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Tips from the Big Top
A newsletter for Mums @ Work
by Kirstin Barton at Alive to Change
www.alivetochange.com
www.facebook.com/alivetochange
big tip
Issue 12 - February 2014
Pause for Applause
Have you ever noticed how performers  in a circus properly wait to appreciate their applause. This is their positive feedback, and this is what they do. Fully acknowledging their audience, they stand and bow, then wait and bow some more. Perhaps a little jaunty wave, a broad smile and they're off.

What do you do with your applause?

"Oh, it was nothing"

"Just doing my job"

"They're only saying that"

Do you brush off your applause?

Do you run from it - dashing off before anyone can clap? 

"I was so glad to get the meeting done, I just left and went home, didn't hang around"

"I didn't think it had gone so well so I didn't ask for any feedback"

OR, do you BUT it?

"It was OK, but yours was better"

"He said he liked it, but . . ."

"I had a thank you note, but they probably do that for everyone"


audience
 
So here's the thing. When do you ever just stand, bow and take the applause? Your applause! Accepting, in that moment, the wonderful feeling of appreciation, of success, of triumph over adversity.

It isn't every day that we get really good quality positive feedback, by which I mean specific, meaningful, and in the moment! Some managers, partners, friends, children are better at it than others.

So why not test this out next time someone steps forward to share their positive feedback with you.

"Thank you" BEAMING GREAT SMILE. PAUSE
 

You can get better at giving yourself applause too. You KNOW when you've done something you feel so proud of you could burst. It could be at home, it might be at work, or maybe somewhere in between.

 Savour those moments. Commit them to memory, just as a circus performer would relish their first time succeeding in a new trick. Celebrate that moment yourself, without any BUTS, running aways or brushing offs.

Might I just say WELL DONE for taking the time for you, for opening this email, for reading this far, and for remembering a special moment when you felt really proud.

I bet you did, didn't you?!
Sunday 6th April
academia, 3 Schifflände, Central Basel
9.30 - 12.00
juggling
  Yippee - already had some sign ups!! Join us - or tell your friends!
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.
We had a great Beyond the Juggling Act workshop in early February. Each time I run this there is great energy and the ideas coming out are new and different. I never quite know what to expect, and that's fine by me! It's a big treat to spend time with such talented and committed Mums who are prepared to dedicate this special time for themselves.

As well as my workshops, I also work 1-1 - this is an opportunity to dive deeper and work on taking actions which can really make a big difference to your life. If there are any aspects of your work or home or juggling act you'd like to explore with me as your coach, please just get in touch. At the moment, I'm working with a number of individual working Mums at different stages of their parenting journey and career.

I've been a full time working Mum doing crackers hours with small children, I've worked part time, and I've set up a business. And had time at home with no work portfolio apart from the not insignificant task of moving countries! Sometimes, I'm drawing on my actual work experience in leadership and change management, other times on my coaching skills, and always being fully present to what is required in that moment. Do let me know if you think I can help.

I am also really enjoying the work I am doing on behalf of Talking Talent - for example, 1-1 maternity coaching, workshops around the maternity transition for expectant parents and their managers. We really want to do more of this work here in Switzerland. I've got some great contacts through some of your recommendations, please do keep them coming. I really appreciate this support.

With my best wishes,

Kirstin
www.alivetochange.com

PS - A big thank you to so many readers who are active on the Alive to Change Facebook Page - it is really great to have your involvement there!

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Alive to Change Coaching Services, 7 rue du Landskron, Leymen 68220 France
www.alivetochange.com