A Christmas gift for you.
Something a bit different for December
The festive season is upon us and this is my last email of 2024.
It’s my view that December is a terrible time for reflecting on how the year has gone, or for making plans for next year. So I’m not going to suggest you do any of that.
Focus on getting through to the holidays and eating mince pies!
Instead, I thought I’d try something a little different. Rather than the usual one-topic focus, I’m sharing some resources and recommendations that you might find helpful – as well as a discount on my new online training courses.
Think of it as an early Christmas gift (and maybe one to bookmark for the new year).
Wishing you all the best for the festive season – however you celebrate – and here’s to a happy and successful 2024.
Ruth
Free stuff from me
There are loads of articles on my blog and on this Substack, free to read whenever you want. Here are some that are always popular.
Some recommendations
Podcasts and newsletters
For those interested in workplace culture, Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat is a great mix of guests and reflections on how we work, and why, especially in a hybrid world.
I also recommend the Squiggly Careers podcast – lots of different topics on all areas related to personal development and all only about half hour long, which all podcasts should be in my opinion!
I love the Weekly Dose newsletter from Another Door. Each week there is a new thought-prompt, or model, or idea to explore. Lots of variety. Well worth subscribing.
If you are interested in the fascinating world of Transactional Analysis (I am!), then Translate:Relate is a great place to start for accessible explanations and practical applications.
Books
If you’re looking for something a bit longer to get your teeth into, here are some books that I regularly recommend. (I’m linking to Amazon here, but local bookshops are also available!)
This is a great exploration of how humans disagree, from the theoretical (why disagreement is good for us) to the practical (how to do it well). It’s probably my most often recommended book - very readable, too.
Happy High Status by Viv Groskop
I loved Viv’s first book How To Own The Room, and the concept of Happy High Status was the one that really stuck with me. I’ve talked about it in group coaching and workshops. And now there is a whole book exploring the topic. Being Happy High Status is about being open and comfortable with who you are – which is the absolute best source of confidence.
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stenier
I’m often asked about how managers can develop their own coaching skills. This book makes it really simple and accessible to take a coaching approach on a day to day basis.
And finally, a gift from me to you…
I have just launched two new online training courses (more on that in the new year). To celebrate getting them online, I’m offering a special Early Bird price for my subscribers. They’re usually £60 each, but if you use the code launch50 at checkout you will get £10 off.
This covers the things you need to know to manage the work whilst supporting the team. Authenticity, motivation, boundaries and delegation - it’s all here!
Why are some conversations tough, and how can we make sure they are open and constructive? This course starts by inviting you to reflect on your own triggers, and then provides practical tools to manage potential conflict.
Each is about an hour long, broken into 10 minute sections for you to work through at your own pace.
Sign up between now and the end of February and use launch50 to get £10 off.