Upon completing an important goal, I was ready to start working on the next one – a large-scale goal of writing a book. I’ve had several concepts circling around and this opening in time presented the runway to get moving. I’m one who can establish accountability for myself but the area where Richard has been the best support is to help me continue to define my subject – from several independent pieces into interlocking concepts. My linear and analytical thinking can get me into narrow places. Richard’s broad-perspective coaching focused on my “why” continually helps me to pull my view back up to look at the concepts from a wider view. Richard has also assisted in helping me see the places where these concepts are playing out in my own life experiences. Richard’s powerful questions and curiosity help me to see the important pieces that I might miss as I move along the linear path I tend to follow. I look forward to continuing to partner with Richard as I work toward completing this goal.
Joie (Joelyne) Marshall |
![]() I have found these coaching sessions invaluable. I am a very experience head teacher, and as such have not had the opportunity to have a platform where I am able to examine my vulnerabilities and really think about why I do and think the way I do in work, and pull apart the possible impact of doing things differently. Richard’s style is the perfect blend of reflecting my thoughts back and asking open questions in a way that gently challenged my first instinctive response or train of thought, in such a way as the answers would seemingly come out of nowhere, and at
the flick of a switch, I went from wrestling with a problem, to mapping out a fully formed solution! The accountability of leaving a session with an action or commitment I had made to myself also afforded the accountability, which meant I learned how to tackle difficult conversations and actions in a more timely and therefore effective manner I truly hope I can resume our coaching sessions in the future, and to my fellow headteachers, I would say the experience of having coaching sessions with somebody who is not only a highly skilled coach but an, experienced school leader in their own right, has transformed my leadership and by association, its impact on the staff and pupils in my charge. Maureen Brettell Headteacher Manchester, England |