We live in uncertain times and the news about NHSE and ICBs will affect a lot of us.

Even if you don’t work directly for any of these organisations, many of us are interconnected (enmeshed?? ) with these organisations as trainers, appraisers etc etc.

Dr Hugo Albert’s sailboat metaphor of human needs and potential is a way of looking at this situation, looking where you might have needs to fulfil and providing anchorage and steering through choppy times so you stay on course with your goals and wishes.

Elements of this tool are as follows:

Boat: the ship of you    Weather: uncontrollable circumstances (COVID, cut backs, health challenges)  Waves: the environments where you live and work  Navigation: your goals and wishes   Steering wheel: your values, where you find meaning and feeling like you are part of something bigger.  Life buoy: ineffective coping styles (eg ruminating)  Sails: your strengths and resources   Other boats: other people – your network, support or your relationships where you feel challenged   Compass: feelings and intuition

What I like about this model is it is about YOU, as a whole person, not the problem.

People either love a good metaphor – or they don’t – but they help your brain understand complex concepts and situations and think more creatively about things.

Questions for you

What’s it like being on your ship right now?

Which parts are supporting you right now? 

If your ship is listing, where else do you need to look to steady your course?

What goals and wishes for the future do you need to hold in mind?

If I can support you at any point with one-to-one coaching, feel free to book a complimentary call.  There’s no pressure to decide on the day – I usually give you a short piece of homework to understand how I work and then have a chat a few days later.   Just hit the button that says ‘book a call’ anywhere on this website – or email me if you don’t see anything available that suits you.

Have a great weekend.