#BuildingBusinessConnections
Unlocking Potential: Empowering Others with Coaching Conversations
Leaders often tell us that their operational demands leave little time for the type of creative thinking they’d like to do. Developing coaching skills can empower your teams to come up with their own solutions, which can free you
up and potentially increase the levels of creativity and innovation within your organisation. Here’s our guide to getting started with a coaching-style conversation. 1. Cultivate curiosity. Instead of having your own solutions in mind, be genuinely curious about the other person’s ideas. 2. Ask open questions. Instead of a yes or no answer, ask open questions that invite consideration. 3. Let go of being right. While success in the past may have stemmed from having right answers, experiment with not knowing. 4. Trust your team. Know that your people can come up with great ideas given the space and support. 5. Practice listening. Listening is one of the most under-used skills, but it can be improved with practice. When someone else is speaking, tune fully into what
they’re saying instead of thinking about your response. When it’s your turn to speak, follow your curiosity and ask an open question about what they’ve just said. 6. Don’t let the first answer be the final answer. Practice saying ‘And what else?’ to generate more thinking. You’ll be surprised at what comes up. 7. Be discerning about when you use coaching skills. Coaching can and should sit alongside more directive approaches and training. Don’t worry if these skills don’t come naturally; it can take time to get comfortable with using a coaching style. To support you as you develop your skills, consider getting yourself some developmental coaching. To find out more about what we do at Kinkajou, including our coach-as-leader coaching, visit kinkajouconsulting.com
An opportunity to support your local community At Sussex Community Foundation we are committed to grant-making to enable and empower our amazing local charities and community groups. We are now excited to announce a huge opportunity to grow philanthropic support in Sussex even further with the Lawson Trust Endowment Match Challenge. How does it work? Until 1 October 2024, The Lawson Trust will add 50% to new donations to Sussex Community Foundation up to a maximum pledge of £500,000. Funds will be invested for long-term sustainability with a percentage of the capital used each year for grant-making to create life-changing impact for people across Sussex. Key Information on the Match Challenge • Donations must be given to endowment funds at Sussex Community Foundation.
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• The challenge is open to individuals & families, charitable trusts and businesses. • New donors can establish their very own fund with donation from £25,000 (or £100,000 if involved in selecting grants). • Existing fundholders can top-up from £10,000. • The maximum amount of match available is £50,000 per fund. • Donations from £10,000 will also be accepted into our pooled fund. This is an unrivalled opportunity to change Sussex for the better, for years to come, and get maximum impact from your investment. What next? Whether you’re considering working with Sussex Community Foundation for the first time, are an existing donor or provide financial, tax or legal advice for your clients, just get in touch to find out more. Contact: Stephen Chamberlain, Head Philanthropy,
stephen.chamberlain@sussexgiving. org.uk sussexgiving.org.uk/give-toyour-community/how-to-give/ lawsonmatchchallenge
Lunch Positive Brighton and Hove
