Still learning

Results day arrived after my 2 year Masters in Coaching and Mentoring journey, and graduation day is on the horizon. Whilst now embroiled in the next step of my academic development with doctoral candidacy, I stopped and reflected on what the last two years have taught me.

There’s the immediately obvious answer to this question, that being the academic learning from modules such as “Transformational Learning and Adult Development”, “Psychotherapeutic Dimensions” or “Psychological Perspectives on the Self” plus everything else in between. However, outside of those, there have been some life lessons which have shaped me both personally and professionally……….

The importance of community of practice

Learning from each, sharing and supporting with a loving boot agreement was integral to the success of us all on my MA cohort. We used each other for feedback and critiquing work but that took courage. It’s hard to put oneself out there, hear critical feedback. However, if we don’t allow ourselves to be in that position, we don’t progress. It takes trust and a safety in knowledge that the feedback is coming from a position of positive intent, and we built that. It also meant putting ego to one side. Get over it, or otherwise run away, hide and don’t improve. 

To be vulnerable

Wearing the responsible shoes of a coach, I have the privilege of working with leaders who allow themselves to be vulnerable in the coaching arena, out of their comfort zones. As coaches, I believe it’s needed for us to be doing that too. There’s no hiding place when taking on a highly academically driven Masters like the MA at Oxford Brookes in Coaching and Mentoring. 

To surround myself with people I aspire to learn from

I’ve been with an inspirational cohort of peers and an established and acclaimed faculty of lecturers who guided, coached and taught us. From different backgrounds and disciplines, diverse life experiences, I’ve learnt from all. When it comes to academic development, I wanted to learn from the best in the evidenced based research field of coaching and mentoring. I certainly got that and much more.

The more I learn, the more I realise how much there is still to learn

I’m still learning. We never stop.  What I didn’t expect when I started the MA was to be embarking on the Professional Doctorate immediately after completing it, and that’s exactly what happened. The last two years have taught me is how important it is for me to strive for excellence in my field.  

What about you?

If you’re like me and have thought about academic development, but perhaps have reservations, nervousness, doubts, perhaps putting barriers in your own way as excuses, why not take the leap and dip your toes in the water to see what it feels like? From my experience, the reward of growth in knowledge was worth it. Believe in what you can achieve.

Happy to share my experiences with you, give me a call.