. What struck me in the fishbowl was that activities would take place on Peace Day all over the world, from humanitarian activity, to football games, dance, music and so on. What about in the shadow of the Olympic stadium? Where post code gangs meant that many were living in fear, young people wouldn’t cross a postcode boundary for a job for fear of violence.   So as a result of the spur of the fishbowl, I arranged a cup of tea with Jeremy,  the Head of Youth and Children’s work at Community Links and the Community Links co- Founder. Community Links is an outstanding organisation in Newham, in the heart of the Olympic area . Some weeks later Jeremy and I found ourselves in a community centre with a group of young people and youth workers. It was fascinating, inspiring and sometimes tense. A boy called Vincent, I think about 11 yrs old, looked at Jeremy and said “it ain’t going to happen”. Jeremy told the story of Afghanistan where there has been a ceasefire on September 21st for 3 years in a row resulting in 4 million children being vaccinated safely by aid workers.  If the Taleban would agree to a ceasefire for a day surely we could do something in Newham. Vincent was resolute. It was dangerous out there, nothing would change it, people wouldn’t change. After further dialogue with Jeremy, Vincent said well…maybe we could give it a go. A few weeks later Community Links screened Jeremy’s documentary for all the children and youth workers and now every youth and children’s group across Community Links is involved in Peace One Day activities and are launching a year of peace. The young people who we met at the Community Centre are all being invited as guests to the Peace One Day concert at the O2 arena to thank them for being prepared to give peace a go.

Last week Community Links organised a ‘Peace One Day’ football tournament bringing young people from different areas together (photo). This week there were riots and the world has witnessed terrible sights in England. I’m in South Africa at the moment and everyone is talking about what’s happening in England. My hope is that the riots will strengthen the desire of the young people in Newham to bring about peace in their communities and will not be seen as young Vincent’s prediction coming true. Time will tell. In the meantime I’m glad I said yes when I was asked whether I would consider being a fish in a Nancy Kline fishbowl.

By Linda Woolston (BC2004)

Phew! This is a marathon for your mind and two days to go. 850 people from 70 countries in this great city. It’s relentless and amazing. Every 15 minutes or so a new speaker, from the moving, to the bizarre to the thought provoking. We’ve had philosophers, neuroscientists, architects, artists, activists. Here’s a taster….the fight to save Tasmanian Devils from a contagious cancer that is threatening them with extinction; one woman’s progress in eliminating torture in prisons throughout the world; an artist telling a story using sand; an economist highlighting the more unequal a society the “more” you get of everything from crime to disease; an artist concerned with the release of toxins from our bodies when we are buried or cremated so is creating a mushroom that will organically consume a body in an environmentally acceptable way; an incredible way of generating clean energy without any costs of generation-remarkable. And so much more. I’d thought before I came that I would select my top 5 talks, I’d still like to but it’s not going to be easy.

One of the things that has been unexpected that I’ve loved is the music. I hadn’t appreciated that the talks would be interspersed with music and it’s been a real highlight for me. Danielle De Niese singing opera (and yes I did tell her that I’d bought one of her CDs after I’d seen her in an opera a couple of years ago…….). There was an amazing Hungarian pianist (Balazs Havasi) who sat at the grand piano playing this sublime music when a drummer was wheeled on to the stage on a platform and they played the most high energy pulsating rock interspersed with gentle piano. It was also great to see Eddi Reader perform, bringing back Fairground Attraction memories, she looks like she lives and loves every note.

And then there’s the parties every night…..in great locations like Edinbugh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland.

This is a serious challenge even for an extrovert!

Finally (for now) there’s the goodies in the gift back, from gadgets to books. Yesterday Jawbone announced a new product “UP” and everyone at TED is to be given one, it’s a wristband and “app” designed to support you in healthy living. It monitors your sleep patterns, gives you advice on what to eat for breakfast given the quality of your sleep (it even wakes you up at an optimum time), guides you through healthy eating during the day and monitors how many steps you take in a day, and more-I don’t think it makes the coffee!

