Life in the Engine Room

This weekend I had an ah-ha moment. I’m honored to witness a lot of those in others, and experience quite a few myself, but after months of working with sales coaches and business coaches, struggling to “put myself out there”, this felt particularly useful. ?Because you see, I have a dilemma.

I want to do what I can in my space to change the world, and I don’t want to shout about it.

I want to use the skills I have developed, the experiences I have had, the education I have been given, the learning from amazing teachers (even people who did not know they were teaching me!), AND I don’t want to brag about them. And I am aware that I have many privileges that others don’t have even as I have had experiences that others would not want.

Where the AH-HA came from.

I was reading a post by the wonderfully experimental and pioneering coach Nelly Nguyen about connecting coaching with storytelling.

This Saturday’s post had us exploring the relationship between Hogwarts Houses (yes Harry Potter) and #characterstrengths. We started with bravery and went on from there.

Before anyone starts passing judgement about the frivolous, lighthearted and playful approach to strengths, just remember that one of the leaders in the character strengths field Ryan Niemiec , partnered with @Danny Wedding to identify strengths in movies. When we can see strengths personified in the characters we admire and the villains we love to hate, we learn to cultivate them ourselves.

Eventually, the online discussion this weekend moved into Star Wars characters. I would be Chewbacca and Nelly would be Obi-Wan Kenobi.

These two characters stand back, they are humble, sometimes impatient, generous and want the bast for others. They are critical to the storyline, but their influence is subtle and quiet. The whisper to the lead characters comes from behind. Their presence empowers the main characters to excel, to do brave acts, and to defeat challenge after challenge. And are also willing to sacrifice everything for the good of the community to which they belong.

Connect with me, find out where I am speaking and more/ Click on the image below:

Living in the Engine Room

This took me back to my project & program management days.

My favorite kinds of programs and projects in my corporate life were what I call “engine room projects”.

They were generally grubby, often out of sight, and most people did not want to know about the intricate details of how they worked. The people on those teams were professional, took pride in their work, considered it to be the backbone of the enterprise and were happy to be out of the limelight. We were the people who people would forget to invite to the program celebrations, and would in any case prefer to celebrate in their own way, together.

I love the engine room. Without it the ship does not move forward. Without it no one is going anywhere. This is where the pressure is high, the heat is intense and there are not many people signing up to volunteer.

In projects I have been on, our being out of sight has meant we can create the working environment that works best for US. Noone is going to notice our time keeping, that we changed the layout of our workspace, that we reassigned people according to passion, purpose, and skill and not job titles. We were always striving for the best outcome – but quietly.

Luckily for me nearly all my roles were offered to me through the grapevine. Someone moved companies and they would recommend me. Someone would remember me years later and would reach out to see if I was available. I NEVER once had to “advertise”.

In the end though, I had had enough of project and program management, leading teams without any authority really to do so and forging relationships with team members whatever the organizational culture. Some days we were swimming against the tide but sometimes we would initiate a change. ?

Once I had decided my career in project management was over – and I was in it for 25+ years so I think I gave it a fair trial! – it was coaching, training, and speaking that called to me. I wanted to be able to share the many things I have learned with my teams and my other colleagues so that people could have more of the working experiences I have had – where the team is a community, and we support each other in every way.

Coaching - my continuing journey

I completed my first coaching training, practiced with connections who were willing to get free coaching from a neophyte! I decided I needed more training, and pursued that, and like so many other coaches, I hesitated to put myself out into the world as a resource for others. I did not think I knew enough or was ready. ?I did not want to persuade people I can help them, that I am good at this, that I know things that make the coaching effective, that I am always learning and honing my skill.

Suddenly, I was making a transition that meant I had to stop creeping around in the shadows, or down below. I must share with people what we can do and where we can go together!

The joy of coaching – the relationship

Coaching is about rapport, and it is also about skill in managing time, energy, and focus. It is about trusting the client, trusting the process of uncovering the client’s strengths and needs. It means creating a safe space that helps the client feel valued and honored. In fact, since my most recent coaching training, I spend a few minutes before each session not reading my notes but focusing on how extraordinary my client is. I think about their strengths, their resilience, their bravery. Being a coach means juggling any number of other things – we may look all serene and peaceful, but we are always doing a LOT. ?(Anyone who says “the client does all the work” is only half right in my opinion!)

The testimonials I have received over my career so far, blow my mind, and usually bring a tear. Whether it is speaking, coaching, or training, I cannot believe that people find working with me “life-changing”, “extraordinary”, “engaged”, “insightful”, or my personal favorite “not for the faint of heart”.

