Four common themes from my coaching work
I’ve been told “be more strategic”: what can I do?
In my Executive Coaching practice clients often want to work out how to address feedback they have been given. My start point is to encourage the client to approach the feedback with curiosity, not defensiveness: in particular, ask for examples of the skill which they are being asked to develop, ideally specific behaviours, so that…
Read More“Where am I going?” 3 sets of questions to help you reflect
Since the pandemic I’ve noticed a new trend in those approaching me to coach them – an increase in people who are well-established in their careers but are asking themselves “Where am I going?” and who want a safe space to work out the answer for themselves. Many first step into a career propelled by…
Read MoreGrowth Mindset: why and how to have one
If I could gift one thing to my Coaching clients (and my children, family, friends, everyone!) it would be this – a Growth Mindset: a fundamental belief that you can grow, learn and improve with intention and application. Nothing is more useful for making the most of opportunities and riding out challenges in work (and…
Read MoreMy ‘This is why I coach’ moment
I’m a fan of Simon Sinek and his encouragement for individuals and companies to find their Purpose and ‘Start with Why’. On his company website there is an exercise he recommends to help you identify your Why. But sometimes no ‘exercise’ is needed; sometimes you have a moment where you think “This is why I…
Read MoreJust been (or about to be) promoted? 6 Top Tips for Success
As an Executive Coach I am often engaged to support an individual’s role transition when they have just been promoted or are about to be promoted, leading a team. Coaching, which by its nature is tailored to the individual, is a great option for giving the individual a safe and confidential space to work out how…
Read MoreThe power of reflection
When I am asked to name the key thing which I have learned through my journey as an Executive Coach it is the power of reflection. I wish I had known about the positive impacts of reflection when I was in the corporate world, as I believe it would have made me a more effective leader. Now…
Read MoreHow do you want to show up?
I recently wrote about the Power of Reflection https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-reflection-irene-grant Whilst the beauty of reflection is that you choose what to reflect upon – what’s important for you at that time – I thought it might be useful to follow up with a suggestion for Reflection which I also use in my Executive Coaching: “How do…
Read MoreWhat does ‘success’ mean to you?
When a coaching client feels they are at a crossroads, one of the first questions I ask them is “what does ‘success’ mean to you?” Often it is not a question which they have consciously considered but doing so can bring a very different perspective to what the next chapter (and potentially beyond) should hold…
Read MoreChanging organisation or career? 4 adages to consider…
Throughout the pandemic, individuals have been encouraged (or forced) to cope with enormous amounts of uncertainty and change. In my coaching practice, however, I am seeing individuals now choosing to change: it might be where they live (the much talked-about move from cities to the coast or countryside); it might be how they live and work (somewhere…
Read MoreGrowing as your team grows: 3 areas to consider
As an Executive Coach & Mentor, with a focus on leadership, my assignments regularly involve a client who aspires to, or has been promoted to, a more senior leadership role. Some, happily, are in the positive position of “How do I perform this larger role to the best of my ability?’; others, however, lament “I’m struggling;…
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