My coaching meetings are one-on-one or in small peer learning groups. My clients are from all levels in the public, private, not for profit and educational sectors. These include senior leaders, executives, managers, students and teenagers. My client are also other Executive Coaches for whom I am their Coaching Supervisor.
I always leave our meetings with an immense appreciation and admiration for the energy and commitment my clients bring to our meetings. Here are just a few testimonials about my clients.
These are not their real names
The calm, supportive space for thinking and reflection helped Chris step away from being immersed in their day-to-day work. In coaching, they eagerly explored all the aspects of what was going in their team and stakeholder relationships and in the wider system of the organisation. This stepping away to think clearly provided clarity and insight that was not possible in the busyness of their work. They felt more grounded, purposeful and optimistic.
Feeling tired and burnout, with a poorly staffed team and a dis-interested boss, Ash took action to come to coaching. They were determined to improve the culture of their organisation. They reflected, reframed and made sense of the situation. By observing objectively, Ash shifted their perspective, and realised how their default reactions contributed to some of their problems: “I have reframed my thinking about who I am and how I am”. Using their strengths, values and ethics to find solutions, Ash was able to “breathe new life” into their mission to serve the culture.
Enormous change in the workplace and leadership created uncertainty across the whole of the organisation. There was a lack of a clear direction. Although Alex was also uncertain and unsettled, they were deeply committed to helping their team remain engaged and well despite the lack of stability. By becoming clear and calm, Alex found a way to navigate this situation with honesty, care, respect and integrity.
Over the course of our coaching, Dale experienced progression in their career. What I noticed was that Dale didn’t just progress up the ranks, but progressed in their understanding about themselves, what they are called to do, and why this was important to others and the organisation. Over time, Dale found a deeper commitment to what matters to them, how they could have a positive influence on the culture, people, colleagues and stakeholders. They found a joy in letting go of their past preferences that no longer served them (‘achieving outcomes and getting things done’), to becoming content and comfortable in practising leadership.
To invest in reflective practice in coaching meetings shows a commitment to oneself. Lynn said that the coaching conversations “gave me permission to talk about myself and help me to become very clear about what my purpose is, and why this is important not just to me, but to others”.
Jacky was troubled by making the tough decision to clarify their future, and to make the courageous choice to honestly discuss this with their boss. It was expected that Jacky would apply for a promotion, and to progress further up in the organisation. However, Jacky was happy where they were. They feared that declining the promotion would appear selfish, or would be a career-limiting move. Jacky used the coaching meeting to think clearly and objectively. They realised that taking the promotion would make no-one happy in the long run. Not taking the promotion would not be career-limiting. More than that, they realised it would actually be a life-limiting move. With this clarity, Jacky was able to confidently state “I am happy where I am, and everyone will be happy too. This is where I belong.”, and was able to have a constructive conversation with their boss.
Danny used the coaching meetings to “courageously reflect and think” about the system, relationships, patterns and dynamics, and their personal ethics, strengths and values. This honest appraisal revealed to Danny that a change was needed. Danny wanted to work more closely with clients who highly valued Danny’s quality advice and service. Danny could no longer find the energy do the other part of their job which involved changing the organisational culture. This self-understanding provided Danny with the momentum to create a plan to adapt their work so they could do what was more purposeful.
Other Clients
“The coaching session was supportive and constructive”
“The thinking was powerful, I feel so much clearer and centred”
“The conversation was much needed and it gave me some perspective”
“Coaching and time to step out of work is the oasis of sanity in my crazy week”
“This time helps me to chart a way in my own head out of this messy situation”
“A different perspective can make all the difference”
“In reflective practice I feel very comfortable and can talk openly about all the issues bubbling away in my brain. I find solutions to the challenges that I was frustrated about. I feel confident that I am on the right track.”
“It’s in these coaching meetings that I’m able to understand what energises me”
Peer Learning Groups and Coaching Supervision Groups
These are some of the comments group participants say to each other about what it’s like to work together in a supportive small peer learning group.
“The calibre of the groups is where the value is, where we can hear and learn from everyone”
“We create threads that continue to percolate after the meetings”
“It’s very grounding”
“The fellowship of the group and how the group is held and supported creates a depth in our thinking”
“I feel empowered; we’re listening to learn; it’s very helpful, lots of tips and ideas; I’m not alone; reassurance and relief”
“Encouraging, reassuring, comforting, motivating”
“We have compassion and empathy for each other”
“Encouraged me to process thoughts and emotions”
“Provided guidance”
“Listening to learn changes how we have conversations”
“We have positive constructive conversations”
“It’s so valuable to share our perspectives”
“We help each other find clarity and to bring insights”
“Our ways of listening to each other is very helpful and insightful”
“I’m reflecting more because of our conversations”