May is a month that celebrates many aspects of leadership - purpose, personal, professional, people and prosperity.

1. For our lungs, respiratory health and overall ability to breathe in life, May celebrates World Asthma Day on 7th May and World No Tobacco Day on 31st May - The theme of World Asthma Day this year is 'Asthma Education Empowers'. If you are a patient with asthma, or you are a member of a healthcare team responsible for empowering patients to manage their asthma effectively, remember to sign-post yourself, your team and your patients to the Inhaler Technique Videos | Asthma Society of Ireland. The theme of World No Tobacco Day is protecting children and young people from targeting them with products that are harmful to their health.

As parents, healthcare professionals, coaches supporting health behaviour change, and organisational leaders, our active leadership is literally vital.

What leadership skills are you choosing to develop in order to grow you and your team's leadership capacity?

2. IPN Irish Pharmacy Awards on 25th May - celebrating excellence and innovation within the community pharmacy sector. I have been honoured to be a member of the Judging Panel for the 2024 awards. To witness the innovation, dedication and service provided by exceptional community pharmacists and their teams provides hope and inspiration that, despite the challenges, when consistently empowered and supported, community pharmacists continue to demonstrate their capability to shine, even in the darkest hour. The awards go beyond recognition; they provide a vital opportunity for community pharmacy to express heartfelt gratitude to teams and team members for pioneering excellence and tireless service to community pharmacy, patients and the health service. If you are attending, I look forward to meeting you there!

How do you (or how could you) recognise, empower and support yourself, your team, your business, your family and friends to develop the capacity to overcome challenges and shine, even in the darkest hour?

3. International Coaching Week 2024 - ICF Ireland runs from 13th to 19th May - celebrating the power and impact of professional coaching. The theme is 'Innovate. Elevate. Celebrate!' This year, I am honoured to contribute to ICF Ireland's Credentialing Conversations Podcast Series, with my MCC Mentor Coach Cindy Muthukarapan MCC. ICF Ireland is also running a series of LinkedIn Lives related to the coach credentialing journey. If you'd like to join one or more of these sessions, follow (5) ICF Ireland: Overview | LinkedIn.

On 20th May, I look forward to learning with ICF Southampton Coaching Circle as we use one of my 'Exam Pass Performance Evaluation Recordings' at MCC level as inspiration for our professional growth and development. For the non-coaches among you, each of the three International Coaching Federation (ICF) Credential levels (ACC, PCC and MCC) requires a coach to submit recordings of real coaching sessions to be evaluated against the ICF coaching core competency framework at the credential standard for which they are applying. (Its equivalent in healthcare would be OSCE style performance evaluations). One of the most effective opportunities for reflective practice and skill development is to listen/watch recordings of your actual consultations/coaching sessions, with a mentor, using your core competency framework as a guide. I love mentoring coaches, leaders and teams towards higher levels of mastery in conversations that matter.

How skilled are you at hosting conversations that matter with people that matter? How do you know?

4Front’s 6Ps of Positive Practice focus on Mastering Six Inter-Connecting Factors – Purpose, Personal, Professional, People, Products & Services and Prosperity.

This Month's Focus: Personal Leadership

In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, the role of community and pharmacists is evolving. To navigate this evolution, for community pharmacists to thrive, we must adopt a proactive, evolutionary approach that considers both the individual and the broader healthcare system. 4Front's "6Ps of Positive Pharmacy Practice Focus Tool" is a vital guide, encompassing Purpose, Personal, Professional, People, Products & Services, and Prosperity. Within this tool, each of 48 key behaviour statements align with evidence-based practices drawn from Pharmacy, Healthcare Leadership, Wellbeing, and Positive Practice disciplines.

Here are some resources to explore, aligned to today’s statement featured in the image.

NOTE: While this article focuses on applications in professional and business leadership, many of my clients find that the choice to actively develop personal leadership skills has an even more transformative effect on their relationships outside of work such as marriage/intimate relationships, family dynamics and parenting.

