Tips from the Big Top

A newsletter for Mums @ Work

by Kirstin Barton at Alive to Change
www.alivetochange.com
www.facebook.com/alivetochange

Issue 10 - December 2013

The Ringmaster - Part 2

You ARE the Ringmaster.

Shall I repeat that? YOU are the Ringmaster.

When you look at all that we do as working mums, you'll see we are superbly qualified to run a circus!

We take the overview, the long term approach - then we dive into the details when we need to. On a day to day basis, we step in when things are going wrong, and we stand back to allow the performers to shine. We lead everyone in their rounds of applause - and we open up and close down the show.

Being consummate professionals, we do everything we can to keep the show on the road - giving directions, adjusting plans, whether in the limelight or behind the scenes. Sometimes we get our hands dirty - and sometimes we keep our hands clean!

We keep track of time. We always keep track of time. In the circus - as in our lives as working mums - timing is everything. ALL the acts depend on great timing - the clown with her jokes, the trapeze artist with her swings, the dramatic pause on the high wire, and of course the rhythmic split second throwing and catching of the juggler.

What does the Ringmaster have that enables her to run the circus with such apparent ease?

FOCUS & FLEXIBILITY

Oh, and more than a little

FORESIGHT!

Like the Ringmaster, we have multiple activities to coordinate in the short, medium and long term as working mums, and this is a job in itself. However much support we have, we still want to be present in our families AND in our work AND look after ourselves too. Our Ringmaster role enables us to do this - to make those decisions around what, and when, and where, and how.

Let's not resent this important additional role that comes with our territory - let's make the most of it!

What skills and attributes have you developed since becoming Ringmaster?

* Planning

* Organisation

* Time management

* Productivity

* Communication

* Flexilibity

* Negotiation

* Persistence

* Working when exhausted

* Finding imaginative ways of demonstrating commitment at work and at home

And a whole heap more!

So take this opportunity now, at the end of the year, to give yourself FULL CREDIT for all you've been and achieved this year at work, at home, and, in managing this big RINGMASTER bit in between.

Sunday 2nd February
Central Basel
9.30 - 12.00

TELL YOUR FRIENDS - it's back by popular demand!

Beyond the Juggling Act

If you're balancing home and work commitments, you'll know all about the juggling act, and plate spinning, and taming lions . . . as well as trick riding!

This fun and inspiring workshop helps you explore this important topic in a supportive group, gaining new perspectives and ideas about how to make this juggling act work for you.

You'll leave with some great new connections and ideas, with a sense of renewed energy and motivation, and with a real spring in your step.

Please sign up on the event page.

This workshop costs CHF75 and this includes Brunch, this inspiring group coaching workshop, your coaching workbook and a follow up call.

It's been great fun writing Tips from the Big Top this year - thank you for your super feedback and for reading this in such big number. Please pass it onto a working mum friend if you think she'd like it too. In the New Year, I'm going to change it up a little bit, so I look forward to sharing that with you.

YES It's Christmas time! And that means PRESENTS! Here's my Thank You gift to you for this year - I've written five coaching workbooks this year, and I'd love you to see them. So I'm offering you your own PDF Copy of one of my books - just email me to let me know which one you'd like. Choose from

Dare to Dream

Believe

Act

Beyond the Juggling Act

Transitions*

(*this is not quite in its final format, but you are very welcome to have the current version and to share your feedback with me to help it get finished off!).

If you need a great present for a friend, why not give them a paper version of one of my books - they're only CHF15 (CHF20 for Transitions)?

I have three special offers for the New Year, designed to help you discover Coaching - feel free to share with a friend too. I only have limited places for this super special offer - so act quickly if you'd like to take advantage. Check out the details below!

I am doing more and more work now on behalf of Talking Talent - for example, 1-1 maternity coaching, workshops around the maternity transition for expectant parents and their managers. Thanks to some of your contacts, I'm reaching out into other organisations now to offer this work - please let me know if you think your organisation might find this interesting.

With my best wishes for the festive season - may it be joyful yet restive!

Kirstin

kirstin@alivetochange.com

www.alivetochange.com