Creating Safe Learning Environments

August 16, 2012 By 2 Comments

With the new school year quickly approaching, I’m taking the liberty of re-posting a blog from earlier this year.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin

This has always been a favorite quote of mine and I think predominantly because it is a direct reflection of the way I learn. There is no question that we are all different in our learning styles and what works well for one person, may not for another. The ability for a teacher, leader, or parent to appreciate these different styles is paramount to the success of the learner. I’ll use myself as an example. Although I have a decent memory, it’s simply not the way I learn. I learn by doing which is in direct  alignment with experential learning theory (Kolb, 1984). In order to learn by experience however, we need to know that we are in a safe environment. One where we feel comfortable to try new things. One where we feel confident that we won’t be ridiculed for trying. One where we know we can try repeatedly and fail until the penny drops. And when that penny drops, there is no sweeter feeling!

The fascinating thing about creating safe learning environments is that it is transferable in many aspects of our lives. Whether at school, at work, at home, in social settings, and especially in a coaching session. We want to know that the level of trust that is present will support our level of perceived risk. We want to feel supported. We want to be in a position to trust others and to be trusted. In his study on the psychological conditions necessary for employee engagement to occur, researcher Kahn (1990), found that “supportive, resilient, and clarifying management heightened psychological safety”.  Although Kahn’s work was focused on individuals in a leader / follower context, I believe these same characteristics hold true in any learning environment. Take a parent child relationship for example. If you make your child feel supported, encourage resilience in order to bounce back and make feedback very clear, your child is going to feel safe and trust the process of learning. I believe that we can take any of these examples of relationships and use this same formula to create safe learning environments.

To Benjamin Franklin’s point, involving a learner by allowing the process of learning to unfold through engagement can only be a good thing. While others don’t “give us” courage to try new things, what they can give us that is even more powerful is support and encouragement without judgement. As my clever friend and colleague, Dominique O’Rourke from Accolade Communications reminded me of recently, courage is embedded in encourage. There is likely a reason for that!

So the next time you are looking for a safe learning environment to try something new out in, surround yourself with those who will support and encourage you. If you are looking to create a safe learning environment for others, be one of those people who involves others. Trust them to learn in their own way and at their own pace. Trust the process of learning.

Whether you are a leader in an organization, a teacher, a colleague, a parent, or a friend, we all have the ability to step into a supportive coach position to enable learning. What are some of your examples where you felt very supported to learn?

Yours in learning, Glo

(C) 2012 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

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Safe learning environments

June 10, 2012 By 2 Comments

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin

This has always been a favorite quote of mine and I think predominantly because it is a direct reflection of the way I learn. There is no question that we are all different in our learning styles and what works well for one person, may not for another. The ability for a teacher, leader, or parent to appreciate these different styles is paramount to the success of the learner. I’ll use myself as an example. Although I have a decent memory, it’s simply not the way I learn. I learn by doing which is in direct  alignment with experential learning theory (Kolb, 1984). In order to learn by experience however, we need to know that we are in a safe environment. One where we feel comfortable to try new things. One where we feel confident that we won’t be ridiculed for trying. One where we know we can try repeatedly and fail until the penny drops. And when that penny drops, there is no sweeter feeling!

The fascinating thing about creating safe learning environments is that it is transferable in many aspects of our lives. Whether at school, at work, at home, in social settings, and especially in a coaching session. We want to know that the level of trust that is present will support our level of perceived risk. We want to feel supported. We want to be in a position to trust others and to be trusted. In his study on the psychological conditions necessary for employee engagement to occur, researcher Kahn (1990), found that “supportive, resilient, and clarifying management heightened psychological safety”.  Although Kahn’s work was focused on individuals in a leader / follower context, I believe these same characteristics hold true in any learning environment. Take a parent child relationship for example. If you make your child feel supported, encourage resilience in order to bounce back and make feedback very clear, your child is going to feel safe and trust the process of learning. I believe that we can take any of these examples of relationships and use this same formula to create safe learning environments.

