Coaching

• My Coaching Style and Approach

  Initially, my aim is to understand my client’s motivations and challenges, to establish a clear context and relevant goals for the coaching process. Through a process of questioning and active listening, I help my clients achieve insights into the issues they face, and how they may be limiting themselves (or others) unintentionally.

  Where relevant, I use a range of coaching and profiling tools to accelerate client self-awareness and understanding. I work to build my client’s willingness and ability to act, enhancing their sense of self-efficacy, purpose and direction. I take my lead from my client’s unfolding agenda, flexing my style and approach to fit the needs of the moment and the overall goals of the coaching relationship. I encourage them to connect with and be their ‘best self’ for more of the time. For more information click here.

  “I valued Alison’s ability to probe and give feedback and enable me to gain different perspectives that have assisted me in developing my approach to leadership. What I have appreciated is Alison’s ability to focus and direct a session to conclusions that lead to reflection and action. I always come away with valuable insights and the process has assisted greatly in my development as an Exec Director.”

  Executive Director, emda

• Coaching Expertise

  • PhD in using feedback for leader development.
  • MA in Coaching and Mentoring at Oxford Brookes University (with distinction).
  • Accredited as Master Executive Coach by the Association for Coaching, adhering to their codes of practice and ethics.
  • Post-graduate certificate in Coaching Supervision at Oxford Brookes University (with distinction)
  • Member of the teaching team on the MA in Coaching and Mentoring Practice at Oxford Brookes University
  • Coaching practice is overseen by an independent supervisor to ensure continued high standards and adherence to ethical practice.
  • Qualified in psychometric type and trait assessment including MBTI (Step I and II), Hogan, FIRO-B, and the Thomas-Kilman Instrument.  Experienced in use of 360 feedback systems, and ‘strengths’ tools such as Clifton StrengthsFinder, SDI and Realise 2. Accredited in the use of emotional intelligence instruments – EQ-i 2.0 and the EQ-i 360. Certified Gallup StrengthsFinder coach
  • Published author on a number of coaching-related topics including self-esteem issues, coaching-therapy boundary, supervision for internal coaches. Recent chapter published in the Sage Handbook of coaching – ‘Using feedback for development: finding the coaches stance’.

  “Alison has the ability to create empathy and trust which enables you to talk openly and freely. She acts as the perfect mirror, to allow the individual to observe themselves to discover weaknesses and opportunities for growth. Alison guides the conversation in such a way that allows break-troughs in understanding and self awareness to take place.”

  IT Director, RS Components

• Coaching Experience

  My one-one experience incorporates a wide variety of clients including Board & senior leadership of FTSE100 Companies. I have over 3000 professional hours experience.

  Examples of typical assignments include:

  • Working with a Board level director on self-esteem and confidence issues
  • Helping Senior Partner from a ‘big five’ consultancy, uncover and deal with the blocks to enhanced performance
  • Coaching Quality Director from a major manufacturer understand and change the relationship difficulties he was experiencing with his peers and team
  • Supporting a HR Director from the Public Sector to address an underperforming team.
  • Coaching IT Director re career development and life-work balance issues
  • Development of presentation skills and political awareness for Executive Board member
  • Challenging the MD to create clarity and focus around future direction and strategy
  • Using 360º feedback to confront underperformance in a public sector organisation.

  For more information click here.

  “Personable, expert, high integrity – Alison is an extremely insightful individual with a voracious appetite for practical tools and theories and how to apply them effectively to the working environment. She clearly understands what drives organisations as well as individuals and has the skills and integrity to apply this effectively.”

  Director of Business Development at Boots The Chemist

• Career Overview

  35 years+ experience with blue-chip organisations, working with manufacturing, nationalised industry, pharmaceuticals, travel, financial services, as well as the retail sector. Career experience includes information systems, operations, training & development, organisation development, change management and coaching. Developed specialism in using feedback in leader development. For more information click here.