minds, metaphors and (ethical) manipulation
Posts tagged Clean Language
How does Instant X-Ray Listening actually work?
Aug 16th
I recently tested a new approach to coaching: offering instant, short (30 minutes max) phone or skype sessions to anyone whose thinking was “stuck”.
Many thanks to everyone who helped me trial the idea. It seems people certainly valued being able to get inexpensive help, from their own home.
Most clients got the breakthrough they needed very quickly. For example, Lesley Lyle said: “Ten minutes into the conversation and Judy had put me in touch with the things which had seemed like thoughts just out of my grasp. Whispy thoughts that have turned into simple, practical tasks that I just need to get on with. Judy, thank you so much, one simple session has cleared my head and allowed me to see the light.”
I had no doubt that my clients would get dramatic results: it’s been my experience for so long that I’d be shocked if that didn’t happen. I knew I’d enjoy the work and want to do more of it (read on if you’d like to book a session).
What I’d failed to realise was that people who didn’t know me or my work would need to be convinced that such rapid change was even possible. And once they were convinced More >
What happened to the parrot?
Feb 13th
A former mentor of mine, my old journalism lecturer Gerry Kreibich, has been writing his memoirs online.
One of his posts includes an excellent reminder of the need to stay “Clean” when interviewing – that is, to avoid guesses, presuppositions and speculations, to ask simple, open questions in a logical sequence – and how difficult many people find this apparently simple task.
Describing trainees’ performance in a mock interview with a man whose house has durned down, he writes: “I have heard inventive reporters come up with every possible speculation as to what he did when he woke up – Did you phone the fire brigade? . . . Did you knot sheets together? . . . Did you think you were perhaps dreaming? . . . Did you bang on the wall to alert the neighbours? Some, making the story up as they go along, have asked, Was there a ladder in the room, y’know, from decorating, that you used for your escape? And then, clearly with decorating still in mind – Was there anything particularly inflammable in the house, like cans of paint, that you were frightened might make it worse? A simple ‘What did you do then?’ would have sufficed More >
How to win a masterclass place: act now
Feb 3rd
When I wrote the e-book Six Practical Ways to Use Clean Language at Work, I had no idea how successful it would be.
The key thing I had in mind was the fact that many people had learned some Clean Language and were letting it go to waste, by passing up everyday opportunities to use it. I wanted to change that, because I know how valuable Clean Language can be.
In coaching, it helps people to know themselves better. And in the workplace, it can help you to get to know other people better, communicate with them more effectively, reduce misunderstandings, and deliver better services for clients – a sure way to promotion, pay rises, increased profits and so on.
I just wish I’d known about Clean Language years ago, when I was working full-time in the corporate world, managing large teams and bleeding-edge IT projects. I know it would have made a real difference: maybe, just maybe, my beloved Teletext would still be on air (it closed just before Christmas).
So, here’s the thing. Now I’ve given away more than 200 copies of the e-book – and I still don’t know if anyone’s using what they’ve learned!
Time for an incentive.
Send me an email More >
