Coaching and mentoring

My passion lies in supporting and challenging school leaders in their professional development.

Most of my coaching work is done for Best Practice Network, Ambition Institute and Challenge Partners. However, I also have a small number of clients, who I coach on a freelance basis.

Coaching sessions are led by the client. You set the focus, for example setting future goals or managing present challenges. A coach is able to ask skilful coaching questions, make careful observations and challenge the client to action, in order to achieve goals or aims. We will explore the challenges and obstacles you face, your organisational context and your perceptions of ways forward. You will leave a session feeling energised and empowered to act. I will help you to build tools and techniques to help you meet your future challenges.

Headteachers

One-on-one coaching and mentoring focusing on individual growth, strategic planning, and overcoming leadership challenges in education.

white Boss-printed ceramic mug on brown surface

School leaders

One-on-one coaching and mentoring focusing on individual growth.

Do you have a new member of the leadership team?

Is a member of the team experiencing "a bit of a block" or needs to relocate their "mojo"?

Are you an aspiring senior leader?

Is the team fully aligned and firing on all cylinders?

Team coaching can consist of one-to-one coaching of members of the team, with an anonymised executive summary for the leader.

My experience tells me this can be transformative, once trusting relationships are formed.

Leadership teams

Ethical Practice

Coaching and mentoring can only be truly effective if coach and client build a rapport and a relationship based on trust. Our early sessions will focus on building that rapport and trust. It is important for you to know that, as a practising professional coach, I subscribe to the code of ethics of the International Coaching Federation.

I share its core values - professionalism, collaboration, humanity and equity

Professionalism - I commit to a coaching mindset and professional quality that encompasses responsibility, respect, integrity, competence and excellence. For you this means, that I approach every session with the same positive attitude and curiosity.

Collaboration - I commit to develop social connection and community building. For you this means, listening respectfully to alternative perspectives and seeking ways to work together with colleagues for the greater good.

Humanity - I commit to being humane, kind, compassionate and respectful toward others. For you, this means I always try to find the good in people, the positives in difficult situations, and I am sensitive to the challenges of the modern workplace.

Equity - I commit to use a coaching mindset to explore and understand the needs of others so we can practice equitable processes at all times that create equality for all. For you, this means that our conversations take place in a place of trust, commitment and confidentiality.

Coaching and mentoring - what's the difference?

two women talking while looking at laptop computer

Coaching and mentoring are different but, in practice, they both involve a "conversation with a purpose".

My approach is flexible - I use both approaches depending on the topic and circumstance.

Focus: Coaching is typically goal-oriented and focuses on specific skills or tasks. It aims to improve performance and achieve measurable outcomes. Mentoring is more holistic and focuses on long-term personal and professional growth. It involves sharing knowledge, experience, and wisdom

Duration: Coaching is often short-term, lasting for a set period or until specific goals are achieved. Mentoring relationships are often long-term and can last for several months or even years

Structure: Coaching sessions are usually structured and follow a formal process. Mentoring is usually less structured and more informal compared to coaching

Approach. Coaching is generally non-directive, meaning the coach asks questions and encourages self-discovery and problem-solving by the client. Mentoring is more directive, with the mentor often taking a more active role in guiding and advising.

Role of Coach: Coaches are often experts in a particular field and provide guidance, feedback, and strategies to help individuals reach their goals. Mentors are typically more experienced individuals who provide support, advice, and guidance based on their own experiences.

Under Simon's mentorship, I learned invaluable lessons in leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication. He empowered me to take on new roles and responsibilities, challenging me to constantly strive for excellence and innovation. I have grown immensely both personally and professionally.

Tom

Wirral