Stay on Track

Today’s high-performing organisations need leaders and leadership teams who can set clear and inspiring objectives – and achieve them.

Our approach is to build on the existing strengths of an individual or a leadership group, helping them to agree where there are gaps, and work to bridge them. Whether you choose short-term interventions or a longer programme of corporate leadership growth, our consultants bring credibility at all levels of your organisation.

The Self-Aware Leader

Self-awareness is one of the most important qualities for leadership effectiveness. We really enjoy coaching leaders to raise their awareness of themselves and their style of leadership.

We use tools to help with this: psychometric testing, 360 degree feedback and a range of reflective activities that suit different people and their preferences.

The power of coaching is that leaders can explore issues candidly in a safe, confidential environment with someone outside of their organisation. Regular sessions mean they can practise different approaches and reflect on what works well, building personal insight and confidence along the way

 FAQs

How does the coaching work?

A: We usually suggest 4-6 monthly sessions of 90 mins each. Sometimes coaching goes on for a longer period. The content of the sessions is confidential and we encourage individuals to find a suitable environment, away from distractions. We facilitate exploration of issues facing individuals and help them choose actions to help move forward.

What are the typical coaching issues?

A: Topics that arise frequently for leaders include: developing personal leadership skills; managing conflict; embedding culture change; prioritising and managing stress; planning next career steps.

What experience do you have of coaching senior leaders?

A: We are all qualified coaches, each with over 10 years’ experience of coaching managers and leaders from a range of sectors and institutions. Examples include:

Members of Senior Management Teams in Local Authorities, Housing Associations and Fire Services; University Heads of Department; elected Members.

How do you help an organisation evaluate the success of the coaching?

A: We recognise the business context for coaching and the importance of ensuring a return on investment. To this end, we agree overall objectives at the outset, ideally involving the sponsor of the coaching (for example, the line manager) and review against these throughout and particularly at the end, involving the sponsor in summarising the learning and impact of the coaching.

 

Susan – L B of Hounslow

Mary has worked really well with managers to ascertain the requirements for courses, as well as understanding the groups that she would be working with. Managers have repeatedly requested for Mary to facilitate team building events which demonstrates her excellent facilitation skills.

Susan Karwal, London Borough of Hounslow

Coaching Eamonn

Mary’s style during the coaching sessions, gently provoking me towards solutions and paths, has been excellent. She allowed me to have control over the personal business and performance targets I could challenge myself with and in deciding what progression has been made between sessions. I have no doubt of the usefulness of the project and of Mary’s help to me through the past few months.

Eammon, coaching client

Jenny (charity client)

I liked the fact that Mary understands our business and the daily pressures we face. Mary had a knack of turning a problem into an opportunity and how to deal with sensitive issues, or at least steer me in the right direction.

Jenny, Coaching client

NICE

Mary facilitated our recent team away day; she supported the planning (suggesting alternative approaches) and was instrumental on the day in ensuring that our objectives for the away day were met. Mary’s enthusiasm and creativity, as well as the ability to flex the day when required meant the team had a very productive as well as enjoyable day. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mary to facilitate team developmental activity

Jan Robinson, Programme Manager at NICE

Sigma Aldrich

The course content is really good and can be applied to my current role and development areas. I will be using some of the tools learnt and will put them into practice. Mary is a very good trainer and easy to follow and engage with.

Management and Leadership course participant, Sigma-Aldrich

TFL

A very interactive and fun course. I achieved my objectives I set out before the course. Good balance between theory and practical.

Personal Impact course participant, TfL

Luke Colman

One of the best courses I have attended during my Fire Service Career, it will greatly assist in improving my effectiveness as a leader & manager in RBFRS.

Luke Colman, Station Manager, Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service

Antonia Farrell

I attended Mary's 'Citrix Leader Program' in Nov 2017. Being a new manager at Citrix Systems I was a little nervous about the program as I worried I would be out of my depth... By the end of the two days, I felt far more confident in myself and my new role. The tools Mary used were very useful and appropriate - in fact, I know most of our group will be using the tools when conducting meetings/creating development plans and as part of our day-day planning/ organizing. Needless to say, I highly recommend Mary for your training days.

Antonia Farrell, Sales Support Manager, Citrix

Matthew Coleman

Mary is an extremely engaging coach and trainer and I learned a lot of new skills and techniques from her training. I applied these a year after attending the first training course and honestly feel more comfortable in my role thanks to these. I would highly recommend Mary's Coaching and Leadership training.

Matthew Coleman, Team Leader, Shaw Trust

Matt Pinto – Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service











The Leadership Development Programme provides an excellent opportunity to learn how to lead a successful and happy, motivated team.











Matt Pinto, Business Applications Manager, Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service

Dr Lorna Thomson – testimonial 1

Having worked with Mary for almost 18 months, I have benefited hugely from her considered and constructive approach. Mary works with me through complex issues I encounter in my role - actively challenging my thinking, focusing on clarifying my plans and navigating complicated situations.

Dr Lorna Thomson
Director, Research Support Office
University of Edinburgh

Dr Lorna – 3rd testimonial

I look forward to my sessions with Mary and always find myself taking positive actions based on our conversations.

Dr Lorna Thomson
Director, Research Support Office
University of Edinburgh

Professor Michael Rainsborough


Mary's exploration of conflict management in the work place proved a real eye-opener. Her presentation and analysis was fascinating and I learned about new ways to think creatively around the subject that have genuinely helped me deal effectively with complex situations in my large and busy department.


Professor Michael Rainsborough
Head of Department of War Studies, Kings College London