Incongruent : out of keeping; unexpected, not what you thought you were getting.

In a recent visit to Cape Town, we enjoyed some amazing food at the Waterside Restaurant at the V and A waterfront. Looking down at the menu we were intrigued by the course named catus garden.

It was a narrow trough of assorted catus plants. But nestled in amongst them masquerading as a catus was our palate cleanser (middle of the photo).

It could best be described as a solid Margarita sorbet – all tequila, chilli and lime, the spikes were flower stamens.

Creative and quirky- yes.

Delicious- utterly

 Incongruent – most definitely

And what has this to do with coaching?

There are times when working with my clients, they start to see and appreciate some aspect of their work from a different perspective, a different lens, something unexpected and incongruent.

The Chambers dictionary definition of courage is

The quality that enables people to meet danger without giving way to fear

My definition would be

Saying yes to something with no clear idea of how you will do it

Doing something that you had never considered before

Not being afraid to fail, because you know you won’t

On our recent adventure in Botswana, we came across a lioness who was, singlehandedly, raising 8 cubs. Her sisters were killed when the babies were about 3 months old. Not only did she lose her sisters, but she also lost an eye and has a deep gash in her face still.

So, in addition to her own twins, she suckled all 8. The cubs are now 6 months old and thriving- look at the photos.

She represents all the elements of my definition.

So what, what is the relevance for us at work?

Take another look at my definitions and ask yourself did you rise to the challenges at work and if you did how did you celebrate your courage?

This is thought provoking;

By boosting self awareness in our daily lives we might notice things we haven’t noticed before in ourselves, in others and in our surroundings. These changes may permeate many aspects of our lives, because being self aware is central to how we experience the world, The kind of consciousness we cherish- the kind that allows us to appreciate the smell of coffee, reflect on the beauty of a sunset- involves ‘meta awareness ‘, a state of knowing that we are conscious.

Vulnerability is definitely an under explored topic-for both men and women. Often seen as a weakness, I believe we should redefine it as a superpower which encompasses confidence, self awareness and authenticity.

Another glorious month in Bologna, living and speaking Italian. On our arrival hundreds of Bolognese were sporting blue and red colours. Their team had just reached the Champions leagues for the first time in 62 years. Know I loved the city especially when I saw cobalt blue and red napkins nestled together!

When I set up my coaching business, Cobalt Red, just under 5 years ago, I decided that 20% of my work would be offered on a pro bono basis.

I am delighted to announce that I have now coached over 50 pro bono clients from more than 12 African countries all of whom are the alumni of the African Leadership Academy (ALA). This seminal organisation takes the crème de la crème of young people from across the African continent. They are supported to complete their first degree, then often move on to Oxford, Harvard, Stanford and other prestigious universities for a second degree- be that a PhD or MBA.

They are undoubtedly the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow and the coaching partnership I create with them is the catalyst for so much more.

The experience is one which is challenging, rewarding and sometimes humbling-and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

My thanks go to my clients, some of whom are listed below and those at ALA who helped to have it happen.

Love this photo from one of our favouite restaurants in Bologna.

Not the usual place for bikes!

Have you read One Day by David Nicholls or perhaps you are watching the Netflix series?


is it ONE DAY
or
DAY ONE

and if it is not Day One
to what are you saying yes?
what is stopping you?
how are you going to address the obstacles you see and feel?
how important is this to you?

It is all about provoking disruption – which is how I describe my coaching style.