Two days and 30 sessions to go, including Thandie Newton, Malcolm Gladwell and Alain de Botton. The closing session of the conference is Jeremy Gilley, my client, founder of Peace One Day-I’m hoping that this will be a great platform for him to tell his story and make the call for a Global Truce on 21 September 2012.

By Linda Woolston

As my Blackberry and I were grabbing the last few moments of contact with the outside world before the plane took off from Cape Town, I came across an article on the BBC website, “What would Carl Jung make of 2011?” An intriguing title of a piece written by Mark Vernon (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13645959). It’s 50 years since Jung died, and I think he may well have been surprised about how widely, for example, his work is used through MBTI.

Something I was pleased to read in the article as I head towards a “big” Birthday was the Jung quote “The afternoon of life must have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage of life’s morning. ” The author goes on to say “For a culture with an ageing population like ours, Jung offers a vision of the glories of growing old, seeing it as a path to wisdom rather than a decline into senility. We shouldn’t despair over our mid-life crises, he thought, but seize them as the chance to find new vision and purpose.”

Purpose and meaning were too oft repeated phrases at the Coaching Psychology conference and the role of the coach in supporting clients to gain clarity around their particular purpose, their values and what brings meaning to their work / lives.

Here is an extract from the article again referencing the search for meaning:

Key theories and concepts

• The idea that personality types can be introverted or extroverted
• The theory of psychological types – which forms the basis of Myers-Briggs
• The belief that dreams reveal more than they conceal – pioneer in the field of dream analysis
• The existence of a collective unconscious
• The theory that certain archetypal images and stories repeat themselves across the collective history of mankind

Jung would spot the high levels of mental illness in modern society as well, marked by the boom in prescribed anti-depressants and other drugs in the years after his death. He would see that even politicians and economists are becoming concerned that while a nation’s material wealth can grow inexorably, it does not appear to deliver true happiness or fulfilment.

There are many factors that contribute to these trends. Jung was gripped by those that are psychological and reasoned that such concerns – real or imagined – arise in large part when we become disconnected from our spiritual side.

He argued that while modern science has yielded unsurpassed knowledge about the human species, it has led, paradoxically, to a narrower, machine-like conception of what it means to be a human individual.

This presumably explains why complementary therapies are flourishing in the 21st Century. They try to address the whole person, not just the illness or disease. Or it suggests why ecological lifestyles are appealing, because they try to reconnect us with the intrinsic value of the natural world.

In short, the life of the psyche is crucial. Jung believed it is fed not just by psychology, but better by the great spiritual traditions of our culture, with their subtle stories, sustaining rituals and inspiring dreams. The agnostic West has become detached from these resources.

It is as if people are suffering from “a loss of soul”. Too often, the world does not seem to be for us, but against us.

Towards the end of his life, Jung reflected that many – perhaps most – of the people who came to see him were not, fundamentally, mentally ill. They were, rather, searching for meaning.

It is a hard task. “There is no birth of consciousness without pain,” he wrote. But it is vital. Without it, human beings lose their way.”

I often think about the “ripple” effect of our work. We never truly know the impact of an “ah ha” moment with a client and how many others are impacted by those insights. I believe it goes way beyond the client and the ripple effect is felt by colleagues, family, even the man or woman in the street. I suspect Carl Jung couldn’t have imagined the number of corporate offices all over the world where people have been given feedback on their MBTI where the revelation, for example,  that some people are “P’s” and some people are “J’s” suddenly makes everything make sense.

By Linda Woolston

It’s time to sign off from my time as “blogger” from South Africa.  The conference was held in great spirit, warmth and coaching “kinship”.  Lots of learning and new friendships made.

This is a very special country, I’ve spent the last few days in Cape Town, a beautiful city with really friendly special people.  There’s something about the place that gets to your soul.

I will be going to the TED Global conference in Edinburgh in July-maybe a few words from there in due course.  One of my clients is going to be speaking which makes it extra special.

Time now for a walk by the sea…..

By Linda Woolston

Dr Linda Page (N America) gave a very interesting talk on lessons from neuroscience and of all the valuable information imparted, what do I remember? That the brain uses 20% of our calories. Immediately I have a plan to give up running and simply think more. Though I suppose a better plan would be to run and think at the same time.

