Author: Renske

Coaches love using the ‘magic wand question’. It goes something like: “If you had a magic wand – if you had unlimited resources and means– and if you could wish for anything, what would you like to do or have?” The reason why this question is used in coaching is that it triggers fresh thinking, it creates a new starting point, a clean slate. Rather than figuring out where to go next within the context of what is asked and expected from you in your current environment, which understandably is the default perspective for most people, the magic wand question reverses the perspective and invites you to design your life on the basis of what you are truly passionate about. […]

In top sport it is common practice that athletes are trained to focus on their task, e.g. taking the penalty in a specific way, or hitting the ball exactly right (circle 1 of Eberspächer’s attention circles), and not be distracted by the pressure caused by the expectations of the audience and the sponsors, or by the fear of making mistakes or failing (circles 3, 4 and 5). This focused support is typically not there for the lawyer, consultant, accountant or other high-end professional service providers. This, despite the fact that the pressures under which these professionals work can be similar in many respects. The performance of the individual and of the organisation suffers as a result, even if people do […]