My coaching approach is often a combination of three roles: Developmental Coach, Strategic Thinking Partner, and Advisor. Three decades of experience has allowed me to capably integrate these roles to suit the unique needs of each client. This is explained here: Coaching Support for Individual Leaders
Most of my consulting focuses on the creation of a fresh vision and set of goals, and then on building alignment among people and groups to make the vision and goals a reality. People learn to recognize and value their assets and capability, and are left smarter and more able to do similar work on their own in the future. Many projects focus on the mission/vision/strategy for the entire organization, although I’ve worked successfully in nearly every aspect of organizational life – community collaborations, culture change, Board and governance, structure, etc.
My greatest contributions are made when combining the two: consulting to an organization about a significant change or new vision, while also coaching one or more key leaders. This combination increases the value of both the coaching and the consulting, and allows me to better help the organization “see around corners” and keep “the whole system” engaged.
An Example:
A Habitat for Humanity chapter takes on a challenge to extend its mission beyond individual house construction and community development, and into “sector impact.” This ambition potentially changes their mission, greatly broadening the scope of its work to involve responsibility for taking on systemic issues such as the interruption of generational poverty cycles.
My role is to design and guide a strategic development process through which the organization can engage the community to explore the new ambition, while also coaching and advising key individuals to improve their leadership capability in real time. The ability to add value for multiple groups and people in the organization, with mindfulness about strategic intent, while maintaining a confidential relationship each of those leaders, makes my approach effective and unique. The organization moves forward faster and better, while individual learning and team development is enriched and accelerated.
Three Specific Services I Offer:
Vision and Strategy
You need to refresh the path forward, and the commitment from the key players involved.
We’ll make sure that your unique needs and situation are taken into account, and that those who have to deliver on the vision are committed to doing so.
This typically requires 4-12 weeks.
Board
Every Board is unique, yet most work tends to focus on these needs:
- To meet the challenges of a new vision
- To refresh itself to create a new vision
- To add vitality, capability, and stronger connections to the community
We identify your needs and opportunities through conversation with Board, staff, and community, then put a plan in place to address the highest priorities.
The bias is always to build on the positive, and create capability for self-assessment and improvement inside the Board.
Executive Support ED/CEO/VPs
A unique approach that is a blend of three roles:
Thinking Partner – Coach – Advisor