December 14th, 2009 by Isolde Norris
Considering that business is based on relationships, are we paying them enough attention?
Reading Paul Dervan’s article from 6th November on O2 IdeasRoom about the need for strategic focus in business got me thinking about the relationship side of business.
How often in a business environment do you see people interrupting conversations to answer their phone or checking and sending emails or text messages at meetings?
Did you know that etiquette dictates that the person in front of you take precedence over phone calls, emails, tweets and text messages? Surprised?
These behaviours are so prevalent; we often defer to the modern communications devices without thinking about it. Don’t get me wrong; I’m as addicted to my emails, texting messaging and social networks as much as the next person.
However, in order to truly harness the power of modern technology we need to remember that communication is about relationships, not technology. Technology is the means, not the end. Read the rest of this article »
December 9th, 2009 by Isolde Norris
As a professional coach, I’m often asked “what is coaching?”
Zeus and Skiffington say it’s about change and transformation. I like this; it captures the essence of coaching and is often all that is required to satisfy the friendly enquiry.
Of course, coaching is a very broad field and is an emerging profession.
Organisations such as the Association for Coaching, European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and the Life and Business Coaching Association of Ireland have emerged to promote good practice and ethics.
In my view, this is a very important and necessary step in the development of our profession. Read the rest of this article »
