The Ambition
To enable senior civil servants to inspire improved performance within Government Offices and underperforming local councils.
The role of these civil servants is to influence the performance and behaviour of a broad range of stakeholders in Government Offices and local councils. The nature of their roles meant that a ‘standard’ coaching programme would be unlikely to meet their needs - the ability to call on different ways of influencing and building commitment to action or change. They not only need to listen well and build rapport, but also to be able to challenge and give tough feedback in a way that is acceptable to the recipient.
Our Response
A two-part coaching programme that took into account the delicate nature of the civil servants' roles.
The client context was crucial in our programme design. Total flexibility and responsiveness within a broad framework enabled the programme to fully meet the participants’ needs. Their own experiences and the current issues they faced was our starting point.
The programme comprised eight individual sessions with a Faraday coach for each participant, plus five coaching skills workshops spread over a period of ten months.
Outcomes
Participants reported that the programme gave them:
- A heightened ability to choose or vary their style to get the very most from their own interventions with internal and external colleagues.
- An appreciation of the power of non-directive approaches to influencing and problem solving.
- Greater sensitivity in balancing challenge and support and when to push hard or gently pull towards a solution.
- New skills and understanding that could be applied to a wide variety of situations — including:
- Formal coaching sessions or ad-hoc, informal discussions
- Involvement as leader or team member
- In groups or with individuals
- Relationships with peers, subordinates or superiors; external clients or customers; partners or stakeholders
Feedback
“A unique blend of high level coaching training. Faraday were flexible, responsive to the needs of a diverse group and very accommodating on geographical issues.”
“They provided coaches and training to ensure maximum participation, cost effectiveness and minimum disruption.”
“It’s been stunning; I’ve got more out of it than I ever thought I would.”
“The training was demanding, sensitive and highly competence based. Faraday quickly established credibility and trust as people who knew what our business was.”
“All of the most sceptical are now sold on the advantages of coaching. All report improved results in the performance of those they are coaching in the workplace.”
“It’s life-changing!”
