I can’t believe 2010 has nearly finished – where did it go? It seems only yesterday that I was writing the first newsletter of the year but at the same time so much has happened in 2010.
Given how quickly time flies, the end of the year is always a great time to reflect on the year gone by and to take the time to notice your many acheivements and learnings. It is amazing how much you have done and how much you have grown this year - you deserve to give yourself a pat on the back 
This is also a time to make a note of the things you wish you’d made more time for this year. Next year you can make sure you make time for the really important things.
So here is a reflection technique that you can use to capture thoughts from 2010 and aspirations for 2011.
Reflections and Learnings from 2010
Find yourself a quiet spot at home or at work where you will not be disturbed and flick (or click!) through your diary for 2010.
As you remember the key events of the year make a note of things you achieved, things you are proud of, key experiences you’ve had and other things that occur to you as you reflect.
You will probably find that your ideas flow more easily if you just scribble, tring to be too formal may constrain your thinking.
Now have a go at answering some or all of the following questions.
Ten Questions for Reflection
- What was your proudest moment in 2010?
- How have you grown or changed this year?
- What has been your greatest learning?
- What would your ‘strap line’ or slogan be for 2010?
- What picture or image represents 2010?
- What song best sums up the year you?
- What would you most like to be doing differently in 2011?
- What will your mantra for 2011 be?
- What picture will best illustrate you in 2011?
10. What will your 2011 song be?
You may find it useful to put the answers to one or more of these 2011 question on a small card or post-it note and keep it close to you.
Highlights from last month
Communication Coaching
I’ve just completed an end of coaching programme review for a US based leader. The six coaching sessions took place by phone, monthly for 1.5 hours and focused on communication goals identified through a 360 feedback process. I’m delighted to say that the coaching process was deemed a great success with the client discovering and implementing new influencing and relationship building techniques.
To quote her boss ” I think you have enabled X to make a fantastic in road into addressing those few areas that were really holding her back from progression … …the outcomes from the coaching are very evident in X’s new behaviours and in her language”
If you’d like to know more about whether a focused coaching programme might be a solution for yourself or someone in your organisation please contact us or take a look at the coaching page of our website.
Change Coaching & Mentoring
I’ve also just completed a programme for a UK based manager helping him to deal with stress and change in a healthy and proactive manner. He had three face-to-face coaching sessions lasting 2 hours each during which he learnt to enhance his coping mechanisms. Many of the techniques he learnt were very simple but hugely impactful. The feedback from his peers is that he now appears much more calm and in control.
If you’d like to know more about a short coaching programme on change or resilience please contact us.
‘Letting Go’ book
My new book is nearly there and I’m very excited about it. More in the new year.
Next month
The featured topic next month will be Goals and Resolutions.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, if you have please let me know. I always love your feedback, and please do forward (or retweet) this onto anyone who may enjoy it too.
A very happy holiday season to you and your families and friends and a wonderful New Year.
Warm wishes
Helen.
Leadership and Team Coach
Pelican Coaching & Development
