EXECUTIVE COACHING
Improving performance, solving problems
I provide leadership coaching (or ‘executive coaching’) and life coaching, either in person or by video link. I work with clients in the UK and internationally and can often meet in the evenings and at weekends.
Coaching gives you a trusted relationship in which to broaden your perspective, solve problems, clarify plans and maintain your energy. Coaching is often used when you’re feeling stuck, considering making a change, establishing yourself in a new setting, or when you need to rediscover your purpose and passions. It’s not about being told how the coach would handle it, but exploring options and unleashing your own ideas and potential.
Most people generally have an initial course of 5 or 6 coaching sessions of around 90 minutes, as this is usually enough to address the top priority you’ve brought. I’ll work with you to tailor the plan to your situation and needs, though. It’s often helpful to begin with one-to-one sessions with a senior leader and then consider some support for the wider team, and I’m very happy to talk about that kind of possibility.
Don’t get a coach until you’ve read this!
Check out my book to help you get the most out of coaching. It’s specifically targeted at anyone who’s considering getting coaching, to ensure you’re ready to choose the right person and to get the right kind of coaching.
Find out more at dontgetacoach.com
Latest blogs
Check out recent thoughts about leadership and successful change
- Protected: CCB: communication and teamwork
- How we misuse change models
- Imposter Syndrome – USE it, don’t LOSE it
- Change leaders – beware the ‘big problem paradox’
- Make your vision simple not simplistic
Connect with me on LinkedIn
How can I help?
Coaching can help with a huge array of situations and needs. Here are some of the ones people bring to me most often…
Leadership effectiveness
You’ve got the job – now let’s deliver!
For many managers, what got us here won’t be enough for us to thrive here. I will help you get to grips with your role and environment, develop fresh insights and build your effectiveness in leading people, programmes and change. We can include scientifically proven personal assessments like SDI and MBTI, as well as bespoke feedback such as a leadership 360 tailored to you.
Confident public speaking
From 2 to 2,000 people, confident and skilled speaking is vital
I’ve been there – the fear beforehand, the stumbling during, and the lows afterwards. Engaging, informing and inspiring others is vital for so much of what we do. Yet it’s also horrible for many of us. Don’t worry – confident public speaking is a skill, and I’ll be happy to help you grow in it.
Being more strategic
Have you ever wished you were ‘more strategic’ at work?
You’re not alone! One of the most common criticisms made of leaders and managers by colleagues is that they’re not ‘strategic enough’. But what does it actually mean – and how can you become more strategic? Early in my management career I had to learn to think, speak and plan more strategically. I helped many of my staff with it, and now work with lots of coaching clients. You don’t have to stop being you, but you can learn to grow your strategic muscles as well.
Planning change
Most change projects disappoint or fail – success starts with the planning
Change is a constant in life and work, but it’s also much-feared and resented. Research shows it’s more the way change is done that’s at fault. Thankfully, there are also evidence-based approaches that can ensure your good idea gets delivered more successfully and sustainably. I can help at any stage of the change process, and I’m happy to work with you as an individual, with a group of your colleagues or with a network of stakeholders.
Motivating people
As a leader or manager, most of your goals are achieved through other people
Creating and sustaining the motivation of teams and networks of people is one of the key tasks of leadership. It’s also one of the most frustrating and painful, and is behind many disappointing performance situations. Very few leaders, though, spend time deliberately planning for how to inspire others to action and how to keep them motivated. I can help you assess your current situation, map the range of motivations in your team, and use evidence based strategies to engage and motivate others.
Managing conflict
Reducing conflict and handling it well are vital for every leader
Where there’s people, there will sometimes be conflict. And the impact on your team’s wellbeing and performance can be huge. I can work with you to better understand the different causes of conflict in your team, develop strategies for improving communication and collaboration, and improve your comfort and effetiveness at handling conflict situations. We all have different personalities, but managing conflict is a skill that can be learned.
Career coaching
Being objective and strategic about the next step isn’t easy on your own
Sometimes the road ahead is hard to see, and other times we can feel overfaced by the number of options available. Whatever your situation, you’d want your career decisions to be well-informed, clearly considered and tested. Reviewing and developing your plans with a coach is an effective and efficient way to do that. I can help you get new perspectives on your purpose, passions and skills – and then support you to plan for a truly satisfying career.
Interview preparation
You have a few minutes to shape your career – no wonder interviews are intimidating!
A few people have the personality and experience to be a natural interviewee. Most of us don’t! I’ve been interviewing job candidates from admin clerks to national policymakers for 25 years – and hardly anyone gives as good an account of themselves as they might. With coaching, you can ensure you’re focused, flexible and calm for your upcoming interview. I will give you proven prompts and ideas, act as mock interviewer and provide detailed feedback for action.
Personal refresh
No one can be energised all the time – but how do you get your mojo back?
It’s been said that without vision, people perish. Yet the pressures of work and the realities of life mean that leaders need to continually refresh their energy. I started studying motivation, stress and burnout 30 years ago, and have established local and national programmes to restore leaders’ energy. I have also experienced the pain and shame of falling into burnout myself. There IS hope, and I’d be delighted to talk about how I can help you thrive, not just survive.
