The first 11 participants in the Programme are currently receiving executive coaching aimed at helping them develop the skills and qualities needed to drive forward transformation in their organisations.
More than simply training, executive coaching “offers a means for developing subtle yet potent qualities such as emotional intelligence and the communication and relationship skills needed to motivate employees, adapt more readily to change and better manage people of diverse backgrounds” (Sherman & Freas, Harvard Business Review).
Rather than ‘instruct’ clients, coaches listen, ask questions and provide objective feedback to individuals. Coaching gets executives to slow down, distance themselves from a situation, and notice the effects of their words and actions on the world around them. The aim is to enable them understand how they can effect change; to envisage and move towards completely new ways of working.
“In our busy working lives we rarely get the opportunity to take time out to talk candidly about our own style and approach to working with others,” confirms Caroline Innes, Assistant Chief Executive of East Renfrewshire Council and one of the Programme participants. “I have enjoyed the experience immensely and it feels like a much needed luxury.”
The greater provision of executive coaching within Scottish local government is being promoted by the Improvement Service. "Our executives have really benefited from the opportunity to apply creative coaching techniques to their current leadership challenges. They have welcomed the fact that each coaching session is built around their own unique work context," says Paul Cowan, Head of Organisational Development and Capacity Building at the Improvement Service.
The coaching itself takes the form of four 1.5 hour sessions helping the participants with current live work challenges.
Prior to coaching, all participants take part in a development centre which sees them undergo psychometric profiling to assess their current performance against world-class leadership, and tests their levels of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. This is followed by a series of leadership centres and action learning workshops that have been built around the Improvement Service Leadership Excellence Profile.
Following this pathfinder, it is anticipated that a second group of 10-12 senior executives will be taken through the development programme in early 2007.
Contact Us
For further information on the Top Executive Development Pilot Programme, contact Paul Cowan, Head of Organisational Development and Capacity Building, Improvement Service on 01506 775558 or email paul.cowan@improvementservice.org.uk
