My Approach
My approach is empathetic and results-oriented
As a first step I offer a confidential, free-of-charge meeting with a prospective client so we can decide whether we can work together. A successful outcome to coaching depends to a great extent upon the quality of the relationship between coach and client.
My starting point is to help the client develop a heightened sense of self-awareness, often involving feedback from a 360° exercise and psychometric testing. This important initial process helps to establish the real nature of the perceived problem.
Then, by creating a thinking environment, by challenging the client’s attitudes and assumptions, I help them explore ways of moving forward. This might involve a change of behaviour, a re-evaluation of personal goals, a more realistic management of expectations, perhaps even a change of career or vocation.
Finally, we agree on a course of action that the client is fully committed to. I ask the client to keep in touch with me remotely every 3 months so progress can be measured.
This programme would generally involve between 4 and 6 sessions of 90 to 120 minutes each.
Active Listening
Active, engaged listening is a skill we all need to nurture and one of vital importance to a successful coaching outcome. The ideal depth of commitment to the needs of the person we are listening to is perfectly illustrated by “ting”, the classical Chinese character for “listen”:
My ears are listening to you
My eyes are watching you
You, and only you, are the focus of my full and undivided attention right now
My heart is feeling for you.