More about coaching…
Coaching is usually focussed on addressing a specific question, decision or journey, and we’ll begin by clarifying what you want to get out of our time together. Coaching is the most ‘bespoke’ kind of development or support which an individual or team can have. It should always be tailored just for you.
1. Understand
I will help you gain deeper insight about yourself, how you are doing and how others see you. I’m certified to use a number of executive tools to support this, including the Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI), Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI), 16Personalities, CliftonStrengths, the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, and the Cynefin Framework.
2. Plan
I will help you step back and consider your options. As a trusted ‘third party’ I will work with you to find creative solutions and prioritise possibilities for action. We’ll draw on your own values, strengths and priorities, rather than having anyone else’s imposed on you. Together, we’ll work out a plan for your next steps.
3. Implement
As you set off implementing change, we will take stock with each step to see how things are turning out. No plan is perfect, so being ready to flex is a key part of success. I will help you be clear about what you’re aiming to achieve, support you in gathering meaningful measures of success and hold you to account for doing what you’ve agreed.
My approach to coaching
I bring my diverse experience to coaching, along with my passion for seeing leaders flourish as they lead successful teams and sustainable change. I draw on a wide range of leadership models and insights, and am particularly passionate about helping to align people and plans, hearts and minds. The focus of coaching, though, is entirely on the needs of the client, and I employ a number of different diagnostic tools and coaching techniques to help you deepen your insights and develop your skills and confidence. My aim is to help you achieve your aim.
As a flexible and compassionate coach, I work to help clients achieve their goals by adapting to their preferred style of learning and communication. I believe that every client is unique and has their own strengths and challenges. I do not impose a one-size-fits-all approach or tell clients what to do. Instead, I listen carefully to their needs and aspirations, ask powerful questions that challenge their assumptions and stimulate their creativity, and offer constructive feedback that supports their growth. I also encourage clients to reflect on their progress and celebrate their achievements along the way.
I recognise that change can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming. That is why I create a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their options and experiment with new behaviours. I also help clients to identify potential barriers or setbacks that may arise, and equip them with strategies to overcome them. I am not afraid to challenge clients when they are stuck or holding themselves back, but I always do so with respect and empathy. I also acknowledge that coaching is a collaborative process that requires mutual trust and commitment. I am always open to feedback from clients on how I can improve my coaching practice and enhance their experience.
I have several coaching qualifications, enabling me to use the approaches and tools that are right for each client. These include:
- ILM Level 7 Diploma in Senior and Executive Coaching, Institute of Leadership and Management. I am qualified to create, deliver and assess bespoke programmes of coaching for senior leaders and teams in any context. I have worked with clients in healthcare, charities, national infrastructure management, government, the judiciary and the media.
- Strength Deployment Inventory, qualified assessor and coach for the SDI. This tool assesses an individual’s personal motivational style and provides a framework to enhance skills in understanding and connecting with other people’s motivation. I have the highest level of certification to use the SDI ®.
- MBTI Certified Practitioner, the Myers-Briggs Company. This suite of tools provides insights into an individual’s personality type and, in the more advanced Step II modules, their unique approach to deploying their personality in a work context. I am certified to access both Step I and Step II assessments and to coach individuals and groups post-assessment.
- Thomas Killman Conflict Instrument. I use the TKI to help clients understand their approach to handling conflict, and to plan ways to grow their conflict style.
- Clifton Strengths. This tool can help individuals and teams better understand their work-related strengths, and develop plans for improving their performance and collaboration.
- Mental Health First Aider. Leadership is tough, and I am ready to provide mental health first aid for support clients experiencing mental health emergencies.
Working with senior leaders
My coaching is particularly tailored to the needs of senior leaders who want to simultaneously accelerate their plans and develop their personal capabilities. I understand the complex and dynamic challenges that senior leaders face today. I also appreciate the high expectations and pressures that they have to deal with from multiple stakeholders.
Many of my clients want to pursue personal development, growing in their insights and skills as leaders – but they’re also hard-pressed for time and need to ‘get on’ with a particular challenge. I firmly believe in trying to do both – to learn-while-doing – and clients’ feedback consistently shows that working together has helped them achieve multiple goals, both immediate and longer-term.
I help senior leaders to clarify their goals and priorities, identify their strengths and areas for development, and create action plans that are realistic and achievable. I also support them to develop their leadership skills and competencies, such as strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, communication, influence and resilience. I use a variety of tools and methods to help senior leaders to assess their current situation, explore new perspectives and possibilities, and implement changes that lead to positive outcomes.
My coaching is flexible and adaptable to the changing needs and preferences of senior leaders. I offer different modes and formats of coaching, such as face-to-face, online, one-to-one and group work. I am happy to adapt to your needs and availability. I respect the confidentiality and autonomy of senior leaders, and ensure that they have full control over their own learning journey. My role is to be a trusted partner who can challenge, support and empower them to achieve their full potential.
I adhere to the Global Code of Ethics for coaches, mentors and supervisors, which promotes the highest standards of professionalism. In particular it emphases the duty of confidentiality and the requirement to serve the client’s best interests in an open and non-judgemental way. The full Code is available at www.globalcodeofethics.org/download-the-code/.