Here is Vanessas brilliant write up of our Sheffield Clandestine Cake club event on Saturday. http://jibberjabberuk.wordpress.com/category/recipes/baking/clandestine-cake-club/
Join us for future events via www.clandestinecakeclub.co.uk
5 tips for being a good Leader & how Life Coaching can help you get there !
Here are my ’5 keys to good leadership’ !
1. Can anybody become an effective leader?
Leadership is inspiring others to give their best effort despite what they believe to get things done.
I believe anyone can choose to be a good leader . People lead everyday , in all jobs, roles and walks of life. They may not realise it, and then if you pointed it out might say … oh that’s for the bosses , or I am too scared to be a leader ! When you understand the key skills and qualities needed , you can work towards being an effective leader..if that’s what you choose to be ! Some people may prefer research and project work, so it’s fine to acknowledge that ‘leading an organisation’ or being CEO is actually not for you . As a manager it’s good to find these strengths in people and make sure they are not overlooked just because they do not want to rise up a ‘traditional’ management tree
2. What 5 main skills do you think it takes to be a good leader?
Ability to have a vision ,and develop a strategy. If you don’t know where you want to be … how are you ever going to get there
Good communication skills, used in the right way ,at the right time
Emotional Intelligence & inspiring others to give their best effort despite what they believe to get things done ( as above )
Bravery & charisma all possible to learn thankfully !! Leading to confidence
Experience and knowledge with a willingness to learn
Ability to make and take decisions effectively
3. Can life coaching help people develop leadership skills? If so, how?
Coaching can help people understand where they want to be & how to get there, by setting goals, unpicking and working on the barriers to achieving these goals by questioning, exercises, visualisation, NLP techniques, a huge range of possibilities ,all tailored to their individual needs. It gives people a confidential space to work on their weaknesses ,and turn them into strengths. Coaching is especially good for Executive development as its a safe environment to face your fears , work through them, and practice new skills safely .
Help people understand the difference between a manager & a leader .
Identify the skills of a leader
-de mystify what being a leader actually means
- look at the skills they need
-surprise them with what they have already
-list the ones that they want & could learn
-build a strategy to get them there
-develop Brand me
-help them discover their inner confidence
Identify any blocks & how to remove or work round them ! I help them think about ….
- It’s OK not to be liked all the time.
- Ability to take decisions
- Ability to manage workloads & keep staff on board & high performing
- Really know yourself
-Give clear direction & purpose
-Be a brilliant networker at all levels
-Know what’s going on & position your team for success
-Be prepared to take a stand
-Able to consider what’s at stake for you & your team & stand up for it
-Help your staff grow & develop in their jobs , building a great team.
-Demand the best from your team
-Realize leadership is NOT about you, its about the needs of the team, organisation & individual . Get over yourself !!
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www.karenperkinslifecoach.co.uk
10 Tips for using Google Alerts (Your own personal News & PR feed!!)
Use Google alerts to follow any topic on the web & feed into your PR
Step 1 Get a Google account and G mail account
Step 2 Sign into Google
Step 3 Google ‘Google alerts ‘
Use the HELP …it is actually helpful !!
Google explains their service like this “ Google Alerts are e mails sent to you when Google finds new results — such as web pages, newspaper articles, or blogs — that match your search term. You can use Google Alerts to monitor anything on the Web. For example, people use Google Alerts to:
Here’s how it works:
For general queries like [ football ], you can get a summary of the new results every day. For specific topics, like [ cardiovascular atherosclerosis ], you might not get an email every day, but you’ll find out when something new and relevant is published. See more examples of how Google Alerts are used “
Step 4 Get alerts sent to your G mail account daily /weekly Set up alerts
Step 5 Choose the type of info can you get ?
-videos -books -articles -reviews -products
Step 6 So if you collect china cats you can request alerts on China cats
Then you can
· Step 7 What else could you use them for ?
Step 8 Be an expert from your own laptop ! Polite Hint
Step 9 For more Social media advice and Tips #quickfast Contact me to book your 1 to 1 social media session !
www.karenperkinslifecoach.co.uk
Step 10 Call me on 07971 881251 or e mail me at karen@kperkins.fsbusiness.co.uk
Follow me on Twitter @fabcoach
© Karen Perkins 2013
Today’s world is so hectic that people are always contacting me looking for ways to achieve order and relaxation in their lives. They often ask me amongst other goals, to help them plan to de-clutter their homes and to take back control of their gardens, making them peaceful, tranquil places to relax and unwind. Life coaching can help people learn to manage their busy lives and work out what to prioritise and change. Order can bring tranquillity, however that’s not necessarily at the expense of innovation, creativity and wonderfulness.
