Executive coaching

I work in partnership with clients to become masterful in what matters to them – whether it is: successfully leading or managing a high performing organisation or team; transitioning to a more senior level or taking up a new position; finding meaning, purpose and fulfilment inside and outside of work; having better conversations, whether they be the ‘difficult’ or everyday conversations; managing conflict more effectively or being the best parent or partner, they can be.

Becoming masterful is not simply about being more skilled or technically competent, fundamentally it is about our ‘way of being’ in the world – the language we use, the emotional spaces we speak and act from, and way we hold ourselves in our bodies.

Therefore, in coaching I work with clients to become more acute observers of what is happening within their way of being and how this impacts on their success, happiness and what they see as possible for themselves.

What I Bring To Coaching

Passion, energy, insight and curiosity;

A fundamental belief in the potential of coaching to impact positively on clients’ relationships with the “self” and others, both inside and outside of their organisations;

Specialist knowledge, skills and experience in managing inter-personal and organisational conflict; and

Constant self-reflection and a deep commitment to self-development.

Coaching experience and focus

I coach at different levels in organisations from executive to manager and specialist, and across a broad range of sectors and industries.

I have worked successfully with clients from diverse demographic and cultural backgrounds locally and internationally, doing both face-to-face and technology-based coaching (i.e. Skype and telephone).

I have supported many clients transition to more senior levels and into more strategic roles.

More about coaching:

  • What are the practicalities of coaching?

    • A coaching programme usually consists of between six and twelve one-on-one sessions conducted over a period of six to twelve months.
    • Sessions are an hour to an hour and-a-half in duration. In the early stages of the programme, sessions are held at three weekly intervals This may shift as the journey progresses.
    • Sessions are arranged at mutually agreed times and taking account of business realities.
    • Sessions typically take place at the coach’s premises and not at the client’s workplace.

  • What does the coaching programme look like?

    • The coaching programme typically begins with an exploration of the client’s current situation and leads into a discussion about what the client would like to achieve through the coaching. Where the client’s employer is sponsoring the coaching, a three-way conversation may be conducted with the client’s line manager to obtain her/his input into the coaching programme.
    • Based on the areas identified by the client and his/her line manager (where appropriate), we work with the client to establish specific coaching outcomes and measurable indicators which then form the foundation for the design of the coaching programme.
    • Over the course of the sessions, we work in partnership with the client towards the achievement of the agreed outcomes.
    • At the conclusion of the coaching programme, we conduct a session with the client to review her/his progress against the coaching outcomes. Where the client’s line manager was part of the initial conversation, s/he will be included in the final review. This session will also focus on how the client can sustain any shifts made through the coaching programme.

  • What does coaching do?

    • We do not give advice or make suggestions but through using techniques such as open questions and inviting clients to observe themselves in everyday life, we assist them to increase their self-awareness and understanding of their patterns of thought, behaviour and action.
    • These reflective processes provide the basis for exploring new possibilities for clients to make different interpretations and take different action, as well as help to identify competencies the client needs to develop towards achieving her/his coaching outcomes.
    • Having identified competencies, we work with the client to craft practices which will help to form new habits and behaviours that can support greater fulfilment and effectiveness.

  • What are the fees for coaching?

    • Coaching fees vary from programme to programme, depending on the scope of the programme, the clients’ level of seniority and other relevant factors.
    • Different rates apply to company sponsored coaching and to individuals who are covering the cost of the coaching themselves.
    • Contracting around the structure and cost of the programme is concluded prior to commencement of the coaching sessions.

Coaching | Sharon Wakeford