“How will you look after yourselves this week?” our coaching supervisor asked.
It was a fair question.
My co-facilitator and I were about to deliver a client-centred leadership programme at a hotel by an industrial estate outside Birmingham. It’s a full week with few opportunities to venture further afield.
This is difficult for me as I love – and need – nature for my own wellbeing. After long days at work, how could I possibly decompress in this landscape of motorways, concrete blocks and warehouses?
But as I walked around the complex every evening, the answer began to reveal itself in the balmy summer air.
I spotted Pearlwort between the brickwork. I came across a beautiful Linden tree at the back of a warehouse. I spied a bumble bee in a scruffy Willowherb. I even smelled fragrant Lavender on a living wall installation.
The more I looked, the more I saw. And so every evening this week, I’d wander around the industrial estate and notice glimpses of nature.
It wasn’t the surroundings that needed changing – it was my approach.
And funnily enough, this has been one of the best weeks I’ve had delivering this programme. I just needed a new pair of eyes.
True Horizon Coaching 