To Benjamin Franklin’s point, involving a learner by allowing the process of learning to unfold through engagement can only be a good thing. While others don’t “give us” courage to try new things, what they can give us that is even more powerful is support and encouragement without judgement. As my clever friend and colleague, Dominique O’Rourke from Accolade Communications reminded me of recently, courage is embedded in encourage. There is likely a reason for that!

So the next time you are looking for a safe learning environment to try something new out in, surround yourself with those who will support and encourage you. If you are looking to create a safe learning environment for others, be one of those people who involves others. Trust them to learn in their own way and at their own pace. Trust the process of learning.

Whether you are a leader in an organization, a teacher, a colleague, a parent, or a friend, we all have the ability to step into a supportive coach position to enable learning. What are some of your examples where you felt very supported to learn?

Yours in learning, Glo

(C) 2012 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Coach, Leadership Tagged With: , , , , ,

Finding Your Passion

March 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
“Find your passion and follow it. And if there is anything I have learned in my life, you will not find that passion in things. And you will not find that passion in money. Because the more things and the more money you have, the more you will just look around and use that as the metric and there will always be someone with more. So your passion must come from the things that fuel you from the inside.” ~ Randy Pausch
 
So, my question to you is, have you found your passion(s)? Some people refer to this as a life purpose. A calling. Being in flow. Whatever it is that drives you to be fully engaged. Where you thrive rather than simply survive. Where time dissipates and you are fully alive in the moment. Such a personal thing it is. To be filled with a passion for doing something that really and truly matters deep within. Where you are deeply connected to your values and your personal integrity. Your personal leadership. 
 
To some, this may seem selfish at first blush because in order to be fully aligned with your values, you must be prepared to look inward and put yourself first. Consider this however. How might everyone around you benefit if you are deeply connected to who you were meant to be and what you were meant to be doing? There is much to be said for that alignment because this is when we soar from the inside out. Whether it is our intent or not is somewhat irrelevant. It happens. And when it happens, we benefit and everyone around us benefits. We’ve created a symphony in our soul.
 
Is there anything more inspiring to observe than someone who is in flow? It is quite magical. It is not however, reserved for magicians anymore than it is reserved for artists. Finding and doing what drives your passion is available to each of us for the asking. It may manifest itself in your chosen profession, in your family life, through community involvement, volunteer initiatives, a favorite sport, in the form of a hobby or a general interest such as travel. Indeed, some people find this alignment in their spiritual beliefs. It doesn’t really matter where it “shows up” because that is for you to decide. If you are looking for it however, look first within. As Randy Pausch has articulated so beautifully in his inspiring speech to graduate students at Carnegie Mellon University, “Your passion must come from the things that fuel you from the inside.” And this will be different for each and every one of us for we are all unique.
 
As a coach, it is my sincere honor to support people in finding and doing what drives their passion. As a prospective teacher, it will be my greatest honor to support students to learn, grow, and to find what fuels their passions.
 
If you are interested in watching Randy Pausch’s inspiring and meaningful 6 minute speech, please click on this link. Although it is delivered to a group of graduate students, the message will be meaningful to anyone who is a student of life. Enjoy.
 
Living my life on purpose, Glo
 
(C) 2012- True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon
 
 
 
Filed Under: Life, Professional Coaching Services Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

2012 Growth. Learning. Opportunities. Diversifying.

December 31, 2011 By 4 Comments

For some strange reason, WordPress is not allowing me to post the photo for this blog at the top of the page as I “usually” do. I’ve always used this format because I am a visual person and so I like the visual right up front. This has never happened in two years of having a blog. My initial reaction was frustration but it’s New Years Eve and my main goal for 2012 is to diversify in many key areas of my life. So, now I’m thinking there is a reason for this new look in my last blog post of the year.

Many seeds have been planted during 2011 and many major milestones have been achieved. It has been a great year! There is much to celebrate and so much to look forward to!

Growth. Learning. Opportunities. Diversifying.

Photo Source

Often times it seems as though it is far too easy to be linear in our thoughts and actions. We use our existing skills and talents and map out our lives according to a straight line. But I must ask you, has your life to date represented a straight line?  What might happen if we learn to diversify a little more? Branch out. True growth and learning happens when we learn new skills and challenge our existing patterns. Uh oh! This may cause our straight line to get kind of curvy with twists and turns. There is risk involved in this because we may fail. But there is always reward too, no matter the outcome. The reward is that just like this plant above, we are growing and with growth comes new opportunities.