Remember, when it comes to personal leadership, YOU are the CEO of your life. Many of you are also in CEO roles in your business, your family, a local club etc. To make a positive impact in societal roles, you must be proactive to grow in your personal leadership of your own life. You are the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Energy Officer, the Chief Empowerment Officer, the Chief Encouragement Officer, The Chief Engagement Officer, the Chief Experience Officer, the Chief Empathy Officer, the Chief Excellence Officer. YOU have a choice how you engage with these response-abilities. Some choices are more powerful, more inspiring, more caring than others.

Arthur Brooks, an esteemed author, academic and social commentator, with notable works such as From Strength to Strength, discusses what makes a great leader. Quote: “Lead yourself, and then you can lead others. And if you're going to lead yourself, you better know yourself. If you're going to know yourself, you better know your strengths and weaknesses.”

Arthur Brooks' quote underscores the essence of personal leadership — the cornerstone upon which successful leadership is built. In this article, we delve into three key personal leadership skills that underpin personal, professional, and business success. We'll explore how these skills form the foundation for leading others, the transformative power of coaching in future-proofing businesses and teams, and the risks of neglecting personal leadership in the face of change.

1. Self-Awareness: Self-awareness, the ability to recognise and understand one's emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values, is paramount for personal leadership. Leaders who possess a high level of self-awareness are better equipped to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and build authentic relationships. By understanding themselves deeply, leaders can leverage their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses, fostering personal growth and resilience.

2. Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence (EI) is another critical personal leadership skill, encompassing the ability to recognise, understand, and manage one's emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Leaders with high EI are adept at building rapport, resolving conflicts, and inspiring trust and collaboration among team members. By mastering emotional intelligence, leaders can create a positive work environment, enhance team dynamics, and drive performance and innovation.

3. Adaptability: In today's fast-paced and uncertain business landscape, adaptability is non-negotiable for effective leadership. Leaders who embrace change and exhibit flexibility and resilience can navigate ambiguity and see adversity as opportunities for growth. By fostering a culture of adaptability within their teams, leaders can empower their members to embrace change, learn from setbacks, and drive continuous improvement.

The Role of Coaching in Personal Leadership: Coaching serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, providing leaders with the space to think new thoughts, gain different perspectives and receive the guidance, support, and accountability needed to unlock their full potential. Through coaching, leaders can gain clarity on their goals, develop strategies for self-improvement, and enhance their leadership effectiveness. Moreover, learning coaching skills equips leaders with the tools to empower and develop their teams, fostering a culture of learning, growth, and resilience.

The Risks of Neglecting Personal Leadership: Ignoring personal leadership comes with significant risks for individuals, teams, and businesses. Leaders who fail to invest in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and adaptability may struggle to navigate challenges effectively, leading to decreased personal and team performance, disengagement, and burnout. Moreover, passive or reactive leadership can impede innovation, hinder growth, and jeopardise the long-term success of the business.

'Lead With Coaching' Programme: On May 15th, we are excited to launch our 2nd 'Lead With Coaching' OPEN Programme, designed to empower leaders with the skills and insights needed to thrive in today's dynamic business environment. Join us for five transformative days focused on mastering the 'lead with coaching' skills required to enhance team development, accountability, and business growth. This programme offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience of the value and impact of coaching in leadership development, as coach, coachee and observer. Don't miss out on this chance to accelerate your personal, professional, and business growth. We warmly invite you to register now for our May or Sept Programmes, and embark on a journey of transformation and success!

Recent Events

IPU National Pharmacy Conference | Summary Learnings

The recent IPU National Pharmacy Conference, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone, Co Westmeath on April 26th and 27th, had a hopeful and positive vibe. it is wonderful to be able to meet colleagues face to face, break bread together and then get to dance the night away! Among these talks I attended and the colleagues I spoke to, one overarching theme resonated: the urgent need for pharmacists to lead through unprecedented and rapid evolution of pharmacy practice.