Classical figure
Choosing a classical style can create a calming effect in your garden. This is true no matter how small or large your garden, you could combine a small distinctly classical area near to your house, with the rest being ‘wilder ‘ and easy maintenance. choosing a few key garden sculptures and lawn ornaments to get a decorative feel without being cluttered. Easy maintenance gardening using planters allows you to spend more time relaxing amongst the scents !
Classic gardens are all about symmetry and balance. They can be very formal, with strong architectural features, or they can be somewhat softer and more lavishly floral. Neatly manicured, the classic style is often accented by topiaries and framed by distinct edges and walkways. A fountain is often the focal point of this style. Water features provide a soothing sound .
1 Statuary allows you to have one or two pieces with lots of small beautiful detail to catch the eye without dominating the relaxing feel of the garden. The actual design of the items such as Wall Planters, Wall Plaques, Wall Fountains, Bird Baths, Garden Urns and Vases is important as well produced designs will incorporate classical features of proportion and dimensions key to a calming effect. The use of natural materials also adds to the a feeling of realism. It’s also important to get frost-proof models, which stay out all year round without damage . Some suppliers such as Ornate Products work in natural stone and employ designers to create unique realistic classical designs.
A classical garden style suggests a calm and ordered garden.
2 Typical plant types that you will find in a classical garden are delphiniums, lupins, lavender, phlox, peonies, roses, you will notice a theme here of beautiful scents & colours. Draw a plan of your garden, mark on where you want to plant, find out the flowering season of the plants and try and get a range that flower from early spring to late summer. Perennials are best for the relaxed garden as they come up every year & just need pruning. Box parterres and mini hedges are perfectly possible in a small urban garden.
Slow growing roses also offer delicious scents( check with your garden centre for the best varieties ) with low maintenance .
3 Herbs especially in an ordered layout are a brilliant feature too – especially Woody types. For a small classical garden, choose a square planter for your mini herb garden, for larger spaces the lines of different foliage and flowers make a very decorative display, are easy to maintain , smell delicious, can be used in cooking and home made gifts. They can be set within your small box hedges.
4 Accessories are the finishing touches It’s great to see how naturalistic, and soothing stone features can look in a classical setting Well positioned planters can really help to transform a dank and dour area of your garden into a more cheerful space.
5 Helpful sources of inspiration
I get lots of gardening tips from members of the NGS scheme . Poptastic Dave opens his garden regularly .he suggested some of the scented planting for this post. The NGS scheme is a great idea as you can relax by going to visit different gardens, and eat cake at the same time , getting tips for your own garden, plus cuttings and plants. Their website has lots of locations across the UK, and you could pick ‘classical ‘ examples to visit.
Others include National Trust properties , classical locations could be Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire,or Clandon Park, Surrey with its box parterres.
For good quality garden ornaments and accessories in natural stone you could try Ornate products http://www.ornateproducts.co.uk
New products are available all the time .
For more information about how my Life Coaching can help you ‘build a relaxing future’ please contact me on 07971 881251 to book a free 30 minute taster. More details about coaching can be found on my website www.karenperkinslifecoach.co.uk
1 Keep out of their face ! Make sure your kids know you are rooting for them whatever their results are , and support them by keeping calm.
2 Don’t panic . Avoid hovering around them and looking agitated. When you drop them off at school , or when they are leaving the house .. well beforehand ask if they everything they need, and just be quiet, ask if there is anything they need .
3 Prepare well in advance … get the exam timetable , revision guides etc at the start of the academic year . Make sure your kids understand what’s expected of them ,and how to revise … its not just writing out endless notes.
4 Have lots of revision treats to hand Healthy ( raisins, carrots, dried fruit, bananas,juice water ) & less healthy ( haribos, sugar free gum ). Carbohydrates ie good comforting pasta meals are good for revision .
5 Don’t nag. Tidy up around them subtly removing mugs and plates etc .. a bit of tidying to keep their room or revision space dcluttered.
6 Try and find a quiet space in your home for their revision… or grandparents /relatives home. Its great if they can revise away from their bedroom so they have a nice school free space to relax in. There’s always the school library, local library you ccan use.