2012 is the year to diversify and broaden my reach. I will coach and teach. I will be a student and a teacher. I will enjoy my existing relationships and develop new ones. I will read for fun and for knowledge. Most importantly, rather than choosing between either/or, I will be open to both/and.

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Best wishes to you for an AMAZING 2012!  When we openly share our goals, there is more liklihood to reach them because publicly sharing establishes a sense of accountability. It also provides us with the opportunity to receive support and encouragement from others, and to stay motivated to achieve. Care to share some of your goals?  I’m very interested…please leave me a comment!

Glo

(c) 2011 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

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The value of continuous personal change…

November 5, 2011 By 4 Comments

“One key to successful leadership is continuous personal change. Personal change is a reflection of our inner growth and empowerment.” — Robert E. Quinn

 

Photo Credit

I came across this quote by Robert Quinn and it reminded me of a personal change that I’ve experienced over the last few years as a result of being coached and then becoming a coach.  I’m sharing this story as it may help you too.  This change came from a combination of focused effort and conscious choice.  It relates to the contrast between ruminating and letting go.  It is all about the power of freedom and finding inner peace.    

Like many of us I suspect, I used to spend time ruminating…also known as the worry gene.  Rather than looking back as part of the learning process, I would look back and worry about all sorts of things that I could not change no matter how much energy I put into it.  Then one day a few years ago through my coach training, I did a values exercise that changed my view and opened my eyes to a few things.  For one, I realized that I value freedom.  Freedom has different meaning for each of us but for me it means having inner peace.  Yet, I was worrying.  About what I said, what I did, what I didn’t do or say.  What happens in this situation is that you end up living in the past in many respects.  And when we live in the past, we miss out on such awesome things about the present.  Through coaching, I learned to live and breathe in the present.  This has created space in my life and in my head.  What a true gift. 

Now, I’m not saying that I never worry about anything anymore.  I do.  And I do because I care.  I care deeply about people.  I don’t however, give as much energy to worrying than it deserves.  You see, I think worrying is overrated.  I give my energy to where I live and breathe which is in the present.  I have learned that I can still care about what truly matters and live in the present.  My husband and I have put into practice a new way to think and to live and it’s really working for us.  We have truly learned to “let go” and it is wonderful.  It is absolutely empowering in fact.  The past is used to learn from and that is all.  You want to talk about freedom?  This is freedom.  Not only is it freedom but it is living according to our values and with personal integrity.

This is just one example of how we can change and grow while remaining true to ourselves.  Sometimes we need someone on the outside to help us look inside.  This is the value of great coaching.  Coaching provides us with the support to define and achieve our goals of personal change.

Wishing you a peaceful day.  Glo

(C) 2011 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Leadership, Life Tagged With: , , , , ,

A wonderful weekend read

October 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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It must be October.  It is a chilly and overcast Sunday afternoon. The fireplace is on for the first time this season.  Marc is making my favorite soup (mulligatawny).  The dog is snoring away in front of the fire.  And I am reading this most amazing book.  The kind that you can’t put down.  The kind that has you going back to re read a specific passage or jumping ahead to take a quick look at what is in store in the next chapter. 

Ironically, I received Leadership and the New Science by author Margaret J. Wheatley for Christmas last year from our son, Tom.  It has been sitting on my night table ever since, waiting patiently. Waiting for that right moment in time when reading oodles of new journal articles for my research paper would become less urgent.  I had read one chapter of this book last fall during one of the courses in my program, Leadership of Organizational Change.  It was on the list of recommended reading by our Professor, Dr. Jamie Gruman.  I enjoyed that chapter so much, I wanted more…and more I got…

This isn’t a book review.  I simply wanted to share with you a few quotes that have my mind churning with possibility, curiosity and hope.  Not only as a leadership coach, but as a lover of life and people.  If it inspires you to purchase the book and to read further, enjoy…I know I certainly have.

