Jane’s Blog

Attention in the midst of distraction

1 September 2020

For me, September feels like the start of a new year. A shift from summer adventures to a more defined routine. And, for many, a new year of learning at school, college or university. It’s a time that demands a quicker pace and a sharper focus. The transition can be challenging in a normal year. This September it’s happening in the face of new uncertainties within our work and learning environments, the possibility of a second wave as autumn draws in, and our concerns for our economy, our businesses and our jobs. So my invitation to you, as we move into this uncertain phase, is to take a deep breath and find your focus.

Are we ready for what lies ahead?

1 August 2020

Where are we in the lifecycle of this pandemic? Is this the end of the beginning, or the beginning of the end? Or half time? And – as our days shorten and shadows lengthen – are we ready for whatever lies ahead? In this article I want to celebrate the phenomenal flexibility we’ve all mustered over many months. Let’s not take it for granted. Let’s acknowledge it so that we can own this vital capability and continue to adapt in the months ahead.

What does it mean to be a Thinking Environment and Why does it Matter?

19 July 2020

What if 2020 is the year we embrace change, in a way unlike we have ever done in the past? What if we would, more intentionally, generate the best thinking in others and ourselves, for the good of all? What if – with creativity, courage, and commitment – we chose to become a thinking environment for others?

When we’re busy being inclusive, who are we leaving out?

5 July 2020

It’s hard writing about inclusion. How can I do it with any kind of honesty without talking about exclusion. And, of course, exclusion is something that most of us have very little experience of. We’re learning that we need to do things differently. And as parents, teachers, mentors, coaches, teammates, employers and leaders we have the responsibility – and the power – to create inclusive environments. Many of us are working out what that means for the way we think and behave personally. Here I share what creating a safe, inclusive space means for me. I offer my thoughts on how we can be truly welcoming by creating environments in which we listen deeply to what others think, feel and want to say.

Meeting crisis with creativity

1 June 2020

We’re living through a paradox. A time of unimaginable disruption is being met with the most inspiring examples of human creativity, collaboration and compassion. We face a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tap into the creativity that is innate in all of us, and to express it in our own, unique way. Here I celebrate human creativity, and share my thoughts on how we can release and harness it, in ourselves and others.

The impact of developing further our Emotional Intelligence

22 May 2020

Meeting chaos with calm

1 May 2020

Recently I shared what I’ve learned while coaching leaders working on their impulse control. One month later, this emotional intelligence skill is critical for all of us. And it is being put to the test in many different ways and to extreme levels. I’ve been thinking about how we are responding to the very different challenges each of us are facing right now, and how we can meet the chaos with choice and calm.