Business Coaching
“Coaching focuses on future possibilities, not past mistakes” John Whitmore
Freda recognises that coaching is often misunderstood for what it is not. Many individuals and indeed senior managers within organisations are unaware that coaching may be a solution to the majority of their people-related issues. These issues may include lack of motivation (within a team or with individuals), or failure to provide learning and development opportunities, or quite simply relationship issues. Traditionally in Freda’s experience, an individual would be referred for counselling or recommended to undertake additional training and development to address these areas of concern. Whilst in situations where capability is questioned, this has led to the discipline of individuals or even termination of contracts.
Freda would advocate that coaching should be used within organisations as an ongoing feature or at critical times such as to prepare and support employees going through a period of major change. Coaching can also be beneficial to address staff survey results and improve performance as well as facilitating continuous improvement.
The following words by Winston Churchill are considered by Freda to capture the essence of coaching in the workplace:
“To every man there comes in his lifetime that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which could be his finest hour.”
Now re-read this quote and insert “organisation” for “man”; and “its/it” for “his/him”. You can now realise the value of transformational coaching in the workplace.
