Ever been asked by your client to "be more challenging"? How do you respond to that? What does effective challenge look like and what are the issues at play. Jeff and James explore contracting for challenge and the different forms it can take, without necessarily meaning confrontation.

How do you handle the client who simply disappewars - doesn't attend a booked session, doesn't respond to e-mails asnd seems to be ghosting you. Jeff and James take a look at this vexing issue and what you can do about it.

Ending client relationships in a way that works for both you and your client can be more difficult than it sounds. By examining our relationship with endings James and Jeff take a look at planning to end a coach / mentoring assignment well, so that all parties are 'complete'. Beginning with the end in mind, it starts earlier than you might think!

Episode 10: To what extent should coaches and the profession of coaching concern itself with the realm of politics? In this episode Jeff talks with James who is both a coach and a (local) politician about the connection between the two. A fascinating conversation in which (spoiler alert) the conclusion is more than you might think...

Episode 9: In this podcast Jeff and James explore the use of AI in coaching. It's a fast changing area and raises issues around contracting, ethical practice as well as the practical of issues of which tools and for what. In this extended podcast of 40 mins, Jeff shares the latest insights and research he has gleaned in understanding this disruptive technology. It's a must listen, and likely to be the 1st of a number as we look to keep pace with the development. There are suggestions on tools, a checklist for choosing the right ones and a report on the very latest research from Prof Nicky Terblanche on the effectiveness of AI Coaching.

Episode 8: In this latest podcast, James and Jeff reflect on the coaching relationship; it's primacy in effective one to one work and how it differs from other forms of human relationships. The Greek ideal of friendship and their 4 words for 'love' and how that loaded term is not talked about in the literature. Taking a prompt from Tina Turner, what has love got to do with it? You will find it in the library under the podcast tab.

Episode 7: Find here podcast number 7 where James and Jeff discuss the approaches to use when working with what are called "The Mandated Client", that is clients who are obliged to attend coaching when it wasn't their idea. This can happen when they are part of a leadership programme or when they are "sent" by the organisation of the manager to be 'fixed' in some way. These can be tricky contracts and need to be carefully negotiated.

Episode 6: In this 20 minute podcast, Jeff and James discuss how to use psychometrics in coaching. There can be big plusses in having data available about your client, but how do you use it effectively, respectfully. There are some significant draw backs to many of the tools in use - how to spot them and navigate them. We also look at 360 degree feedback and present a model of best practice.