Richard Shorter-Head of Awkward Conversations

Difficult conversations are costing you more than you think. Talent. Relationships. Confidence. Results. It doesn't have to be this way. If you want your team having the conversations that actually matter without the fallout… Send me a message and let’s talk training.

@TheS_Resource Jen is brilliant and a breath of fresh air to the space of parent education.

Nobody hands you a manual when your child joins a club. You just show up and work it out as you go, which is what most parents do, with more care and effort than probably gets acknowledged. Dr. Jennifer Harris was one of those parents. What started as a feeling in a gymnastics arena, that none of them really knew what they were doing, turned into eight years of research, a PhD in sport parenting, and the creation of Raising Happy Champs, her sport psychology support programme built specifically for parents of child athletes. The moment that crystallised it for her is in this piece. A single sentence, said on a car journey home from a competition, and it's the kind of thing a lot of us have probably said without realising what it landed like. Worth reading, link in the first comment ⤵︎

One vague message can cost a night’s sleep. And tomorrow’s performance. “Can we talk tomorrow?” Looks harmless Feels heavy Try: “Can we meet to make progress on X? Yr insights matter.” Same meeting. Better outcome. What would u lose by having a conversation about this? DM me

An agitated conductor makes professionals sound out of tune. A calm leader can even help beginners play in harmony. Calm isn’t soft. Calm is leadership. The best leaders don’t hope to stay calm. They practise it. Because calm, like conducting, is a skill.

This was said to a child. Leaders should pay attention. “Physical. Strong. Loud.” That’s how you use praise to shape future behaviour. Not vague. Specific. Don’t just say “well done.” Describe what worked.

At Wellington College @WellingtonUK we trained the ability to reset and go again, breathing, focus, Game Face. It’s not just for athletes. Parents, coaches, leaders… calm under pressure isn’t a sporting skill. It’s a human one.

At Kingston Grammar @KGS_Sport we explored this: praise fills the moment, affirmation fills the person. Praise says “You were brilliant.” Affirmation says “You focused so hard under pressure.” One celebrates performance. The other builds character.

Helping young people thrive isn’t a solo act, it’s a Trinity: student, staff, parent. When all three listen well (not fix fast), confidence and character grow. Awkward isn’t the enemy. Avoidance is. #DifficultConversations

@Coxy3012 Mate, you've done a fantastic job.

It’s been the honour of a lifetime to serve the club; thanks to everyone for their support across the last 10 years. #mufc #muacademy manutd.com/en/news/detail…

“Hey coach, I’m not feeling confident right now” “On a scale of 1-10 how confident are you?” “4” “4? Great. Why so high? Why not 2? What’s working? What moments of great play have you had recently?” “Some great passes. And that delivery into the area last week was one of my best crosses” “I saw those. Let’s build on those together. Now, what might one mark higher look for you?” “Just some better first touches” “Ok, let’s go work on that” Scaling is one of the most powerful mental techniques you have as a coach…

@DanAbrahams77 One of my favourite Motorvational Interviewing Q's.

@russellearnshaw I thought you'd enjoy that game.

if you don’t play like anyone else… it’s a surprise when they play you… Canada playing to principles, not system…😍

This is what it’s all about. When home and school are aligned, children feel safer, more confident, and more resilient. Let’s build a partnership that puts your pupils first—one honest, helpful parent conversation at a time. #BetterOutcomes #WholeChildEducation #ParentVoice

Is your inbox groaning with Friday night parent emails? Let’s change that. The tools I give parents help them raise concerns **constructively—not reactively.** Less fire-fighting. More collaboration. Let’s make that your reality for 2025/26. #ReduceFriction #SchoolSupport

@wyse2point7 nice technique, two hands ready, eyes on the ball, probably might have suggested a slightly more bent pair of knees ready to receive the impact of the throw!

When parents feel seen and supported, trust grows. And when trust grows, staff breathe easier. Let’s equip your school community with the emotional tools to work together—not against each other. #StaffWellbeing #ParentPartnerships #IndependentSchoolSupport

Why do top schools keep booking Non-Perfect Dad? Because it’s not about gimmicks—it’s about: ✅ Less Friction 🤝 More Trust 🎯 Better Outcomes for Children 🌱 A Healthier Community Culture These aren’t hopes—they’re outcomes we can build together. #SchoolCulture #ParentCoach

🎥 Book a session with me, and your parents also get **exclusive access** to a webinar with elite athletes and their families—thanks to my partnership with the brilliant @MintridgeFDN Because the best growth stories are real, honest, and lived.

📚 A great session doesn’t end when parents walk out the door. When you book me, every talk includes practical, post-event resources, so the learning embeds, the momentum continues, and families can take the next step with confidence. Ready for impact ?

The hardest bit of parent sessions? Getting them through the door. That’s why I’ve created a new set of custom promotional tools to help schools build momentum before I even arrive. 💬 Want me to record a personal video invite for your parents? Just ask. 📅 Let’s plan together.