But putting aside my imposter syndrome for a moment – yes coaches are human too – what could be better than to be the catalyst of change that people are looking for? ??When a client expresses excitement and about a change they have made, or marvels at an insight they have experienced, or achieves the goal the set out to pursue I am complete. If 1% of that was made possible by anything I did or said, then that is a tremendous honor and privilege.

AND it does not make me any more of a Luke Skywalker or a Han Solo. It does not make me the main character in any story. And that is fine by me.

In case you are still wondering what it is that coaches do and why it might be tiring here is an excerpt from the forward of Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious –

Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious, Foreword - Ruth Pearce & Wiley Book Publishing 2024

“I think there is a lot of magic and miracle work in coaching. And the art and science of coaching are much misunderstood and often underestimated. It is not just the way the coaching process works but the very idea of a coach. We may look as though all we have to do is sit and listen and ask a question now and then. In fact, we are admonished by our training not to do too much of the work. “Leave the work to the client,” our trainers tell us. The truth is that there is plenty of work for the coach. But what does the coach actually do?

• We keep time—and not just minute by minute so that we can abruptly interrupt your flow with a brash “Our time is up.”
• We let you know where we are and check in with progress. As much as we can, we bring the session to a “soft landing,” leaving you with things to think about, maybe act upon, but not leaving you hanging.
• We listen for themes—insights and topics that come up again and again.
• We observe and highlight shifts in energy—excitement, lethargy, enthusiasm, and dismay.
• We maintain a safe space for whatever you want to express, which is sometimes a rollercoaster of emotions.
• We keep your secrets, always honoring the confidentiality and trust of the relationship.
• We remind you of your goals and help you adjust them any time you change your mind.
• We focus exclusively on you until it is time to stop.
• We stay connected with your story between sessions and connect the dots throughout the arc of the coaching relationship.
• We tailor our approach to take account of the uniqueness of you.
• We temper personal curiosity (“Tell me about your job”) while using curiosity to expand your awareness (“What do you need me to know about your job for me to be helpful?”).
• We look at things from your perspective while inviting you to look at things from a different point of view.
• And, believe me, it takes more energy to withhold an obvious piece of advice than to share it. But we know that as tempted as you are to ask for the solution, your success will feel sweeter when you come up with your own plan.
• We challenge, encourage, and cheer for you, and we celebrate your wins. And then we reset and do it again for the next client.

I wish I could more effectively communicate the value of coaching and the investment we make to be good coaches… ”

Coaches want you to be your best you. We are the bridge between who you are and who you dream of being. We are catalysts, listeners, instigators and challengers. We are your biggest supporters, and we know we have done a good job when you are ready to leave!

The interesting thing about coaching is that you have to trouble the comfortable, and comfort the troubled. - Ric Charlesworth, former Australian national women's field hockey coach.

Want to know more? Explore on your own or join the book club!

Available in Kindle, E-pub and Print.

Purchase price includes access to join an 11-month book club with the author.

Explore, question, add, take away, apply and expand the four pillars of the book – #Hope, #Strengths, #Bravery and #Curiosity.

Explore this stage of your life journey in the context of: Inspiration; Normalization; Improvisation; Co-Creation; Expectation. Conversation, Exploration and Transformation. Continue your journey with Intention!

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Ruth Pearce is the Change Wizard, providing #training, #speaking – specializing in keynotes that really are KEY NOTES – #coaching, and #mentoring.

Let's have a chat about how I can make magic for and with you! Click on the link and choose speed coaching, or a meetup!

Give me a group, any group, to work with and I am HAPPY!

I find it hard to describe what I do or explain it.

So, don’t ask me, check out what just a few of my life-journey collaborators have to say! They are the true arbiters of what I can do for you!

Books:

Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious – 5 stars (2024) Wiley Books

WOW! This is a masterclass!

This book is a masterclass for coaches, coachees, and anyone who wants to go on a journey of self-exploration. The embedded questions are making me think hard, and the case studies with real people are fascinating and helpful. I was skeptical of the price point of this book at first, but after receiving it and diving in, I’ve realized the cost is a minuscule fraction of the value I’m getting. Thank you for writing this important book!

Dawn Mahan, PMP PMO Executive Advisor, Founder, PMOtraining.com, USA

?What a fantastic overview of what coaching entails!

