Given the extent of research into and writing about the practice of workplace leadership, it's remarkable that so many organisations, groups and teams perform with no better than average efficiency and effectiveness. Theorists disagree about causes and remedies but unite on the need to continue their research and publishing, adding to the plethora of conflicting approaches, mismatching "key principles" and "essential steps". Alluring promises of breakthroughs abound but there's much more … [Read more...]
I Don’t Trust You
We usually avoid saying this directly to those we mistrust. It's more common to report our unease and reasons for it to other parties, make vague or indirect complaints, or practice avoidance. By then the relationship has effectively failed, though the mistrusted person may be unaware of this. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to repair the damage. Given the centrality of trust to cooperation and collaboration, what can be done and how can we behave in order to develop and maintain … [Read more...]
Assumptions for coaches and coaching
Our coaching practices reflect whatever assumptions we hold about the process, the relationship, our role, the client's, and the wider workplace context. Which are useful assumptions are for you to determine. Use this extract from my Coaching Practices guidebook to shed light on and clarify yours. It's important that you remain aware of them and moderate those that need change. These are the basic beliefs and assumptions I've distilled and refined from my 25 years as professional … [Read more...]
The coaching relationship
A constructive workplace coaching relationship (one that serves to improve, is practical and productive) depends on skill for which the coach is responsible and the presence of order, impartiality, trust, safety, and mutual respect for which the parties have equal responsibility. Rather than focus solely on the content of coaching sessions, coach and client should have a shared understanding of their approach to these matters. Responsibilities of the coach: While coaching may be arranged … [Read more...]