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Feb. 2017
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Vol 10, Issue 2
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the Creative Coaching Group newsletter
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 Last month's newsletter was all about how to flip our mental focus from "stuck" to "possibility". The 2 little words "FLIP IT" have started to mobilize the world.
"Your amazing FLIP IT concept has proven to be SUCH a wonderful tool. I can't believe how useful it is and how often I am able to use it - not just for me but for people I mentor and students I'm working with." - Dr. Debbie Scott, RN MPH DhlthSci, Monash University, Melbourne AU
If you missed last month's e-newsletter,
click here to read.
The feature article this month builds on the FLIP IT! concept and gives us easy steps to fully incorporate a Generative Approach to life by keeping our brains and language in the forward-moving, energy-filled state. Perhaps we can start a "Generative" revolution?
To your possibilities,
Jan Carley BA, CEC, PCC
Professional Certified Executive Coach
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Feature:
THE GENERATIVE APPROACH - MOVING THOUGHT TO ACTION
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I have espoused the value of positivity in all of my coaching programs for years. In particular, with the high-performance a cappella performance groups I coach worldwide, we have discovered how positivity creates a more joyful environment that fosters excellence, unity, team effectiveness and individual happiness. Nurturing a positive mental state has proven critical to achieving performance results.
In world-renowned researcher Dr. Barbara Frederickson's seminal work on positivity, she outlines the role of positive emotions in the development and maintenance of human flourishing. She says that "to flourish means to live within an optimal range of human functioning, one that connotes goodness, generativity, growth and resilience."
Being positive, it seems, is a very good thing...and a positive mental state is only the beginning!
For immediate shifts and powerful forward momentum we must shift our thinking beyond positive and embrace a dynamic and creative GENERATIVE approach. A generative approach moves thought to action. The generative approach generates new life and energy by focusing the brain on opportunities for change or growth instead of focusing on problems and weaknesses. By doing so, there is more capacity for learning and insight and we open possibilities to then take action to move toward that desired outcome.
5 KEY STEPS to Support a Generative Focus
1/ Identify and Acknowledge Reality
In order to think generatively and create new life, ideas and possibilities we have to be aware of and acknowledge (without judgment) the current reality or situation. Be real and be aware of the facts. Once the awareness is there, shift your focus. Rather than remaining focused on the lack, or the problem, move to Step 2 and begin to think generatively toward the future or conditions you want. Then watch the possibilities open up.
2/Think Generatively
The one question you must always ask yourself "Is this thought generative?"(Does it open possibilities and move me or the situation forward?) If not, reframe and ask yourself some generative mindset questions. e.g. / How could I shift my thinking about the current situation? What is the opportunity in this situation (vs. a focus on "lack", the "weakness" or problem). How could I change my perspective? Where could we grow? What could we change for a better result? Notice the mental space that opens up when you begin to think generatively.
3/ Focus Toward
Continue to focus and refocus your energy on the result or conditions you want, instead of focusing on what you don't want. Where thought goes, energy flows. Acting generatively will inspire you to move toward a solution instead of moving away from a problem. When examining a situation, or working to better it - approach your planning from a generative perspective. Feel the momentum that surges as a result.
4/ Speak Generatively (including your self-talk)
Communicating with language is a big responsibility - we speak an average of 15,000 words per day. Even a single word in a sentence has the power to shift our intended meaning from generative and forward-moving to stalling or damaging. When you speak, listen to your words - are they generative? What about your self-talk? Does your self-talk open up possibilities or do they shut them down? Use language that keeps the brain moving toward your desired state.
5/ Listen Generatively
Most often in conversation we listen with the intent of formulating a response. With a slight shift in focus, generative listening would have us listen with the intent to understand. Global consultant and MIT lecturer, C. Otto Scharmer, goes further and says that generative listening actually connects us to something larger than ourselves, and in essence we then start listening from "the emerging field of future possibility." Stay curious as you listen and feel the conversation open up.
Resources: Finding Your Overtone by Jan Carley www.findingyourovertone.com
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Lightbulb of the Month
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"Once I started working with generative music in the 1970s, I was flirting with ideas of making a kind of endless music - not like a record that you'd put on, which would play for a while and finish."
- Brian Eno, British producer and musician
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Finding Your Overtone - My new book is now on sale worldwide
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|  Finding Your Overtone isn't just a book - it's a system to unleash your extraordinary. You will learn:
*how to build an unshakeable foundation for your life or business
*how to use a generative approach to move from thought to action
*how to live and work in your sweet spot for remarkable results
NOW ON SALE in print and e-versions at your favourite online bookstore worldwide. More information at www.findingyourovertone.com |
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Attention: Professional Coaches renewing ACC credential in 2017
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Group Mentor Coaching Course with Jan Carley
Join Jan and do a deep dive into the ICF competencies to enhance your coaching skill set. Perfect for the coach needing Mentor Coaching hours for certification and also for the coach who wants to refresh their knowledge and sharpen their coaching proficiency.
You will experience 7 hours of intimate online group sessions designed to deepen your understanding and practical application of the ICF core competencies and have 3 hours of individual mentor coaching with Jan including auditing and mentor feedback of your coaching.
This 3 month course fulfills the requirements for the 10 hours of mentor coaching needed to renew your ICF ACC Credential, or for ACC and PCC non-ACTP applicants.
2017 Course Dates
Spring Cohort: May 15 - August 15
Fall Cohort: September 18 - December 18
(maximum 10 learners per cohort)
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About Jan Carley
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|  Jan Carley is a Professional Certified Executive Coach credentialed with the International Coach Federation. Known as a high-performance catalyst, Jan specializes in coaching individuals and teams to focus and expand their vision and leverage their signature strengths to open possibilities and maximize their potential. Jan's first book, Harmony from the Inside Out, has been acclaimed worldwide and is now in its 3rd printing. Her new book, Finding Your Overtone - A Guide to Personal and Organizational Success, is now available in online bookstores worldwide. Jan is Associate Faculty of the renowned Royal Roads University Executive Coaching Program, a Professional Mentor coach and a certified facilitator of the Strength Deployment Inventory ™ .
Jan lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and is available for individual & team coaching, workshops and speaking engagements worldwide.  Contact Jan at 604 873-1763 email: jan@creativecoachinggroup.com
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If you would like to reprint any part of this ezine in your blog or newsletter, please feel free to do so as long as you include the following credit information: Jan Carley inspires possibilities and leverages peak performance by coaching from the "inside out." Sign up to receive her free 15 page report, 5 Ways to Instantly Focus for Harmony and Success, and receive a free subscription to Jan's monthly coaching e-newsletter, LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT. Creative Coaching Group www.creativecoachinggroup.com
copyright 2017. All rights reserved
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