See you in Santiago

This article is a replica of a recent interview published in the COMENSA (Coaches and Mentors of South Africa) Newsletter. And it’s all about Moi!  I’m embarking on an exciting work/life adventure and I invite you, excite you, urge you to come along….

“Michelle Clarke is seldom still… always pushing the boundaries, always exploring new approaches.
Her latest move follows her intention to move into the Global Executive Coaching space. This February Michelle will be moving to Santiago, Chile, from where she will be coaching clients around the globe using Skype and other available technologies.  This forms part of her intention to demonstrate that effective, powerful and quality coaching conversations can continue no matter where in the world she or a client might find themselves.

That Michelle is motivated by travel and exploration is a given. An outcome of this has been that she has developed a coaching practice with clients around the world. She likes to develop a deep knowledge of the cultures and worlds of her clients – so moving around the globe to gain that experience and insight is an obvious conclusion. 

Do you Labour with Love?

Some of you may know that I am a student of Astrology.  I was introduced to it by a co-worker many years ago who kept insisting that I “dressed just like a Capricorn”.  Intrigued to know more, I began a life-long study of this ancient art and science.  When I work with coaching clients who are themselves receptive to astrology, I find the astro-language offers us a unique perspective for self-study.  This post, based on the eloquent work of Astrologer and Creative Writer, Linda Goodman, offers us a look at the sun signs in the context of the work we do. What motivates each sign?  What might be considered out Labor of Love? 

Just because it’s January, should we all be setting goals?

Have you ever had the intuitive niggle that although it is January and everyone is shouting goals, goals, goals, you are simply not ready to set yours yet?  Perhaps you feel like you are still getting a handle on previously set goals or that you are just not inspired for goal-setting at this time?  And it is frustrating because we all know that the annual year runs from January to December and the financial year runs more or less the same, and your HR Department wants your annual objectives pronto.  So what is up for you? 

25 Powerful and Generative Questions

“When was the last time you sat through a meeting and said to yourself, “This is a complete waste of time?”.  Was it yesterday or even a few hours ago?  Why did that gathering feel so tedious?  Perhaps its because the leaders posed the wrong questions at the start of the session.  Or worse yet, maybe they didn’t ask any engaging questions, and as a result, the meeting consisted of boring report-outs or other forms of one-way communication that failed to engage people’s interest or curiosity.”  

Motivation and the ‘Referred’ Coachee

“I can’t see how coaching will benefit me.  Things are fine, just a small  hiccup, is all. I don’t have the time to be talking with you. I’m only here because they insist. What do you want from me?”

Ouch. These words from a recent client are not music to any coach (or manager or leaders) ears. How to proceed?  With calm caution.

Observations of life through a lens

For the first time in 5 years I stayed put in my home town for the holidays.   With great longing I watch my friends and colleagues jet-set off to foreign lands, as I have been doing before.  My envy is born of my wanderlust for vagabonding and relating to the world. But more, so much more, it’s motivated by my love for street photography.  I’m one of many photography hobbyists who feels somewhat uninspired by the familiarity of my own world, believing that the photographic content is always greener on the other side.

Just because it’s January, should we ALL be setting goals?

Just because it’s January, should we all be setting goals?

 Have you ever had the intuitive niggle that although it’s January and everyone is shouting goals, goals, goals, you’re simply not ready to set yours yet?  Perhaps you feel like you’re still getting a handle on previously set goals or that you’re just not inspired for goal-setting at this time?  And it’s frustrating because we all know that the annual year runs from January to December and the financial year runs more or less the same, and your HR Department wants your annual objectives pronto.  So what’s up for you?