Linda echoed some of the themes that had emerged elsewhere in the conference about the changes in the second half of the century, from a mechanistic to a systemic world view, and a shift from individualism to community. Coaching is a product of this shift focusing on emotions, meaning, values and goals. She said that people without emotions cannot make decisions, and again the theme of narrative arose and that people remember stories.

“Asking what we are here for has prompted the integration of ‘soft’ concepts like meaning, values and positivity with ‘hard’ data of brain function”. We can change much more than we thought we could, as is evidenced by the science supporting neuroplasticity. The speaker said our brains are profoundly social and finished her talk with a quote from Dreikus “No task is an impossible task when it’s seen as a common task”.

I’m reading a good book about neuroplasticity called The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge. Real stories told in a way that I can understand!

By Linda Woolston

This conference breakaway session was led by Ingra du Buisson-Narsai, who was presenting a case study relating to 20 high fliers on a Talent Programme.

A fundamental question at the heart of the programme for the 20 participants was “What is it I’m really here to do?-(after the will for power and pleasure)”. The tools used during the programme were drawn from existential positive psychology and the work of Paul Wong. I’m not sure I got the difference between existential positive psychology and positive psychology (this is where I may be at a disadvantage not being a psychologist), partly I think it was perceived that positive psychology can turn a blind eye to weaknesses / de-railers. Though this isn’t my experience in the work I’ve done with CAPP.

The programme centred around how to access meaning and purpose. Participants completed a Personal Meaning Profile, a values analysis; looked at their strengths; prepared a third person biography and, through imagery, created a vision board.

Some of the questions posed included, “What am I good for? Where and how does the world need me? What is life expecting of me? Is it good for me? What is in it for me? How do I feel about it?”

An interesting statement from the speaker “We’re not here to be happy, we’re here to grow.”

Again ‘narrative’ came up, ie building resilience through meaning re-construction, through strengths stories including how you handle the hardships. As previously quoted “stories define leaders more than a profile or a score”.

The GROW model was used superimposed by Existential Positive Psychology / Meaning Therapy eg:

G – what does life demand of me? What is my service to the world?
R – what is my story? How does it serve me? What are my real values?
O – what options are most consistent with my life purpose.

It was great to see a slide with Alex Linley / CAPP’s The Strengths Book on it and being highly recommended by the speaker, in fact she said “I’m not on commission – it’s an excellent book”. I held back from shouting “I know him!”

I’ve asked Ingra for a copy of her presentation – there was a lot more to it than my lay person summary above!

By Linda Woolston

The pride in this event was evident, particularly in the partnership that had made it possible between Coaching Psychology interest groups in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia and the further international support for the event from the UK’s Professor Stephen Palmer (BPS-Special Group in Coaching Psychology).

A piece from the programme reinforces the contribution coaches can make to the world: “Coaching Psychology, still characterised by its youth and infancy, faces opportunities that will allow a positive contribution to society, whether it is facilitating quality conversations with influential executives of multi-nationals, community leaders with the capacity to influence the lives of many involved, activists for socio-political change, team leaders of sports teams, key government representatives, middle management in organisations, CE0′s of NGO’s or ordinary individuals that contribute to society in their daily lives.”

Currently 12 coaching psychology interest groups from around the world are collaborating to promote the profession, bring the community together, share theory, research and practice and to engage professionals interested in coaching and coaching psychology.

My sense is that Coaching Psychology (and the broader coaching industry) is gaining a momentum and that this event will be one of many manifestations of greater international collaboration bringing together shared learning and standards globally.

I know… it’s quite a title, wait until I start talking about existential positive psychology (that comes later). This session was led by Prof Reinhard Stelter. A professor of Sports and Coaching Psychology.

An interesting presentation. I’m not sure I can do it justice but I thought I’d try to share some of the key points I took away.

The starting point was reflecting on why coaching is such a wide spread phenomena in our post-modern societies? Society is hyper-complex, individuals are faced with growing diversity at work and in other areas of life. There is a continuous obligation to develop at work, and in our private and social lives. This in part is why the demand for coaching has grown.