“I find pleasure in letting these new ideas swirl freely inside me. Like clouds, they begin as mist, then take form, then dissipate. Clouds themselves are self-organizing, taking new shape as thunderstorms, hurricanes, or rain fronts depending on changes in their environment. We are capable of similar transformations; new ideas can emerge as powerful insights if we allow them the freedom to self-organize.  And there is much we can learn from clouds.  They are spectacular examples of fluid and responsive systems, structured in ways we never imagined possible: ‘”After all, how do you hold a hundred tons of water in the air with no visible means of support? You build a cloud”‘ (Cole 1985, 38) (Wheatley, 2006, 90).

“In all types of organizations, too many filled with people exhausted, cynical, and burned-out, I have witnessed the incredible levels of energy and passion that can be evoked when leaders or colleagues take the time to recall  people to the meaning of their work.  It only takes a simple but powerful question: ‘”What called you here? What were you dreaming you might accomplish when you first came to work here?”  This question always elicits a deep response because so few of us work for trivial purposes.  Most people come to their organizations with a desire to do something meaningful, to contribute and serve…If we are asked to recall that inner belief, and if we hear our colleagues speak about their own yearnings to make a small difference, we feel new energy for the work and for each other.  The call of meaning is unlike any other, and we would do well to spend more time together listening for the deep wells of purpose that nourish all of us” (Wheatley, 2006, 133).

Hoping these may have resonated with you and possibly elicited thoughts of learning, change and engagement.  Back to my book…last chapter…this time around.

Happy Sunday.

Glo

(c) 2011- True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Leadership, Life, Making Changes Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Courage to Act

April 29, 2011 By 2 Comments

In many aspects of our lives both personal and professional, we are faced with situations requiring courage.  Courage to act when needed.  Courage to move on when needed. Courage to step out of our comfort zone and take risks.  Courage to reach out to others.  Courage to say no when we mean no and yes when we mean yes.  Courage to dive in even when the water looks icy cold! 

Having courage isn’t only about taking action.  Depending on the circumstances, sometimes it requires courage to sit back, listen and reflect.  Acting with courage can appear lonely.  Sometimes it is lonely.  Sometimes others will join you.  Having courage does not necessarily make us heroes.  It can however, provide us with a deep and fulfilling sense of satisfaction.  Anyone can do the easy thing but it takes tremendous courage to do the right thing.  If the right thing includes instigating change, we can start by putting our big toe out there.  Everything we have ever learned, we started with taking a first step.  By moving forward, we are moving toward what we believe in.  We are acting with personal integrity.

If you want things to change, you must believe in yourself and your vision.  Ask questions that help to bring clarity.  Be open to learning and discovering.  Request the support of those who are close to you and who believe in you.  Consider working with a Professional Coach.  Discover your inner wisdom and new found strength.  I think you’ll find the water is pretty warm!

“Believe in yourself and all that you are.  Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle” ~ Christian D. Larson

Wishing you continued success in all that you do!

Glo

(c) 2011 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

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Putting Your Best Foot Forward?

March 18, 2011 By 3 Comments

How often do you find yourself doing things without putting your best effort into it?  You’re tired, you’re busy, you and or someone you are close to may have health issues, you’re disinterested, you’ve got fear of failure, fear of success or you may even need to learn something new!  Obstacles in life, no real shortage of them it seems… 

It’s only once we begin to understand why we’re feeling a certain way, that we can actually deal with it.  Clearly, some things are within our span of control and some are not.  Feeling tired all the time?  What might you do to drive your energy levels up?  Got too much on your plate?  How much of it, if any, is self inflicted?  Health related issues?  Although not always enough, are you getting proper medical attention?  If someone you are close to has health issues, what do you need to do to ensure that you are in good health in order to support them in the best possible way?  Bored or disengaged?  What might you do to spice things up a little?  Got the failure or success jitters?  What new skills might you learn that will help to alleviate some of those nasty gremlins?        

