What possible connection can poetry have to coaching leaders and their teams?
Well, poetry can be a catalyst for helping clients to see solutions to their problems in a new way. Especially when it feels like a conversation with an individual or a group has come to a full stop; it is often a line of poetry, or a metaphor, that can release the imagination to see a particular context and the world at large with new eyes.
David Campbell used to say that poetry helps us to rediscover for ourselves a part of the world, however small, that we already know. And then, somehow, it sets us on another course.
On a personal level, poetry can feed the soul and the imagination. It can lead into a quiet, reflective space and offers time to think as velocity continually knocks at the door. So, there are many connections between poetry, coaching and ''being oneself more with skill as a leader'1.
If you would like to know more and read my first slim volume of poetry called Golden Threads, priced at £10.00 & P+P, please click on the following button order a copy:
1Goffee, R. & Jones, G. (2006). Why Should Anyone be Led by You? Harvard Business School Publishing.
Georgina Noakes set up Bright Side Productions in 1997 to offer coaching, leadership and development to senior executives and their teams. Bright Side creates and implements systemic leadership & coaching initiatives designed to enhance personal and team performance in organisational life.