Coaching brings insight.
Insights emerge in conversation, in partnership. Conversations that are affirming, stretching, often joyous, moving. They are reflective, searching, creative. They draw on resources of tacit knowledge, wisdom and courage. And are always pragmatic.
A leader, who believes that the core of her leadership approach is to be nurturing and caring. It often means she puts herself second and does not speak up. On being asked ‘what do your team come to you for?’ She was shocked at her own answer: ‘strategic insight’. It transformed her leadership and the impact of her team – and of her impact in executive meetings.
A ‘demanding’ leader, who held very high standards, was made aware that he needed to soften his approach if he was to be considered for the top job. The realisation that the answer was not to lower standards but to invest time in the team and, bring them with him. This allowed him to stay true to his values, and deliver.
A military leader held a role seen as a reward for good service rather than about critical decision making. At a major juncture he was faced with two options. One, politically contentious, the other an easy option. Only when he accepted that operating with integrity and choosing the difficult route, could a new perspective be seen. One that, while still difficult to sell, transcended everyone’s needs, delivering something
It starts with clarifying ‘the job’ - what needs to be done.
This is the reason for coaching.
Once clarified, the conversation turns to what the job demands from them. Then new possibilities emerge. It concludes with ‘job done’.
What is your ‘job’ that needs to be done?
What does it demand of you?
What conversations might you need to have?
“So much of the coaching was about focus and clarity: who I am, what I do, how I do.
That kind of clarity is priceless.”
CFO, European Reinsurance Company
If you’re looking for a different way to approach performance, let’s talk
