Coaching can be used to challenge inappropriate thinking and behaviours which are limiting productivity and job satisfaction. It enables individuals and teams to explore their methods of working and re-evaluate priorities between work, home and relationships.
A typical approach for a small team starts with the initial briefing to staff in the form of a single study day. This is followed by individual face to face coaching with assigned coaches over a period of 3 months. Face to face coaching sessions for local companies and organisations are usually held away from the workplace at Esk Consulting offices. For organisations unable to reach our offices we recommend that coaching appointments are carried out at a venue away from the workplace to avoid distractions. In between face to face meetings other communications methods are used to maintain regular contact. Typical options include email and/or telephone.
Further 3-month periods can be scheduled with the initial group but the contact pattern can be modified to reflect progress and the reducing need for high levels of support. Other groups can be introduced to the same process or the organisation itself can 'cascade' the coaching process with materials and support from Esk Consulting.
Typically we will recommend and agree tailored packages for each project based on the needs and objectives of the business or organisation.
The following examples are for illustration only.
Example 1
An organisation had grown rapidly with an associated work overload for its managers in particular. It was agreed that the senior management team needed to review their way of working in order to develop a sustainable work/life balance as they continued to grow the business. The programme involved:
- An initial short introductory meeting with participants to explore expectations.
- A briefing day to introduce coaching and the methods and expectations of commitment to make the process work effectively.
- This was followed by each manager meeting with a coach away from the workplace for 2 hrs every month with agreed support contact in between sessions via email or short phone calls. Progress was reviewed after three sessions by the team and subsequent coaching agreed on an individual basis as needed.
Result: The team analysed their unrealistic workload, action-planned and prioritised more effectively and increased performance as a consequence. The people they managed began to role model the changed behaviour and felt more comfortable about being assertive when negotiating achievable and sustainable workloads. Morale increased as did staff retention. Absenteeism was also reduced.
Example 2
A company had experienced many changes over a short period of time and the MD was aware that the first line managers were stressed because of this. We were asked to produce a package to help the managers understand the reasons behind their stress, explore methods of working to enhance work/life balance and to find a system to allow the balance to be maintained.
- Following an initial meeting we met with a number of the managers to explore their perceptions of the changes and consequences.
- We also toured their workplace to gain some understanding of the organisation.
- This was followed by a training day on stress awareness.
- We then arranged both life and performance coaching sessions with the team members individually to explore their work and personal issues.
This was programmed for a three month period.
- We then helped the managers to establish regular action learning sets where they came together for mutual support on workplace issues and as a means of gaining peer support with management tasks and concerns. Initially we facilitated these meetings until the group felt comfortable enough to become self managing.
Result: Stress levels are down and motivation and productivity has increased.
To discuss your organisation's needs please call Marion on 01228 409092 or email us at: Esk Consulting
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