Empowering Community Pharmacy to Maximise Patient Care: Dr. Pat O'Mahony, Chair of the Expert Task Force established by the Minister for Health, highlighted the role of pharmacists in expanding patient care. The task force's initiatives aim to enhance pharmacists' scope of practice, and it is due to publish its next 25 recommendations in June.

Delivering Pharmaceutical Care - Future Direction of European Policies: Diego Dominguez Piedade from PGEU discussed the evolving landscape of European policies surrounding pharmaceutical care. Insights shared shed light on upcoming regulatory changes, initiatives to address medication shortages and opportunities for pharmacists to enhance their role in patient care.

HSE Restructure - Role of the Primary Care Reimbursement Service: Shaun Flanagan, Assistant National Director of PCRS, provided valuable insights into the HSE restructuring and the role of the Primary Care Reimbursement Service.

Digital Health and Social Care Strategic Framework: Niall Sinnott, Head of eHealth and Information Systems at the Department of Health, emphasised the importance of digital health in transforming healthcare delivery. Pharmacy leaders learned about the strategic framework guiding digital health initiatives and its implications for pharmacy practice.

Health Literacy and the Role of the Pharmacist: Dr. Laura Sahm and Dr. Michelle O'Driscoll from UCC introduced attendees to the concept of health literacy and strategies for improving health literacy and enhancing patient-pharmacist communication. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this course earlier this year.

Building Resilience in the Workplace: Brent Pope, Rugby Pundit, and Mental Health Advocate, shared strategies for building resilience in the workplace. Using his SPACE acronym (Stress, Plan, Achievement, Connect, Empathy), and his personal experience, he shared valuable techniques for promoting personal and professional well-being and fostering a supportive work environment.

Regulating for Patient Safety at a Time of Change: Joanne Kissane, Registrar and Chief Officer of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, discussed the regulatory landscape and its impact on patient safety amidst evolving healthcare trends. She shared insights from the Workforce Intelligence Report and the emphasis on being a fair and kind regulator.

The Great Debate - The Changing Face of Primary Care - Empowering Community Pharmacy: Dr Tamasine Grimes facilitated a lively debate on the changing landscape of primary care and the role of community pharmacy. Pharmacy leaders explored opportunities to position community pharmacies as key players in primary care delivery.

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD provided hope that he is prioritising the eradication of dot matrix printers and other bureaucratic thorns from pharmacists sides ASAP. He also emphasised the strong political will to implement the recommendations of the Expert Taskforce, chaired by Dr Pat O Mahony, and institute the legislative changes necessary.

Irish Lifecoach Institute's Inaugural Group Coaching Super-Vision on May 8th!

After months of collaboration, it was an honour to facilitate the first group coaching super-vision session on 8th May, in partnership with The Irish Lifecoach Institute, (my very first coach training alma mater).

Super-vision plays a vital role in the coaching profession by providing support and guidance to coaches at all levels of experience. For novice coaches, it offers a foundation for learning and growth, while experienced coaches and team coaches benefit from ongoing reflection and skill development. Additionally, coaches who wear multiple professional hats, such as consultants, therapists, healthcare professionals or leaders, find super-vision invaluable in navigating complex roles and ethical dilemmas.

If you are considering Coaching Super-Vision, I encourage you to consider BOTH 1-2-1 and group coaching super-vision. The Irish Lifecoach Institute offers a series of three Group Coaching Supervision, with three different coaching super-visors, and I offer both group and 1-2-1 cross professional super-vision also. CLICK HERE for further details.

I know some of you attended this session at my invitation! I would love to hear about your experience, as I was only able to be present in one of the 100 coaching sessions! I was thrilled to have served as one of the 100 coaches to volunteer to create the World's Largest Coaching Session, hosted by Coaching.com. 🌍 Being part of this remarkable initiative was truly an honour, where over 1,000 professionals received pro bono coaching from top coaches worldwide.

