FAQs
We would be delighted to help you create a coaching culture in your organisation. But why should you employ us? After all, isn't the market inundated with coaches, trainers and consultants?
Let's see if we can anticipate some of your questions…
"What qualifies you to help us create a coaching culture?"
Experience, expertise and a proven track record. We understand how hard it can be to change the culture of an organisation and introduce key skills across an existing management team.
Having worked in a large multi-national before I set up Baxter Associates in 2000, I know the pressure managers are under to deliver results, frequently against a perception that what you're trying to do is just "flavour of the month" or "another initiative". When it falls to someone, usually the Learning & Development Manager, to equip managers with coaching skills, they're risking an enormous amount through their choice of provider.
What really sets Baxter apart from other coach training providers is that we understand your problems - we've worked directly with over 500 managers who have undergone our coaching programme to date, and we have first-hand knowledge of the confusion that exists about WHAT coaching is, HOW to coach, WHEN to coach and WHEN NOT to, and HOW TO WORK OUT what difference coaching is making to performance. We also have the knowledge, skill and insight to overcome these obstacles.
Let me give you an example. Earlier this year, my company entered an open tender process for a 3-year coaching contract with a Local Authority. We won the contract, beating 86 other companies. And what was fascinating was the feedback from the client afterwards about why we had been successful. There were 3 main reasons: firstly, the fact that we had very relevant experience and expertise; secondly, as a smaller company they knew exactly who would be delivering the training and were therefore convinced of the consistent approach; and thirdly, unlike some of our competitors, we spoke convincingly (and knowledgeably) about how we would evaluate the impact of our coaching skills programme on performance. We believe all organisations seeking to implement a coaching culture should work out why they want it in terms of tangible qualitative and quantitative benefits, and get the trainer's input into the final agreed criteria.
"What types of organisations do you work with?"
Typically we work with clients who have increasingly demanding targets to meet against a backdrop of change and uncertainty; where people leave and aren't always replaced; where time constraints create undue pressure; and where managers are frustrated with the performance of some of their staff and the crucial impact on the bottom-line. These managers need solutions, and are under scrutiny to spend their training budget wisely.
Since 1994, we have been designing and delivering training for clients in the public and private sectors, such as Local Authorities, Government Departments, Ministry of Defence, Education and Financial Services. It has certainly been an advantage that we are all qualified Investors in People Practitioners. Through this role we have worked with clients in all sectors, of all sizes, and in various countries. In this privileged position we have had access to corporate plans, HR Strategies, learning & development plans etc., which has, undoubtedly, broadened our knowledge, skills, expertise and experience - all of which adds up to a hugely enhanced service for you.
"Why do we need a coaching culture? What difference will it actually make?"
Having the skills to coach is one thing, and is certainly an advantage, but there is a difference between managers who coach and those who adopt a coaching leadership style. I often hear the term 'coaching' being bandied about and people stating that their organisation has a coaching culture, but what I realise now is that people's perception of what coaching actually is varies enormously and is often used interchangeably with training, mentoring and counselling.
Do you get asked a lot for your advice? In fact, do you get asked the same questions time after time because people won't use their own initiative? Do people seek reassurance even when they know the answer? Do you waste a lot of your time doing tasks that others should be capable of doing?
These are some of the indications that you need a coaching culture. Wouldn't it be great to manage your own workload comfortably in the time available? And to have a competent, resourceful and cooperative team who perform well, feel valued and enjoy coming to work?
Through our programmes we have helped managers to strengthen their leadership, build competence, harness initiative in their team members, engender a sense of responsibility, and improve results through the creation of a coaching culture.
"Do you have experience in my field?"
Well, we don't know. It's quite likely because of the extensive range of organisations we have helped over the years. If you work for a Local Authority then we most certainly have experience in your field and specialist, expert knowledge. One thing I would say is that once we start to work with a client, we learn everything we can possibly learn about your organisation and tailor our support exactly to your needs. It definitely helps to be naturally curious - that's why we are such good coaches!
"How do we get started?"
You have 5 choices depending on where you are now:
1. We're happy to discuss working with your management team through a series of our coaching skills workshops and advisory support. Just ring us on +44 (0)1985 300877.
2. And/or book on to our one-day 'Creating a Coaching Culture Workshop'. That way, you'll get to experience us in action at a reasonable cost, as well as benefit from a wealth of content that will help get you started.
3. If your knowledge of coaching is limited, then our Half-day Introduction to Coaching could be for you.
4. Alternatively, if you are already taking steps to create a coaching culture and would benefit from expert one-to-one support and guidance, then our Half-day Coaching Review with Jennifer Hampson could be the answer.
5. And/or sign up for our free Special Report on 'The 6 Biggest Barriers to Creating a Coaching Culture: What Every Organisation Should Know'. This will give you immediate practical advice to help you get started and prevent you from making the mistakes that others before you have made. You will also receive a complimentary subscription to our free online newsletter.
Just imagine yourself 12 months from today. Would you be happy to be in the same place, still concerned about leadership capability (or lack of it) and interested in coaching but having done nothing? With the same problems, worries and pressure that you're currently experiencing? Or do you want to be enjoying the success that you have achieved - having strengthened the leadership of your organisation, made it more productive, and converted it into a place where people enjoy coming to work and feel valued? Just imagine how great it feels to know, and for others to know, that you contributed all that.
Click here to start making progress through us today
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