Last week I wrote that I am 'always a student first', I was a touched by the replies as you shared as some of you related your own stories. As you will see today, I am always going to be a student first... and there is so much to learn! 

In the last two weeks I completed two big courses/learning opportunities that I have been working on for a couple of years. 

I first came across the work of Sue Knight, author of NLP at Work as part of my initial coach training many years ago. I know people have differences of opinions about NLP (neuro linguistic programming), and some of the scepticism I agree with - it is down to the intention of the person using the skills and tools they have discovered via NLP. I really like Sue and value her style of delivery through showing and how she models what she wants to teach - the fact that she draws people from all over the world is a huge bonus for me too! I am pleased to say that I am now a 'train the trainer' in NLP. Does this mean that I will deliver NLP courses? I am not sure yet, what I will definitely continue to do is incorporate the ideas in my leadership development and coaching work. 

I also finally completed my training in systemic and family constellations. My trainer Maia is based in New Zealand and our cohort was online which meant that I learned with people based in Latvia, India, UAE, USA, and New Zealand. That in and of itself was an amazing experience because I learned so much about different cultural systems as well! 

I am waiting to conclude another study which will happen soon and I will share that news with you too. 

As I come to the end of this learning phase I have decided that I will not be taking on any more 'big' pieces of learning. The space created between this phase and the next is going to be all about consolidation and implementation... and learning how to learn differently.

I will move from doing to being.

What could happen to you if you moved your attention from all the things that you want/have to do, to all the things you want/have to be?

For me, the answer to this question also lies in integrating the learnings I share above.

—What does it mean for you?

Up until today I have found that I need a guide or someone to direct my 'study'. In this new phase I will be in charge of guiding my own reflections. 

—Do you have a teacher/guide who supports your learning?

—How do you reflect on where you are and where you want to be?

—What is the best way for you to be in a space of learning and just being? 

Despite experimenting on how I can be in charge of my own reflections, I still have many teachers, mentors, and supervisors.

In my opinion having people who can hold me to account is helpful... especially in a time where there is a lot of space and a lot to get done. That is what November feels like to me because there is a lot to do at work and at home. So I go back to the question of how do you want to be? 

All my best,

Saiyyidah

The Space

PS— Let me leave you with an invitation to join a couple of things I am running in the coming months. 

1—There is a new live version of The Space, once a month I will be facilitating a virtual experience where you get to elevate your leadership perspective and potential— the first is on Friday 22nd November 2024 and is on 'aligning with the person you want to be.'

2—New dates are available for The Courage to Belong retreat taking place virtually from 21—23 February 2025. You can find out more here.