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/
045: Nick Grantham on developing self, consultancy and performance
044: Neil Chugani on leading as a coxswain, in sport governance and at Google
043: Emma Hatton, West End star on sustaining performance
042: Jessica Ennis-Hill on becoming World and Olympic Champion
041: Hannah Critchlow on the science of fate
040: Matt Dixon on customising training
039: Emma Ross on the female athlete and equality in performance cultures
038: Tom Waller on the science of feel to optimise performance
037: Nick Matthew on becoming world squash champion
036: Gareth Sandford on working with the world’s best coaches
035: Trent Stellingwerff on nutrition and leadership
034: Steve Ingham on developing performance people
033: Antony Jinman, Polar Explorer on expeditions with purpose
032: Joe Eisenmann on long term athlete development
031: Louise Minchin from the BBC Breakfast Sofa to GB Team Triathlete
030: Katelyn Ohashi on finding joy in gymnastics
029: Miss Val on coaching a positive culture in gymnastics
028: Helen Jenkins on the highs and lows in triathlon
027: Brad Dieter on effective consulting
026: Dame Katherine Grainger on persistence and resilience
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