Welcome back to the Supporting Champions Podcast. Today, we're exploring the transformative power of focusing on solutions, not problems, with the insightful Paul Z Jackson. From his early days as a comedy writer and improvisation teacher to becoming a pivotal figure in the world of applied improvisation, Paul's journey is as fascinating as it is varied. His work, especially the acclaimed book 'The Solutions Focus,' co-authored with Mark McKergow, has been a beacon for many, including myself, since its first impact on me back in 2011.
Paul's approach is simple yet revolutionary: Don’t fix what isn’t broken, find what works and do more of it, and if something doesn’t work, try something else. It’s about making positive changes by identifying and amplifying useful change, recognizing that detailed problem analysis often doesn’t lead to solutions. This mindset shift from a problem focus to a solutions focus can stir optimism, hope, and ambition, changing the way we tackle challenges in sports, business, and life.
In our discussion, Paul delves into how this approach applies across various contexts, from coaching athletes to enhancing team dynamics. He shares insights on how to help people improvise and adapt, drawing on his extensive background in comedy and improvisation. We also touch on the importance of recognizing the small changes that signal big progress and staying 'solutions focused' rather than 'solutions forced.'
Paul's work with the Applied Improvisation Network and The Improvisation Academy further underscores his belief in the power of improvisation as a skill for life and business, teaching us to make use of what’s there and to embrace the possibilities of the past, present, and future.
Follow Paul’s work;
https://impro.org.uk/
Buy The Solutions Focus
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solutions-Focus-3rd-Transforming-consultants/dp/1399816527/
https://www.amazon.com/Solutions-Focus-3rd-Transforming-consultants/dp/1399816527/
If you like these episodes, you'll probably like these too;
https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/127-mustafa-sarkar-on-resilience/
122: Nigel Adkins on the demands on the modern football manager
121: Brendan Cropley and Zoe Knowles on Reflective Practice
120: Sian Allen on wearable technology
119: Jean Gomes leading self and others
118: Mark Burnley on training zones
117: Costas Karageorghis on music and performance
116: Kate Hays on the psychology of the Lionesses
115: Joe Baker on the tyranny of talent
114: Christian Swann on using goals effectively
113: Nick Tiller on harnessing scepticism
112: Lucy Gossage on triathlon, training and supporting cancer patients
111: Andy McNab on special forces performance
110: Ryan King on operating in complexity
109: Tom Geraghty on psychological safety
108: Jenny Coe and Amy Whitehead on myths of sports coaching
107: Colin Lewin on the evolution of the support team in football
106: Abbie Eaton on women’s motor racing, injury and pushing boundaries
105: David Joyce on decision making
104: David Dunne on behaviour change and technology
103: Danny Kerry on performance leadership
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Meaningful Life with Andrew G. Marshall
Heal, Survive & Thrive!
A Voice In The Darkness
جافکری | Jafekri
BPLUS بیپلاس پادکست فارسی خلاصه کتاب