Talking Toughness

A CASE STUDY IN REDUCING YOUNG OFFENDER RE-OFFENDING THROUGH APPLICATION OF THE MENTAL TOUGHNESS CONCEPT

Our guest, Joanne Taylor (nee Turley), is an early adopter of the 4Cs mental toughness concept and measures, who has led the way in its application with some of the toughest challenges in society.

Joanne is a Co Founder of AQR Consulting, a key partner of AQR, whose remit is focused on providing leadership and talent development programmes to SMEs and organisations of all sizes and types. She was formerly a People & Performance Consultant with ARK Consultancy in the UK which focuses on the social housing sectors and issues associated with that sector Including working with young people who are often at the fringes of society.

One highly successful flagship 3-year project Joanne was involved with while at ARK targeted reducing re-offending by young offenders coming to the end of their sentences. Joanne and her colleagues showed that by creating self-awareness about their mental approach to the changes they face and developing strategies and tactics to manage what they learn, they can look forward positively to a life with better chances.

Talent Match Black Country works in partnership with unemployed young adults, aged 17-29, who have direct experience of offending and those who face disadvantage and are furthest from the labour market, to help them achieve:

· Increased confidence, optimism and resilience.

· Reduced levels and avoidance of re-offending.

· Progress nearer and into sustainable employment.

Joanne has created a body of knowledge and skills working with young people which make a real difference for them and, measurably, for society

There is learning here for all.

"A lot of the ideas that I came into contact with, when you give them a bit of a nudge, they fall over." William McKee.

The quote is increasingly relevant as awareness grows that not all models measures and ideas in the world of people and organisation development are reliable. Many have little or no real evidence to support them.

In this podcast, we welcome William McKee. William is an exceptional individual who challenges the status quo of the people and organisation development industry by advocating strongly for an evidence-based approach to any tools and assessments used to support the growth of organisations, especially individuals.

William McKee is a civil engineer who attended a development course for his own benefit. As a result, got enthusiastic about the wide range of possibilities that the human performance industry can provide.

William's engineering background makes him question each concept and tool used to help people grow and prosper - how valid and reliable are they?

It is crucial to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the tools and assessments used to support the work of coaches, trainers and managers if they are to make a real difference.

In William's own words, he is not so keen on all "the pseudoscience and daft ideas permeating the worlds of L&D, OD and HR and people developments".

This is Part 2 of this insightful discussion, exploring the importance of an evidence-based approach wherever we develop individuals.

Listen and learn from William McKee

"A lot of the ideas that I came into contact with, when you give them a bit of a nudge, they fall over." William McKee.

The quote is increasingly relevant as awareness grows that not all models measures and ideas in the world of people and organisation development are reliable. Many have little or no real evidence to support them.

In this podcast, we welcome William McKee. William is an exceptional individual who challenges the status quo of the people and organisation development industry by advocating strongly for an evidence-based approach to any tools and assessments used to support the growth of organisations, especially individuals.

William McKee is a civil engineer who attended a development course for his own benefit. As a result, got enthusiastic about the wide range of possibilities that the human performance industry can provide.

William's engineering background makes him question each concept and tool used to help people grow and prosper - how valid and reliable are they?

It is crucial to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the tools and assessments used to support the work of coaches, trainers and managers if they are to make a real difference.

In William's own words, he is not so keen on all "the pseudoscience and daft ideas permeating the worlds of L&D, OD and HR and people developments".

This session is split into two discussions, each exploring the importance of an evidence-based approach wherever we develop individuals.

Listen and learn from William McKee.

"People think that science is about facts. It's not, it's evolving understanding".

In part two of our thought-provoking discussion with Professor David Clutterbuck, we delve into the evolution of coaching on a continuum, rather than through staged movements.

Coaching is an ongoing process of evolution, where coaches continuously experiment, learn, and adapt to new discoveries and challenges. This iterative process involves a cycle of dissatisfaction, experimentation, and refinement, rather than a linear progression.

The future of coaching is likely to focus on systemic approaches, recognizing the interconnectedness of individual, organizational, and societal factors. Coaches will need to be flexible, adaptable, and open to ongoing learning and development, emphasizing thoughtfulness in the tools they use and their integrity.

There's much for professional coaches to contemplate in this evolving landscape.

As the date for the next annual EMCC Conference is approaching, we have reached out to Professor David Clutterbuck, the founder of the EMCC, to examine the evolution of coaching.

