Secrets From a Coach - Debbie Green & Laura Thomson's Podcast

275. Team Norming - Establishing Etiquettes and Rules of the Road

Send a textWhat if the real unlock for high performance isn’t a big idea… but a steady beat?This 4-part mini-series is all about Incredible Teams, using the Tuckman Team Dynamics model as inspiration for creating or sustaining great teamwork.In this episode, we explore the Norming stage of team development- the quiet but crucial phase where discipline, awareness and consistency turn ‘getting by’ into dependable progress. Norming isn’t about being bland or rigid; it’s about establishing the rules of the road so teamwork feels lighter, clearer and more predictable.We discuss why clear standards define what good looks like, how shared awareness helps teams spot pressure points early, and why consistency is one of the greatest enablers of trust. Disagreements don’t disappear, but they resolve cleanly. Feedback feels safer because boundaries are explicit and repair is expected. Roles and handovers are understood, so absences don’t derail momentum.To make norming practical, we introduce Richard Beckhard’s GRIP model,  a simple framework to align Goals, Roles, Interpersonal norms and Processes. Used well, GRIP reduces friction, speeds up onboarding and strengthens new or evolving partnerships. We share how co-creating norms and revisiting them regularly can prevent drift and protect team rhythm.A steady and practical listen for anyone who’s moved through storming and wants to lock in the gains. Because when the rules of the road are clear, teams stop navigating each other and start moving forward together.

274. Storming: Resolving Conflicts and Bringing Teams Along the Journey

Send a textWhat happens when tension rises in a team? Do you address it directly, or hope it blows over?This 4-part mini-series is all about Incredible Teams, using the Tuckman Team Dynamics model as inspiration for creating or sustaining great teamwork.In this episode, we explore the Storming stage of team development and why conflict isn’t a setback - it’s a signal. When differences surface, expectations clash, or frustration builds, it’s often a sign that people care and are invested.We discuss why avoiding difficult conversations can erode trust over time, and how naming tension early can strengthen relationships rather than damage them.We introduce the Five Ps:  Preparation, Placement, Permission, Process and Partnership - a practical framework to help you handle hard conversations with clarity and compassion.A grounded listen for anyone leading through change, navigating disagreement, or wanting to bring their team along the journey. Because storms handled well don’t break teams, they build them.

273. Forming Teams - Set a Success Satnav

Send us a textHow quickly do you trust new colleagues? Do you start at 100% trust and let it erode, or at zero and build it over time?This 4-part mini-series is all about Incredible Teams. Using the Tuckman Team Dynamics model as inspiration for creating or sustaining great teamwork.In this episode, we explore the Forming stage of team development and why clarity -not chemistry- is the true foundation of high-performing teams. We look at how trust is built intentionally and why new or re-formed teams need clear direction before momentum.We discuss the importance of setting a shared destination, defining roles and boundaries, and creating space for honest communication. Because without clarity on purpose and priorities, teams can be busy without being effective.We share the Z Tool; a simple communication framework to help leaders clearly explain change, align different thinking styles, and set teams up for success.A practical listen for anyone forming a team, joining one, or pausing to reset direction. If teamwork is a journey, start strong by setting the satnav to success.  

272. Getting Into High Performance Mode

Send us a textHow do we motivate ourselves in a healthy, sustainable way: and is pushing harder really the answer?In this final episode of our Fresh Starts mini-series, we’re joined by sports scientist Danielle Peters, who shares insights from working with amateur and professional athletes, people in rehabilitation, and those seeking better all-round health through understanding their bodies.Danielle challenges the myth that high performance means pushing through at all costs. Instead, she reminds us that true high performance is about listening, adjusting, and choosing what supports us for the long run.Together, we explore the powerful parallels between sport and everyday performance at work - from the role of rest and recovery, to managing stress, setting boundaries, and understanding the difference between intentions and goals. We also unpack why all-or-nothing thinking can quietly derail performance and lead to burnout.As always, take what’s useful and leave what isn’t; and remember, there’s no perfect time for a fresh start. Just the one that feels right for you.A reassuring and practical listen for anyone who’s flagging, or leading a team that’s dragging  - and looking for a healthier, more humane alternative to cracking the whip.

271. Defining the Give and the Get - Creating the Life/Work Balance You Want

Send us a textWhat does balance really look like when life feels busy, full and always 'on'? In this third episode of our Fresh Starts mini-series, we reframe work–life balance as life–work balance: because life comes first. Using the reality of our finite 168 hours a week, we explore how time and energy are limited resources, and why constant stretch is often a sign that the give has outweighed the get for too long.We share practical coaching tools including the Jar of Life and the Wheel of Life to help you spot where imbalance is creeping in and what may need to shift. We explore identifying your non-negotiable 'rocks' (e.g. health, family and wellbeing) and how over-giving through habit, expectation or guilt can quietly disconnect us from ourselves. One powerful question sits at the heart of the episode: “When do you feel most like yourself?”We also look at how this shows up in real working lives, especially in roles that demand constant emotional responsibility. Through small resets, clear boundaries and guilt-free protection of what matters, this episode offers a grounding reminder: self-care isn’t indulgent - it’s essential. If your energy mattered as much as your output, what might change?An ideal listen if you are looking for practical ways to achieve the life–work balance for you, or if you want to run a session/share at a meeting tips for energy, boundaries, giving and receiving, self-leadership and making fresh starts