We have just completed a two-year Executive Coaching Programme with a humanitarian aid organisation located globally. Approximately 100 senior and middle managers participated in the programme since its launch in February 2010.
Participants reported a range of positive outcomes in the areas of people management, decision-making, communications, negotiations, personal effectiveness, interpersonal relationships, change management and career management.
Participants welcomed the opportunity to receive coaching from an external organisation to build their leadership skills and competencies. Having access to a neutral person was helpful in processing issues more ‘freely’ without the contextual constraints found in the workplace. The relationship with the coach was unconditional – a situation which is difficult to build in the workplace.
At times coaches played a trouble-shooting role, which helped participants to address issues in a ‘just in time’ manner. Participants reported that it was useful to explore the pros and cons of issues with the coach, which helped to put in ‘more concrete thoughts ideas and experiences’ in identifying and taking ownership of solutions. Furthermore, the programme helped participants to focus and ‘find time to put the priorities right’. The flexibility shown by the coaches in adjusting the agenda to suit the needs of the participants was positively received.. Learning materials provided during the coaching process were useful as ‘ready reminders’ for future reference.
Overall, participants felt that the service and quality provided by the coaches was excellent.
We will be pleased to discuss how our approach to coaching can help to develop your people in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.
