Developing a coaching culture
Benefits
- Identify and maximise training and development opportunities
- Perpetuate a healthy and empowering learning culture in your organisation
- Tackle personal and organisational issues
Issue
Our client, a leading business law firm, was experiencing a high turnover of assistants. Feedback from exit interviews confirmed that this was, in part, due to a lack of emphasis on development. While some turnover is inevitable, the firm was increasingly aware of the costs of losing key people, in terms of expertise, investment in training, succession planning, and the impact on client perceptions and relationships. Part of the plan to maximise retention included the introduction of a programme of coaching for those involved with the supervision of assistants. Our client wanted to emphasise the benefits of development for retention, as well as the need to tackle management concerns as early as possible. They wanted to equip partners with the knowledge, skills and understanding to achieve this goal.
Our approach
JSB believes that the success of any learning and development intervention will depend on the extent to which it is practical and pragmatic. Participants needed to have a toolkit which they could integrate into their pressured and busy working lives. Utilising informal feedback from assistants, we worked with our client to devise a format which epitomises this practical and pragmatic approach.
Four concise sessions were delivered to groups of partners. These were complemented by individual coaching sessions to help develop high achievers, and plan and prepare for specific challenging conversations:
- Module 1: Making the link between development and retention
- Module 2: Leadership: matching your style to suit the situation and the person
- Module 3: Using a more sophisticated coaching model
- Module 4: Handling difficult conversations
Each of the four modules includes specific tools and tips which could be practiced and used between sessions.
The outcome
This practical modular training, using real-life situations, enabled delegates to:
- Understand the role of the coach and the benefits of coaching
- Understand when and where to use coaching effectively
- Facilitate coaching sessions to maximum effect
A follow up session for the whole group is planned for/took place 2 months into the programme. This session will introduce/introduced some additional tools for maintaining momentum and undertaking individual, ongoing evaluation of progress.
Talk to us about how we can tailor such a programme to suit your organisation.
Call +44 (0)20 8371 7017 or complete our online enquiry form.
