Sarah Acton Consulting

22/10/2024

🚨 Is your organisation navigating big changes? 🚨

Change can be challenging, especially for leaders responsible for guiding their teams through uncertainty. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with St Ann's Hospice, Greater Manchester helping their leaders feel confident and capable as they prepare for a major transition.

To learn more about how I supported their leaders in managing both the emotional and practical sides of change, check out the full case study here: https://www.sarahacton.com/post/case-study-leading-change-at-st-ann-s-hospice

If your organisation could use similar support, I’d love to chat about how we can work together!

Thank you to Caitlin Furniss and Michelle Bradbury MCIPD for inviting me back to work with all the lovely folk at St Ann's!

"A huge amount of change is taking place, but this needn't be scary or problematic if we're proactive and empathetic in our communication."Leaders at St Ann’s Hospice in Greater Manchester are navigating significant changes as part of their commitment to improving patient care. One of the biggest ...

24/09/2024

Oh, if I had a pound for every time this came up in the coaching room...

I hope these tips are helpful for folk who are grappling between fostering a positive, empathetic culture and setting direction, standards and boundaries.

https://www.sarahacton.com/post/am-i-too-nice-as-a-leader

I often work with leaders who grapple with how to position themselves within their teams. On one hand, they’re eager to foster a positive, supportive working environment. On the other, they need to set direction, delegate work, and uphold high standards. It can feel like walking a tightrope – so...

13/09/2024

Celebrating 12 months of Box 12!

What have I learnt from 12 months of Box 12 [6 rounds of HIIT alternated with 6 rounds of boxing at the gym]?

✔ The first few weeks were more like Box 8 than Box 12 😫😓
✔ The music at the gym is astonishingly bad. If I’m lucky, I might recognise the odd noughties club classic, but then I spent the noughties in Jilly’s Rock World (iykyk) 🎸🤘
✔ Gymtimidation is real. But it’s in my head. No one else is looking at me, or has noticed that I’m staring blankly at a baffling piece of kit. They're in their zone, and I just need to find mine 🤸‍♀️
✔ Being sweaty and red-faced is a badge of honour, nothing to be ashamed of 🥵
✔ I haven’t measured my progress in kilos or inches, but I can now carry a bag of compost without swearing or asking for help 🌷

Except for one holiday and one minor kettle-bell-related injury, I've managed to go three times a week for a year. It required dedication, preparation, accountability and back-up plans.

Which is where my latest blog comes in: Using “If X then Y to stay on track with your goals”. Link in comments.

What tactics do you have for sticking to your goals?

03/09/2024

Did you know that the word "priority" existed in the English language for 500 years before folk started pluralising it? Imagine a world where you had laser-like focus on just one priority.

If you're already feeling a bit overwhelmed with your to-do list after the summer lull, then you might find my latest blog helpful.

Thank you to the wonderful Inky Nib Calligraphy for her beautiful modern calligraphy take on one of my favourite mantras.

https://www.sarahacton.com/post/finding-your-priority-navigating-post-summer-overwhelm-with-focus-1

15/08/2024

"Jack of all trades" - insult or compliment?

Recently, I've had a few clients lamenting their label as a jack of all trades, wondering if their career would take off if only they'd specialise. When we dig deeper, the client often realises that they love the dynamism and variety that comes with their diverse roles, and they relish having a wide skill set.

And so, I've written a sort-of love letter to the Jacks and Jills of all trades. Hide your unique light under a bushel no longer!

Does any of this resonate with you?

https://wix.to/EYS0fZe

In a world that often champions specialisation, being called a "Jack of all trades" can sometimes feel like a backhanded compliment. Recently, I've had a spate of clients confiding that their varied skills make them feel scattered, unsure of their direction, or somehow less valuable compared to thos...

15/04/2024

I was absolutely delighted to receive this feedback from a wonderful client, who has worked really hard during our coaching relationship to develop strategies to advance her leadership confidence and capability. It was wonderful to be part of her journey.

If you're thinking of working with a coach, do check out other testimonials on my page, or drop me a line for a no-obligation chat about how coaching could help you.

15/03/2024

Latest on my blog: a personal story this time, about my career journey through narrowboat cleaning, reception jobs, HR, L&D, academia and finally (so far, at least!) self-employment, as well as a few tips I've learnt along the way. I hope it's of use if you're thinking about a career change.

https://www.sarahacton.com/post/what-is-it-like-to-change-job-or-career

If you're looking for a career coach to support you through your next steps, whether you want to consider promotions, sideways moves or a wholesale change, let me know. I have capacity for two more coaching clients from April. Drop me a line for a confidential, no-obligation chat.

07/03/2024

Still buzzing after an amazing day with the extraordinary folk from NW Hearts Charity at their strategy and governance day. We had lots of fun celebrating their (many!) successes so far, reviewing where they are now, and capturing their inspiring plans for the future. Huge thank you to Sue Martin for inviting me along.

We were lucky to be in Manchester Hall (embarrassingly, previously only known to me as "the place next to Dishoom"!). What a masterpiece of a building! Beautifully preserved architecture, attentive staff, top notch food, and a chandelier in our room.

Incidentally, NW Hearts Charity have a couple of spaces in the Manchester 10k in May. If any of my contacts are looking for a fundraising spot, please drop them a line.

05/02/2024

Latest on my blog: How can I overcome perfectionism and embrace imperfect progress?

If you find yourself not starting something, or struggling to let go of something, because you're not sure you can meet your own expectations, you might like some of the tips in here.

Shout out to Corrine at Inky Nib Calligraphy for the exquisite quote design!

In a world where we’re measured on everything from our dress size to our credit score to our job title to our social followers, the pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming. And so, the temptation to do nothing can be powerful. After all, if you don’t try, then you can’t fail. But if you don...

22/01/2024

Morning! I'm dragging myself into the 21st century, and as such, will be using Instagram for more than coveting others' craft rooms and watching people cook potatoes.

If you're also on Instagram, and want to see behind the scenes of my self-employment escapades, do join me: https://www.instagram.com/SarahTheCareerCoach

5 Followers, 19 Following, 3 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Sarah Acton ()

08/01/2024

What's behind my blur?

In online meetings, I generally blur my background to hide my scruffy surroundings. I am learning silversmithing in my spare time, and here's my recently tidied, but still scruffy, jewellers desk. I'm particularly proud of the Dymo-labelled storage!

So, what's behind your blur?

05/01/2024

Latest on my blog: How do I know if it's time for a new job or even career? Here's a couple of practical exercises to help you reflect on what's important to you, and whether you're playing to your strengths.

There is something special about the start of a new year (whether it’s calendar, financial or academic) to cause us to reflect. A chance to pause, take stock, and think about what opportunities a fresh calendar can bring. If you’re wondering whether a new role, or even a whole new career, could ...