Just talk

I have been coaching for around 14 years, during which time I have coached more than forty people, providing well over 100 hours of coaching either in one-off sessions or longer term relationships. Sessions have covered a range of topics including life-work balance, confidence, immediate work challenges and longer term personal/ and career development. 

My first priority in a coaching assignment is to build a positive relationship where frank conversations can take place. This provides space for people to explore their goals, clarify assumptions, consider options and develop a plan to move forward. Each coaching relationship is different, so agreeing expectations and parameters at the start is vital.

During sessions I listen deeply and ask questions to increase awareness of the situation, so the client can make clear decisions about the options they want to pursue. I have a range of different tools ready to be brought into the conversation if we agree they will help to generate insight or analyse options, drawing on my experience as a facilitator and problem-solver. 

I like to use positive psychology approaches to encourage reflection on what has gone well in order to build confidence and create a positive path forward.

As coach I feel I add greatest value when I help people find new approaches to problems where they feel stuck, for example by exploring alternative perspectives. Successful coaching should also build coachees’ confidence and ability to resolve problems themselves. Sessions may focus on practical issues only or go deeper to look at motivations, emotions and working styles. I try to find the right questions to trigger shifts in perception which open up new ways to perceive or overcome obstacles.

I have huge respect for the determination and energy with which my clients approach problems and find that I learn a lot from them. I also find deep satisfaction in watching people make progress and take action to bring their lives more into alignment with their goals.