This event wasn’t just about setting records; it's a movement aimed at elevating coaching awareness in anticipation of International Coaching Week, starting today. 🚀 Participants delved into critical workplace topics, from

The high energy was palpable as the coaches assembled in the ‘green room’ before the event. The session was off to an inspiring start with the context and thoughts shared by Alex Pascal, PhD, Magdalena Nowicka Mook and Marshall Goldsmith

We then zoomed into group coaching with our allocated groups - our group #21 explored Leading Virtual Teams, a rapidly evolving context & relevant to working professionals everywhere! I had the privilege of leading a group coaching session on 'leading virtual teams' with participants from Germany, Turkey, USA, UAE, India and Egypt. It was an incredible experience collaborating with international professionals, . In just one hour, professionals and leaders who had never met before, co-created with me an engaging environment for learning, sharing, giving and receiving that paved the way for valuable insights and next steps. A huge acknowledgement to all who participated!

Your CPD Focus: Empowering Pharmacist Leadership through Values-Centred Leadership

As a Pharmacist Coach, I recognise the critical role of values-centred leadership in shaping resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals. The rationale behind focusing my CPD on Values Centered Leadership is rooted in the belief that by deepening my understanding of this approach, I can expand my peer network of leaders who also share a values based ethos, and effectively coach and train pharmacists to embrace and enhance their own values-based leadership styles. This intentional focus aligns with the growing need to support and empower ethical and compassionate leaders in the healthcare sector.

To apply and integrate Values Centered Leadership principles into my coaching practice, I plan to identify opportunities to engage in values based leadership training and/or communities of practice. Click here to download the full CPD pdf.

Upcoming Events

Reciprocoach / Moore Master Coaching / Coaching / Mentoring for Coaches *** Great opportunity

Many coaches make the mistake of waiting until they have nearly 2,500 client coaching hours before they start preparing for the MCC performance exam. Yet it’s not uncommon for newly minted MCCs to confess that their steepest learning curve came after they had all their hours, as they began recording sessions for the performance evaluation and refining their skills to pass.

As professionals, we know it can be challenging to change ingrained habits. It’s far easier to modify a habit practised over 100 hours than one repeated over 1,000 or 2,500 hours. Therefore, it's crucial to start adopting MCC-level coaching habits long before you have your 2,500 client coaching hours. This practice not only supports your continuous professional development but also simplifies the process of passing the MCC performance evaluation when the time comes. In fact, you'll probably find that your session recordings are ready for submission even before you reach the required hours.

A critical aspect of passing any evaluation is having a robust model. Therefore, understanding and deconstructing clear MCC coaching models that meet the MCC Minimum Skills Requirements is an exceptionally effective strategy in preparing to pass the MCC performance evaluation. That's why ReciproCoach, in partnership with Moore Master Coaching, is once again offering the MCC Exam Pass Peer Coaching Round. Gail Moore sources MCCs to share their ICF MCC performance evaluation session recordings publicly, followed by a discussion on the MCCs' insights and the examiners' feedback. ReciproCoach then combines this with peer coaching to support you in applying your learning in practice.

The MCC Exam Pass Peer Coaching Round provides access to three handpicked session recordings from Moore Master Coaching. The round not only expands your exposure to successful MCC behaviours but also includes detailed guidance on deconstructing each session, applying what you learn to your practice, and further enhances your skills through peer debriefs.

This year’s round highlights three MCCs from the ReciproCoach community. Rachel Dungan is one of the featured MCCs and she will also lead a ReciproCoach group mentoring session based on one of her successful exam recordings. The group mentoring session will include live, interactive playback of one of Rachel's successful exam recordings that will be paused on demand, allowing the session to be discussed and dissected in reference to the Updated MCC Minimum Skills Requirements as they show up in the recording in real-time. This exclusive mentoring session is available to only 10 participants here, with unlimited observer-only access here.

Coaching.com's Annual FREE Coaching Mastery Summit for Executive, Business and Team Coaches runs from 28th May to 13th June.

