11 Jul

Finding the coaching in criticism: turning feedback into a growth advantage

Feedback is often misunderstood as something to endure rather than embrace. Yet in my years as an executive and leadership coach, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from giving the perfect feedback—it comes from receiving it well. When we move beyond defensiveness and see criticism as potential coaching, feedback turns from a threat into a tool for learning. The moment we shift our mindset from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What can I learn here?”, we unlock one of the most powerful levers of leadership growth: the ability to find the coaching in criticism.
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04 Jul

Team building with core qualities of Daniel Ofman (incl. Dutch version)

The Core Quadrants by Daniel Ofman are an effective tool for team building, helping teams understand individual dynamics and how to collaborate better. By identifying core qualities, pitfalls, challenges, and allergies, teams gain insights into strengths and areas for growth. For example, one team member’s creativity (core quality) may lead to chaos (pitfall), while another’s structure (core quality) could result in rigidity (pitfall). By discussing complementarities and irritations (allergies), teams learn to value differences and work cohesively. Regular reflection and integration of core quadrants into daily collaboration foster a culture of feedback, problem-solving, and celebrating contributions, strengthening overall team performance.
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27 Jun

Debunking the Ikigai venn diagram myth

book cover with ikigai written in Japanese
Discover the true essence of Ikigai—far beyond the popular Venn diagram. Rooted in Japanese culture, Ikigai is about finding joy and purpose in the small, meaningful moments of everyday life. Learn how this concept has been misunderstood and how embracing its authentic meaning can lead to a more fulfilling existence.
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17 Jan

What Harvard Business Review has really taught us about coaching

coaching fingerpoint hand
Over the past decade, Harvard Business Review has shown that coaching is not about fixing people—it's about helping leaders rise. HBR highlights coaching as a collaborative partnership that strengthens self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate complexity. From executive development to performance and long-term growth, the research is clear: coaching improves leadership behavior, deepens team trust, and creates healthier, more resilient organizations. At its core, effective coaching is built on listening, reflective questioning, aligned goals, and honest accountability—exactly the foundations of modern leadership in a VUCA world.
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10 Jan

Effectiveness of coaching vs a leadership development program

leadership development vs coaching
Effectiveness of Coaching vs Leadership Development Programs. Organizations invest heavily in leadership development, spending up to 5% of annual revenue on training programs, yet only 11% of executives report these initiatives meet expectations. Research shows leadership training can boost job performance by 20%, but challenges remain in achieving sustained results. Leadership coaching, on the other hand, offers a personalized approach, boasting a 96% satisfaction rate and an ROI six times its cost. It excels in fostering behavioral changes and leadership effectiveness. Combining these approaches integrates cost-efficient group learning with high-ROI individual coaching, yielding powerful results. Let’s explore how this can work for your organization.
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20 Dec

Enhanced coaching with Quenza app

Experience coaching like never before with the **Quenza app**, your personalized hub for growth and engagement. Quenza enhances your coaching journey with tailored exercises, progress tracking, and secure communication, keeping you connected and focused between sessions. Organize notes, documents, and reflections in one place while benefiting from interactive pathways and real-time updates. The app’s user-friendly interface and privacy-first design ensure a seamless, secure experience. Whether you’re exploring new strategies or reflecting on insights, Quenza helps you stay on track and make meaningful progress. Let’s take your leadership development to the next level—anytime, anywhere.
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25 Oct

How I keep my coaching focused

Setting boundaries in coaching is essential for maintaining focus and ensuring progress. When clients consistently expand the coaching scope, it often stems from underlying emotions such as uncertainty or anxiety. To manage this, I set clear goals and revisit them regularly, framing the importance of staying aligned for effective results. If new topics arise, I acknowledge them while steering the conversation back to agreed priorities. Offering additional sessions or structured scope expansion options provides flexibility without losing sight of original objectives. This balance ensures productive and results-oriented coaching sessions while respecting the client's evolving needs. I always try to keep my coaching razor focused!
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