7 Bribes !! Not everyone agrees with this .. ask your kids what would motivate them… maybe a meal out afterwards, a small payment for each exams etc .I asked mine to tell me first and was pleasantly surprised at how modest their requests were !! One child was motivated by £5 per O level. However treat them whatever happens as you don’t want to add ‘performance ‘ stress.
8 Get a spare calculator and batteries ready… make sure you have enough printer ink & comfy biros in case of pre exam panics
9 Get the exam timetable .. don’t book annoying trips to relatives ,or holidays during revision & exams or force kids to go … ask your employer to let you use your flexitime /leave so you can drop off or be there if your child is particularly anxious.
10 Read some great advice, with links to good websites for parent and kids on the Derbyshire County Council website http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/14_19/revision/default.asp
Finally praise your kids …its not true that exams used to be harder in your time… some A levels cover what would be degree level work in the past !!
If your child finds it hard to be motivated or plan ,then book them some coaching !! http://www.karenperkinslifecoach.co.uk/teenage-coaching-sheffield.html
Phone me on 07971 881251 t book a free 30 minute taster.
Life coaching is something that people often choose to help them improve their work-life or life-life balance. My recent work includes coaching people around…
One question I ask people is
-who has inspired you ?
-what do you admire about them ?
Often this helps people describe things they would like to change or improve !
So here are 3 of the women that have inspired me and my coaching business !
Jess inspires from an enormous poster in Barkers Pool Sheffield
Jessica Ennis, CBE is a British track and field athlete specialising in multi-eventing disciplines and 100 metres hurdles. A member of the City of Sheffield Athletic Club, she is the current Olympic heptathlon champion. She has inspired me to persevere and keep focussed. She has managed to be a brilliant athlete whilst still completing a psychology degree and keeping her feet on the Sheffield ground ! She is a great role model as she keeps fit, exercises and keeps healthy. She is also not ‘stick thin’ and is proud of her athletic body shape. She inspires young women to keep healthy , and be proud of their appearance , in a positive way. Her coach Dr Steve Peters wrote a book called ‘The Chimp Paradox’ which helps people control the ‘distracting chimp’ part of their personality ,and re focus on the goal ahead. Jess has benefited from this approach and I have used it with my coachees ! Jess is the living proof that the approach can work !
Coaching has given her
Inspiring Apprentices
Karren Brady inspires me because she has shown that its possible to combine career, motherhood and passion for your interests ,like football . Eeek , football.. its great to see her success in what was then a very male dominated management structure . She started work at 18,and became a company director at only 22. At 24 she was put in charge of Birmingham City football club, and then became the youngest MD of any UK PLC when the club floated on the AIM market. Phew … she seems so calm and takes everything in her stride. Her story of not giving up, and believing that she could succeed in whatever she did makes her a great role model. She appears on the Apprentice and dispenses her comments and ‘tips’ to viewers as she goes along. I often get my coachees to watch the Apprentice as homework, and observe ‘positive and motivating behaviours ‘.
Inspirational Women
Beginning her broadcasting career in 1994 on Radio 2, Clare Balding began work as a presenter and journalist working on BBC 5Live and Radio 2 presenting sport. She is inspirational as she was an authority on horse racing , in a male dominated world, and drew respect for her knowledge and quality of her commentating and expertise.
She is inspirational as she appears to effortlessly commentate on key events , but with a very personable and human touch. She is a good role model for young people showing how you can be professional and not pushy .Her career has gone from strength to strength, now making her a key figure in the sporting world after presenting and reporting from a range of Olympic and Paralympic Games, BBC Rugby League coverage and several Grand Nationals. She has shown that women can aspire to achieve acclaim and awards including Sports Presenter of the Year, Racing Journalist of the Year and Racing Broadcaster of the Year in 2003.
I love writing and Clare shows what can be achieved having columns in The Observer, Evening Standard and The Sporting Life, as well completing her autobiography . It shows what you can do if you put your mind to it.
So if you want to see what Inspirational women can teach you in both work and life then coaching is an excellent way to discover what you want to change and make a plan to get there.