Coaching.com's mission is to harness the power of coaching and activate human potential worldwide. I have been a member of Coaching.com's Coaching Excellence Faculty as an Implementation Mastery Facilitator for the past 4 years (having been a member of their Executive and Leadership Coaching Summit before that).

I invite you to join me there. I will be involved as an Implementation Mastery Session Facilitator, after the expert session concludes. This summit is particularly relevant if you are a coach, mentor, supervisor or leader who empowers leadership within organisations to shift from a 'Know-It-All,' Permissive or Command-and-Control Culture towards creating and sustaining a 'Learning Culture,' 'Response-ability Culture' and/or 'Coaching Culture' within your field of practice. The speakers are global thought-leaders and the topics addressed include coach and client wellbeing, teams and team coaching, neuroscience and psychology, diversity, equity and inclusion and leadership, organisational and business development.

ICFIreland Credentialing Conversations Podcast: I will be sharing my journey to Master Certified Coach (MCC) and Advanced Certificate in Team Coaching (ACTC) as part of my contribution to raising awareness of the benefits of professional coaching.

As a pharmacist, I am a member of a regulated profession, with its associated legal responsibilities. The privilege to use the title pharmacist is legally restricted to those who have met and maintain stringent licensing requirements.

Coaching, on the other hand, is an unregulated profession. The word coach is not a legally protected title. Therefore being a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), being accountable to a Code of Ethics, having my ability to demonstrate Core Competencies externally validated and earning this top-tier credential is entirely voluntary. It is my choice to honour my value of professionalism, my commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) and my dedication to serving my leadership and team clients to the highest standards of coaching excellence.

'Lead With Coaching (LWC)' Training (Time-Sensitive and Cohort Based)For Leaders, Managers and Supervisors to develop the Coaching Leadership Style

Our inaugural Lead with Coaching Core Skills (Foundation) took place in February and March.

We had twenty-four participants (mix of managers, leaders and directors), who completed all four in-person dates and the two days of mentoring and practice that followed online. We received very positive feedback. Participants come from a range of industries, which provides the opportunity for leaders to expand their thinking beyond the confines of their industry expertise and practices.

Our May/June and Sept/Oct cohorts are filling fast. Three companies, who represented nineteen participants (six, seven and six) of the twenty four from our first cohort are planning to send their next level management and teams on the courses coming up. We invite you and your leadership team to avail of the unique opportunity to join them, and us, on our next 'Lead With Coaching' Courses, in May/June and Sept/Oct.

LWC-CORE SKILLS COURSE THREE: September/October 2024 (6 Days - 4 In-Person, 2 online)

Upcoming Opportunities for Coaches, Mentors and Super-Visors

The busiest, most productive and and most inspiring professionals schedule regular time for reflective practice.

If you are considering partnering with me to support you to prioritise and schedule dedicated time to hone your reflective thinking skills and practice by availing of group or one-to-one super-vision or mentor coaching CLICK HERE

Upcoming Opportunities for Leaders, Managers and Supervisors

Coaching: 4Front's ABCDE™ Pharmacist Coach Academy

As my client, I invite you to embrace coaching with wholehearted curiosity, as you navigate challenges and dive to the heart of what is truly most important for you (as an individual and/or team).

Welcome to the "Value of Positive Practice"

Each month, we share insights about industry trends, best practices, and resources for building a sustainable business, plus opportunities to enrol in programmes to support your next STEPS towards your goals.

Personal Note from Rachel

This Month's Focus: Personal Leadership

Recent Events

IPU National Pharmacy Conference | Summary Learnings

Your CPD Focus: Empowering Pharmacist Leadership through Values-Centred Leadership

Upcoming Events

'Lead With Coaching (LWC)' Training (Time-Sensitive and Cohort Based)For Leaders, Managers and Supervisors to develop the Coaching Leadership Style

Upcoming Opportunities for Coaches, Mentors and Super-Visors

Upcoming Opportunities for Leaders, Managers and Supervisors

Coaching: 4Front's ABCDE™ Pharmacist Coach Academy