Relationship Matters

Red Letter Day

What excitement!  A friend of mine called me earlier and said "Did you know that you are on the front page of the iTunes Music Store, under 'Staff Favourites'?"  To cut a long story short, the answer was "NO". So, after about an half-hour, trying to work out just how I found the front page of the Podcast Section of the Music Store, I succeeded in seeing my lovely Podcast Cover (Xmas Pressie from my blog angel Claire) in said section. Alongside Jamie Oliver,the Leader of the Opposition David Cameron and other famous people, yours truly found the ratings today. So, a HUGE "Thank You" to all you lovely people who put me there. I am sooooooooooo excited! 

My technical limitations are on show - you'll have to click on the link below to see the evidence of my cover on the staff pick!  Leesa Barnes has some thoughts on this achievement, so do have a look.

Oh look - I've managed to insert the image!  Click on it to enlarge the picture.

Alma Mater Endorses RMs Key Message!

I had two pieces of unsolicited mail last Thursday (30 Nov 06), both of which caught my eye for different reasons. The first was from Cranfield University, keeping in touch with its alumni. The opening sentence began: "In any venture, it is the relationships that matter; the people who make the difference." Has CU been keeping SUCH a close eye on its alumni?  Of course, they are absolutely right...............

The second piece of mail was of a totally different nature - a catalogue parading its Christmas wares for children. What was amusing to me was the big yellow box with red writing on the bottom left hand side of the cover, and the even bigger red box with the number 25 on it, proclaiming that this year, Christmas Day was falling on December 25th - an advance notice for the benefit of their many customers who are always taken unawares by its approach.  That's me! How is it that it always creeps up on me, silent but relentless? 

So, for the benefit of those of you who, like me, are always amazed that it's only a few days away - it's officially December 25th this year - so get Christmas shopping!!

Summer Vacation - at last!

Off at last! Today we are travelling to Devon and will be staying in our trailer tent for two weeks in Ivybridge - about 10 miles from Plymouth. The trip should take us around 4-5hours, depending on the traffic. As we are camping, we shall be keeping our fingers crossed that the good weather remains. I shall be away from my computer and all things IT until the 29th August.

How did you get on with your summer holiday? Did you get away?  Where to? How did your relationships stand the test? Do let me know - post a comment and I shall look forward to reading all about it on my return.   

Upcoming podcast...

I am delighted to be blogging for the first time and would like to thank my Business Blog Angel (alias Claire Raikes) for getting me started.  I am also launching my podcast so I have I much to celebrate!  Each week you can listen in to hear relationship issues and share hints, tips and practical ideas to make the most of all your relationships. Listen in to RM1 and comment on Alison’s story on this blog. I shall look forward to reading your comments back here on the blogsite.

This week I was delighted to interview Alison who is a coaching client of mine.  She talked about how she had established patterns of behaviour with her 8 year old daughter, which she wanted to change but wasn’t sure how to. This is very common in our on-going relationships. Relationships are about communication and, after a period of “settling in”,  we tend to fall into routines. It’s great while the routine is productive.

It’s when it becomes unproductive that we experience discomfort or even stress.

Welcome - at the heart of all relationships is communication.

How we communicate, what we communicate, when, why, where and to whom we communicate: all are important.  Relationship Coaching with Barbara will help you have a greater understanding of the impact of your communication on others and how to deal more effectively with people who may not communicate well with you.

The benefits of relationship coaching include how to:

About Barbara

When Barbara isn't working she enjoys playing tennis, swimming, cycling, walking and skiing. She sings in her local church choir, plays the piano badly and, in the summer,  participates in triathlons - slowly! She likes her food and particularly enjoys eating al fresco. Favourite drinks: gin and tonic (with ice and a slice); Pimms; good wine.  Usually has a sherry (dry) when preparing Sunday lunch.Barbara is married and has two sons.

Click here to visit Barbara's corporate website : www.HallandSolutions.com

How do your coaching services work?

Coaching takes place face-to-face, on the telephone and by email.
For face-to-face sessions, clients usually visit me, although I will travel locally.

How long is a coaching session?
Telephone sessions last for one hour. Face-to-face sessions may be for 1 hour, 1.5 or 2 hours, depending on your requirements.

How many sessions do I have to book?
Unlike many coaching programmes, I do not insist on a set number of sessions or frequency. Some people feel they need weekly sessions while for another, a session every 6 weeks works best. I don't pre-subscribe. These issues are determined by you.

What if I need to speak to you in between sessions?
All clients have access to me by telephone and email in between sessions.

Do you offer group coaching?
I offer coaching to groups of no more than 4 people.

I also offer workshops where the maximum number of participants is 12. Workshops can be varied in length to suit your needs. Typically, they are half-day or full-day sessions.

For pricing information click here.

What is Coaching?

Personal and business coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses or organizations. It's a two-way process where coach and client work together to remove 'obstacles' which hold us back, allowing us to move forward, quickly and easily. Using an external Coach has the benefit of allowing the client to be totally open knowing that they are in a confidential, non-judgemental environment.

Conflict in the Workplace

conflict resolution - anger management - self awareness

Managing your Boss

managing your boss - rapport, assertiveness skills, giving and receiving feedback  - self awareness - dealing with an aggressive boss - learning to say no