Head of Business Development in a medical research charity, this client was referred to me for coaching as he wanted to improve as a team leader. For him, this meant improving time management, effectively delegating, communicating well with peers, developing strategic thinking, increasing self-awareness (via 360 feedback) and exploring his leadership vision and approach.
Although he held a senior position, he had never been trained or developed in management or leadership and was unsure what being an outstanding leader would look like for him.
During a 6-month programme we worked on all these aspects and used the Kouzes and Posner “5 Practices of Exemplary Leadership” to provide a tried and tested, helpful structure for our work.
We gathered feedback from various stakeholders which highlighted the significant progress my client made, particularly on:
- Relationships – An improvement in relationships with, and engagement of, direct reports and peers. Recognition of the importance of proper and regular communication with stakeholders.
- Interpersonal skills – He now makes more time to think, prepares well and stays focused and on message.
- Delegation – More frequent and effective delegation. My client’s line manager noticed significant improvements in delegation.
- Leadership – My client found the 5 practices structure and activities really helpful in helping him identify his leadership vision and being able to regularly check in with the practices as he implemented the Business Development strategy.”