You’re not alone!  At one time or another, it’s likely that we have all experienced variations of these and other obstacles.  It’s what you do about it that matters.  If you want to enjoy what you do and how you live your life, take a look at the things that prevent you from moving forward.  If they are within your control, start with small steps, but do start.  Create some goals for yourself.  Enlist the support of those close to you or perhaps even a Coach.  You can’t put your best foot forward if you’re not even sure which one that is.  Remember, you can’t control how others react or behave but you are in full control of both your attitude and yours actions.  According to Google, a wise but unknown soul coined the phrase “If you believe it, you will achieve it!”   

The best thing is that energy and positive emotions are contagious.  Not only will your move forward inspire you to go further but you may just inspire others along the way!

Which one will it be?  Right foot or left?

Cheers, Glo

(C) 2010 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

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How Clear Is Your Vision for 2011?

December 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Well here we are…it’s the last day of the year and also the day when many people set and declare goals for the New Year!  Whether they are big or small, short or long term, personal, professional and or spiritual, what will you be doing to ensure that you are committed to achieving yours? It’s been my experience that what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another.  We are unique and we all have different values systems and perspectives.  Learn what works for you and be like Nike and Just Do It!

One thing which I have done and I find works well for me especially if I’m setting significant goals is that I break them down into small steps which are more manageagable.  Another thing I find helps is to celebrate at every milestone or step by setting up a reward system.  Presently I’m at year 2 of a 3 year plan making this goal of a career change a fairly substancial one however when I chunk it down, it’s really just a series of smaller actions which are of benefit to my life in general and also to the big picture.  To help stay on track I created a map broken down by year and then month.  Pretty simple to follow and as you can see green is complete and red is yet to come…the rewards are also built right in!

The important thing to remember is not what it looks, feels or sounds like to me.  The important thing is what it means to you!  The goals that are truly yours should come from within, they should be on your agenda and not what someone else expects of you.  Be a part of creating your future and you will own it!  I encourage you to celebrate at every step you reach, big or small celebrate them all.  Hey, that rhymes!

And lastly stay the course…make sure your vision is crystal clear.  If times get tough or if circumstances beyond your control become obstacles, do whatever works for you to keep your vision in your mind, in your heart or wherever it means the most to you.  I’m a visual person so I have this picture of Arizona with me heart, mind and soul.  I love the big blue sky in Arizona and the magnificent red rock against it.  This particular photo with the reflection in the water is a reminder of my vision.  A change in careers for me has been truly life altering and yet, there is nothing special about what I’ve done.  I’ve created a long term goal and broken it down into small and manageable steps.  This is something we all have the ability to do.  Coaching is one of those professions where people ask all the time, what does a Coach do?  Coaching is about you, not me.  If you’re looking for advice, ask a family member or a friend.  They love giving advice!  If you’re looking for someone to challenge you to come up with your own reality and your own agenda from deep within, ask a Coach!

Wishing you a wonderful New Year filled with love and light and all things bright!

Cheers,  Glo

(c) 2010 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon

Filed Under: Coaching Services, Goals, Life, Making Changes Tagged With: , , , ,

Living the Good Life

December 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

What does the phrase ”living the good life” mean to you?  As you can see, True Bliss Pooch is convinced it’s about having a snooze in her favorite spot.  What sort of images, feelings or smells does that phrase conjure up for you?  Is it having good health to do the things you most enjoy?  Is it doing what you love every day because it brings meaning to your life?  Is it having someone special to share your life with? Is it a snooze on a lazy Sunday afternoon?  Is it enjoying a special meal with family or good friends?  Is it spending some down time at the cottage or on the beach?  Is it freedom 55?  Is it curling up by the fire to read a good book?  Is it walking on a sandy beach with the warmth of the sun blazing down on your shoulders?  Is it soaking in the scenery on a great mountain hike or at a favorite golf course?  Is it the smell of your favorite meal cooking? 

Whether it is all of these things or none of them, whatever it is to you, it’s so important that you make the time to do the things you derive pleasure from.  Life just seems to fly by sometimes and it’s easy to forget to stop and smell the roses.  If you are getting caught up in that, do yourself a favour and take the time and energy to create a plan to live your very best life.  Do the things that bring real meaning to your life.  One thing is certain, you will never regret it!

Cheers,  Glo

(C) 2010 – True Bliss Coach Gloria Higdon 

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