Thanks so much for your message Julia!! What an honour to be the 400th member.
I’ve read your blog posts on the inception of the SIG, which continues to feel pertinent. I was at a ‘Dragon’s Den’ session yesterday where participants on a leadership development programme pitched their improvement project. Two things were apparent: i) the participants were often right on the cusp between finding a cause to be hopeful about and find their own agency vs the issues they were going after felt so big/pervasive – so while their passion was evident, their joy at work was… maybe: fragile? ii) the interventions from the exec who were listening – while trying to be appreciative, tended to adopt a pattern of behaviour of critique/advise/’what I want to see more of is…’. It takes a purposeful choice to step out of this habit of check and challenge into one which is leader as coach. Though equally I was really impressed how one of the Directors purposefully switched into an approach of questioning – more pull than push.
Anyway… I suspect you are spinning lots of plates, so time is precious. But I would be very up for a virtual coffee with you to have a good old fashioned conversation! Equally you are administering a group of 400 plus much else besides, so don’t feel under pressure. Thank you again for your welcoming message. Very much appreciated Julia.