Headteacher Darryl Wideman, of independent school Radnor House in Twickenham, was keen to introduce a coaching culture into his school, from the senior and middle leadership through to all staff and older pupils.
Anne Wakefield, Deputy Head, (Boarding and Pastoral Care) at Benenden School was delighted to be enrolled on 1-2-1 Coaching with Clare from Synergia as a Senior Leader at the school.
Having not completed coaching like this before, Anne saw this as an exciting opportunity to develop her skills and as an interesting chapter in her personal development.
Completing six executive coaching sessions gave Anne the knowledge and confidence to employ her learnings. As this was a 1-2-1 coaching opportunity, Anne completed the sessions at a pace that suited her and her individual circumstances. Clare introduced Anne to an array of resources for her continued development. The coaching enabled Anne to challenge her own self perceptions and grow in her own confidence, empowering her to develop her own leadership journey. Anne was also equipped to conduct ongoing research to increase her knowledge further and Clare kept Anne on track throughout the process.
How the process works:
The coaching process begins with an introductory session to ensure the chosen coach’s approach is compatible for the client.
Once the compatibility has been confirmed, the first formal coaching session begins with clear discussions around how the coach and client work together. At this stage, together they explore expectations and objectives for the coaching programme. This includes an in-depth discussion about the individual’s journey through their life and career to understand what has shaped them to become the person they are today. At the end of this first session, clear objectives are agreed against which the coaching will be evaluated.
The ongoing coaching sessions focus on the goals and objectives. This enables the client to review their reality, how they shape and form their decisions, as well as explore different options and approaches they can then take forward. This is how the desired change is achieved. The coach will support the client with reviewing each goal assisting them as they reflect on progress so far. Together, they consider how the client’s actions have helped them to achieve each goal. At the end of the coaching relationship, a full evaluation is conducted to demonstrate the achievements and result.
Syngeria’s method is person centred so each coach tailors their approach using a wide variety of tools and techniques to challenge and support their client according to each person’s individual objectives.
Anne found Clare to be approachable and knowledgeable. Anne was able to explore management techniques further because of the confidence that she gained from taking part in the coaching.
Anne can now actively manage staff from different perspectives, and she passes on her knowledge directly and indirectly to her team and peers.
The stand-out result from Clare’s coaching has been the increase in knowledge and confidence that Anne feels that she now has.
Anne comments that Clare was ‘Practical, encouraging and knowledgeable’. Clare was able to challenge Anne’s thinking and shift her whole focus to a more coaching focused people management style.
As a result of completing the executive coaching, Anne was able to successfully secure a new role as Headteacher in a new school setting. Anne attributes her increased confidence in people management as a key factor in her securing this new position and she would recommend Synergia to peers and colleagues, now and in the future.
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.