In my first blog posting I wrote about the African philosophy of ubuntu, Rheinhard quoted from the German sociologist Ulrich Beck saying “no country or group can shut itself off from others” which linked back in my mind to ubuntu. Society is complex and interconnected. “The post-modern being is a restless nomad” (Gergen). How can a coach help clients navigate in a society that leads to increased restlessness and loss of common values? The speaker split coaching in to three generations, 1st Generation-Problem focused / goal perspective (eg GROW) 2nd Generation-Solution / Future perspective (eg Positive Psychology / Appreciative Inquiry) 3rd Generation- Reflective perspective (eg Narrative coaching).

He separated the 3rd generation approach into four areas:

1. Values-focusing on and reflecting on values ie the central part of our identity and the guide to how we live.
2. Meaning Making-things become meaningful when we understand our own way of thinking.
3. The Implicit-revisiting the absent but implicit, those things embedded in action but can’t be verbalised without effort. A process in the present moment accessed in a state of mindfulness.
4. Narrative-helping the client get their story, possibly a new plot. The coach and client co-create the story, where the coach is curious, irreverent in regard to the client’s life and his her own life. “The principal way in which our minds, our ‘realities’ get shaped to the pattern of daily cultural life is through the stories we tell, listen to and read-true or fictional” J Bruner 2006.

As I understood it this approach is about listening deeply to the stories clients tell us, using this to co-create new stories with ideas and approaches that may not have previously thought of.

A later speaker (Ingra du Buisson-Narsai) said that “stories define leaders more than a profile or a score.” Another phrase that Linda used that suck in my mind is “we are what we constantly do”, an alternative version of the famous Gandhi quote.

In a more narrative or reflective approach to coaching the suggestion is that it is not always beneficial to define a goal in the beginning of the coaching session, “but to give space to unfold narratives, and the importance of reflecting on personal and social meanings and values as the basis for our thinking and acting” (Reinhard Stelter) .

Food for thought.

By Linda Woolston (BC 2004)

Me and my Blackberry are a team. Keeping me connected to the people I love, keeping me up to date with what’s going on in the world and of course access to those emails. I text, BBM, email, take photos, as well as use it for its conventional purpose as a phone. It’s value intensifies on an overseas trip.

Before I came away to South Africa, I thought the unthinkable, what if I lost my Blackberry? So, I wrote the important phone numbers down so I had them separately. I’d never thought about doing this before on any previous trips. Day two and I’m at the conference… and can’t find my Blackberry. It’s gone. Hand bag emptied, pockets emptied - it’s gone.

I borrow a phone and call the hotel and ask if they could check my room - I’d checked out that morning. There’s a feeling of panic and anxiety, which is being met inside by the equal need to be calm and think straight. Could I have left it in the taxi? Did one of my co-travellers have the taxi drivers number? Yes she does!! At this point another delegate (British) said with certainty “well if you left it in a taxi, you’ll never see that again”. In that moment I was hoping with all my heart that he was wrong for South Africa, for humanity and… because I wanted my phone back. I had to stick with my belief that the overwhelming majority of people are good. I had to believe that if it was in the taxi the driver would return it. It was. He did. Twenty minutes later there he was, he said he knew how he would feel if he lost his phone and was glad to return it. Thank you Robert, a driver in Pretoria.

I sought out the fatalistic British delegate and told him the good news. Later in one of the sessions one of the speakers used the phrase “doing hope”. During that time of Blackberry separation, I thought that was what I was doing… doing hope.

By Linda Woolston (BC 2004)

The conference has begun… on arrival we were given a goody bag, I pulled out the first item and there was Anne Scoular’s face staring up at me!!! We’d all been given a copy of Coaching at Work – with a feature article on Anne and the book.

I’m in a minority here in that most delegates are psychologists, fortunately I have made two friends who are willing to “translate” for me. One from Australia and one from Namibia (Did you know Namibia has a population of 2 million and a 52% unemployment rate?).

We heard confirmation this morning of something that I think we knew and that is that in the UK there is a growth in team coaching and internal coaching. Prof Stephen Palmer expects this to be verified in the next annual survey of coaches and coaching psychologists to be conducted by Palmer and Whybrow.