This takes us from its inception to the present day and on to the future where we explore new challenges and opportunities coming from new technologies including the growth of AI.

AI can already duplicate a good deal of what the GROW model coach does. Is this a threat or an opportunity? How can an expert and an aspiring coach adapt to this new way of working and optimise their practice?

In Part One of our thought-provoking conversation, we review traditional coach education and the idea that much of it may be misguided. Experiential learning and reflection are essential for a coach's growth.

The point that clients may prefer coaches to be able to engage with their own experiences and opinions, rather than being detached, is particularly insightful.

David Clutterbuck creates a distinction between "skinny wisdom", "broad wisdom", and "meta wisdom" which highlights the importance of combining technical expertise with life experience and innovative thinking.

Listen and learn.

DOES SOCIETY GIVE US PERMISSION TO THRIVE?

In Part 2 of our podcast with Dr Sara Ireland, we explore the importance of positivity and optimism in personal growth and thriving. While resilience is crucial in tough times, a positive mindset and an optimistic outlook on life are essential for true flourishing. These qualities require constant effort and self-awareness, regardless of our circumstances.

As society evolves, we must balance personal success with compassion for others. Feeling gratitude towards our accomplishments is vital in fostering a mindset of support and empathy towards those around us. Let's acknowledge the role of control and accountability in nurturing a genuine sense of gratitude, enabling us to appreciate our own achievements while extending compassion to others.

Listen and learn from Sara Ireland, CEO and Clinical Lead, Atrium Clinic and Therapy Centre.

A PRISON SENTENCE – PUNISHMENT OR RESTORING AN INDIVIDUAL?

In Part One of our podcast with Dr Sara Ireland, CEO and Clinical Lead at Atrium Clinic and Therapy Centre, we take our discussion to... prison. Sara, together with her colleagues at Atrium Clinic and Therapy Centre, works with a range of individuals who have been institutionalised to help them develop an understanding of themself, their strengths and positivity so that they can have a chance in our society to become a better version of themselves.

It is crucial for society to support individuals in institutionalised settings as they work towards personal growth and positive change. By helping them believe in themselves and providing necessary resources and support, we can empower them to develop new strengths and skills, facilitating sustainable transformation. Ultimately, fostering a mindset of empowerment and connection is essential for driving positive change in these individuals.

Listen and learn from Dr Sara Ireland, CEO and Clinical Lead, Atrium Clinic and Therapy Centre.

In Part Two of the Talking Toughness podcast which features a very special guest, Dr. Jim Loehr, we explore aspects of our health and well-being through the lens of a multi-dimensional construct. It is physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

Approaching systems and individuals holistically can lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes, especially in areas like health, competition, work, and life performance. By considering the interconnectedness of all aspects of a person's well-being, we can strive to cultivate a more comprehensive approach to improvement and growth.

While it is true that stress can be a catalyst for growth and development, it is important to acknowledge the significance of recovery in maintaining a healthy balance. Embracing stress in pursuit of personal growth is essential, but equally essential is the need for intentional and adequate recovery time, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually in order to sustain and maximise that growth. Understanding and implementing this balance is crucial for overall well-being and productivity.

"You've got to chase stress to have a big life. But you also have to have recovery." - Jim Loehr

Our guest today genuinely needs very little introduction. Dr. Jim Loehr is a world-renowned performance psychologist, whose ground-breaking, science-based energy management training system has achieved worldwide recognition.

Dr Loehr introduced the idea of Mental Toughness in the 1960s and indeed is credited with coining the term "Mental Toughness".

He was one of the first to understand that there was another quality in addition to skill and conditioning that contributed to success on the sports field. The mental approach to the challenge was as important as anything else.

His work is rooted in science, but it is also a product of his experience of applying his ideas to thousands of individuals.

Since then, Dr. Loehr has applied his concept to hundreds of world-class performers from the arenas of business, medicine and law as well as sport.

As this podcast will reveal, Dr Loehr has continued to update and evolve his understanding of one of the most important concepts in people and organisation development today.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from a true master.

Part 4 of the 'Talking Toughness' podcast featuring John Mark Williams, CEO of the UK Institute of Leadership, explores the power of intrinsic motivation and curiosity in leadership.

Encouraging intrinsic motivation in leadership involves fostering curiosity and courage.

Leaders should ask, "What does this button do?" to spark exploration and innovation.

By promoting a fearless attitude, leaders inspire their followers to embrace new challenges. Curiosity-driven leadership not only empowers individuals but also cultivates a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Listen and learn