Samantha was keen to begin her first term at Cranleigh School with full visibility of how the team worked together and any areas that extra needed focus and support.
Pete was keen to get his team into a ‘strategic space’ after the impact of the Covid pandemic and recognised that it is not always easy to get people at ease to engage positively, when feeding back their thoughts in a group setting.
Pete values the presence of the ‘non-judgemental ear’ that Clare and Synergia offer to the school and aligning with the strategic ambitions of Bede’s.
Pete felt strongly that Clare could understand quickly what each individual required to make the most effective contribution to the team.
Clare ran several 1:1 workshops with the members of the team on a coaching programme for the Executive team. This was a valuable process for individuals to develop their own leadership skills, and to understand the team as a whole.
In addition she ran several team development workshops for the Executive team, and the activities were very well received. Participants were able to share thoughts – both professional or personal, which enhanced the dynamic of the team and improved the effective nature of the team, particularly when dealing with strategic discussions and considerations.
Clare teased information from conversations in a natural, yet structured manner, allowing for focus on strategy. The team became more comfortable with challenging conversations as they developed, thanks to Clare’s facilitation expertise.
Bede’s is focused on becoming a high-performing team through a realignment of our priorities as a team, with a greater emphasis on the strategic rather than the operational. Pete comments, ‘This is not a straightforward process – and Clare helped us navigate this, through steering us to the end goal in a subtle but clear manner.
Shared initiatives and accountability – these were especially beneficial for the Executive Team as they cultivated greater clarity of purpose and ownership of initiatives.
A streamlined approach to meetings with a clearer focus on the strategy. Senior leaders felt better equipped and supported to look after and support their teams.
One member of staff completed a mentoring qualification, which has been developed to create a peer mentoring programme for the pupils in the school.
A thorough 360-degree feedback CEO and COO Appraisal.
Working with Clare created several opportunities for strategic and personal development for the Executive team.
Pete comments: “Clare knew our organisation and helped us deepen our understanding of us as individuals, and our in-depth knowledge of our organisation.
“Providing an individual safe space for the Executive team to develop themselves was a challenge and Clare has helped to facilitate this and make it a strategic priority.”
“Clare’s unique approach offers participants’ support, a voice and a listening ear, simultaneously.”
“Clare is very good at delivering probing questions and allowing individuals to draw their own conclusions – this is really useful as Clare is able to naturally question in a constructive way from her empathetic perspective.”
Pete concluded “Clare appreciates what works in a school like ours and she has an individual communication style that supports this understanding.”
To find a course for you or to speak to the team about the best approach for your school visit our courses page or call the team on 01785 711593.