You could also go to hear one of these women talk about their personal experiences in one of their motivational talks. Clare Balding not only does her broadcasting work , but also does presentations , inspirational talks and hosts at conferences. Both Clare and Karren Brady appear to talk about their experiences and passion for the work they do . They are signed up to http://www.primeperformers.co.uk/category/women-speakers/
You can also book a 30 minute free coaching taster by contacting me on 07971 881251 or www.karenperkinslifecoach.co.uk
Karen Perkins Life Coach Sheffield
With all the pressures on your time these days, this Jam recipe is perfect for using fresh ingredients and only 25 minutes of your time. From fruit to jar in 25 minutes !
The recipe is a traditional one from my ex mother in law who at 93, has embraced modern technology and brought her Jam recipe into the ‘teenies ‘ decade using the microwave . I was dubious to start with but have found that making microwave Jam avoids all the boiling and hot sugar dangerousness of the old fashioned pan method .Re-using your favourite shaped jam jars and personalising them for vintage presents that people love as’ home made’ shows a real ‘effort’ and care ! If you want to sell your jam for charity fund-raising or your own business or start up , having personalised labels really makes your jam stand out and look appealing. You can add all your business details, charity website and photos on sites which sell customised labels for jam and preserve makers .
Ingredients
400g chopped, washed strawberries ( experiment with all sorts of fruit )
400g Jam making Sugar ( which already has pectin for setting the jam included )
Juice of small lemon
Small knob ( 1/4 teaspoon ) of Butter or Pure ( for lactose intolerant or vegans )
Prepare the following on a clean surface ready to pot your jam
2 – 3 warm Jam jars and lids ( sterilise by microwaving with hot water )
3 greaseproof paper circles to pop on top of your jam in the jar
3 personalised Labels to add the perfect finishing touches ( Order your own at http://www.selfadhesivelabels.com/printed-labels/jar-labels/jam-labels/
3 Circular jam covers cut from Vintage cloth with crimping scissors ( 15cm or 6″ diameter )
Now to make the Jam.. it’s so quick
Method
1 Chop and wash strawberries & microwave for 2 minutes in deep pyrex bowl ( to stop over boiling later )
2 Weigh 400g of Jam making sugar and stir into strawberries
3 Add the juice of small lemon or ( 2 tablespoons)
4 Microwave the mixture for 6 lots of 2 minutes on High. That’s 12 minutes in total. Stir between each blast . Use oven gloves and be careful of the jam as you work as HOT JAM sticks to your skin and burns .
5 Test for setting by dribbling a small amount on a cold clean plate held at an angle.
6 Stir in the knob of butter
7 Using a jam funnel or large spoon/ladle carefully fill the jam jars to within 2 cm of the top . TAKE CARE WHEN POURING HOT JAM , wipe off any drips.
8 Pop the greaseproof circles onto the jam surface & press down gently
9 Secure lids well and leave to cool .
10 When cool, stick your labels on and pop on the jam pot covers. 2 handed approach to pop the rubber band on works best.
11 Enjoy eating ,giving or selling your lovely Jam !
Thanks to Mercian Labels for all the advice on getting labels designed and printed on line ! http://www.selfadhesivelabels.com/satisfied-mercian-customers/
For Life Coaching and Jam making business coaching with Social media contact me on 07971 881251 or via my website www.karenperkinslifecoach.co.uk
I went on a 12 mile walk today with Faye Smith and her Homestart Sheffield fundraising posse. I wan’t sure if I could do it but got into my stride. I did go off track and strayed onto the 17 mile route , by walking up Higger Tor by accident , but i made it back to the party at Burbage carpark via the ice cream van. My tips for a comfortable walk
1 Wear 1000 mile socks with a double lining to stop blisters
2 Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun and wind/dust/insects
3 Get your suncream on
4 Take plenty of water and fruit
5 Take a map print them on line or borrow one from your local library & check the route lol
Come and join the Netwalkers in Sheffield for networking with a stroll up Porter Valley ! Follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/NetWalking-Sheffield/188044874605668?fref=ts
For Speed date walks contact me on 07971 881251 or via my website www.karenperkinslifecoach.co.uk
Faye Smith and Karen Perkins with their Stanage Stumble Certificates for 12 miles !
Are you looking to do an MBA … well Sheffield Uni have scholarships available #free with fees paid follow the link to the Sheffield Uni management school .
The University of Sheffield Management School is in the top 1% of business schools worldwide. Triple accreditation from – AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB – an honour that has been bestowed on only 58 Schools worldwide. So go and look on their website
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mba
For career and business coaching contact Karen Perkins www.karenperkinslifecoach.co.uk
Spring clean your career with an MBA upgrade !