The case studies bring to life the magical aspects of coaching which are the 'light bulb moments' when coachees discover the power/strength within themselves. The guidance notes for selecting a coach are spot on. Absolutely amazing book, I highly recommend!

Irene Poku MSc PCC UN Women UK Delegate to the UN CSW67 &CSW68, UK

Be a Project Motivator – 4.1/5 stars (2018) Berrett-Koehler

People in high-performing teams recognize each others strengths

I loved this book because it highlights the importance of strength-spotting in the workplace. When individuals are acknowledged for their character strengths they are far more committed to delivering their best! Project managers who actively engage and encourage strength-spotting create highly productive, engaged teams. Kudos to Ruth for writing a book that delivers this important message.

Pamela Bond – Author, Project Manager (retired)?

Evidence Based, Reliable & Human

Ruth has brought Positive Psychology and the concept of using one's strengths into the Project Management world. And, she has done it using evidence-based methods and unique research on the traits that are most prevalent in the discipline. This is not an ordinary read, but a solid, reliable, yet human, approach to delivering projects.

Dr. Josh Ramirez, NPPQ, PMP Institute for Neuro & Behavioral Project Management USA

Speaking - Keynotes & Breakouts 4.7/5 stars

Ruth, you have impressed me greatly with your welcoming style of facilitation.? You engage others through emotional connection, subject matter expertise, humility and humor.

Pamela Bond – Author, Project Manager (retired), USA?

Very much enjoyed this [session]. This has given me new "tools" to work with clients as well as to tackle my own fears. Thank you!

Wellcoaches Webinar Attendee, USA

I had the immense pleasure of attending one of Ruth's workshops on Social Intelligence in Dublin recently. Ruth is a highly talented and skilled facilitator and coach. Her depth of knowledge married with her ability to gain genuine rapport with the audience makes her a delight to watch. The takeaways and insight were no less than superb.

Jamil Qureshi Ted-X speaker, Performance Coach, UK

This is a dispersed team and difficult to get to actually talk and engage in discussions.? I was amazed at how Ruth was able to bring them out and get them to discuss and share on a Zoom call.

Paul Farley Director R&D, 波科 USA

Coaching – 84% of clients rated as amazing/life-changing

Ruth is the best coach I could have ever asked for, so I consider myself lucky to have found her. All sessions we had were eye-openers, intriguing and life changing. After every session, I was looking forward to our next session. I could have sessions with her every day – not because it was necessary, I merely loved to have conversations with a person full of resources and knowledge.

?zge Ayen Caner – Attorney at Law, BCI , CAN

Ruth is a phenomenal coach. She approaches her work with the most lovely curiosity--and a palpable desire to support the very best in others. She's warm, funny, candid, direct and has a way of leading me to questions without asking them--simply, masterful coaching. I recommend Ruth without hesitation--she's a gem.

Jennifer de Montmollin Director of Member Services, YWCA USA USA

“Ruth is THE person you want to work with.”

Marjorie Aunos , TED-X speaker, Adapt-ability consultant, CAN

Let me be honest, RUTH is not for the faint at heart... she is ruthless in her quest to help you achieve, thrive and not just survive. If this is what you need she is the best at it. She will question, probe and help you to self discover your own path for success.

LaShawnda Bryant, MBA ChFC Territory Sales/Recruiting Executive, State Farm Agent USA

Training – private, bespoke & LinkedIn for Learning average rating 4.7/5 stars

It was an absolute pleasure to have Ruth Pearce earce from Pearce Insights? hts lead a training session during our recent strategy meeting for the NCPMI PMI Board of Directors. Ruth's expertise in tailoring her presentation to resonate with our specific needs was exceptional. Her ability to speak in the language of her audience, adapting to our unique context and challenges, was not just impressive but incredibly effective.

Damien Perez, MSM, PMP , President NCPMI (Project Management Institute, North Carolina Chapter)

I would definitely recommend to both PMs and their supervisors.

Tamara Kushwaha Director Partner Experience Group, Equity Services, Inc. USA

This course should be mandatory for people in projects (not just the PM) and those who manage project people. Excellent course.

Stephen Hughes Project Manager BAE Systems AUSTRALIA

Content is moving from the theoretic part of project management and to the practical subjective parts which is a key role for any project manager. Good lessons especially in unlocking the teams strengths and bringing them together.

Eliud Irungu Delivery Lead, CloudFactory KENYA

Inspirational! Great presenter! I was totally engaged,

Carmen Tucker PFSO, CPE Port Facilities Manager, BERMUDA