When leaders leave workshops and return to the “real” world, they often are overwhelmed by tasks, making it difficult to convert what was learned in a program into actions that address real problems. In workshops, coaches may practice the verbal skills of coaching: questioning, paraphrasing, providing empathy, feedback and support for differing views. But when the pressure is felt in that reluctant teacher conversation, the freeze often sets in.

Debriefing conversations with a coach around what one could have said builds the likelihood that next time, I will. Or, prepping for the conversation with a coach ahead of time builds a confidence that allows for better listening and increases the odds of connecting with the teacher. Explore leadership coaching possibilities.Read "Vertical Leadership Development:Developing Leaders for a Complex World" here.

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