Coaching

The term ‘coaching’ entered the language at Oxford University in the mid 1800s as dons provided extra tuition to ‘carry’ students through an exam. Coaching came to be the process of helping transport a person from where they were to where they wanted to be. Nowadays we would see coaching a much more collaborative activity, the coachee must be firmly in the driving seat.

Coach-mentoring is a yet more flexible approach. The mentoring aspect acknowledges that sometimes the coach may know a trick to some aspect of driving and if so, they will share this information. My favourite metaphor is of the coach shining a torch, simply through their ability to listen and ask questions. The coachee should not feel something is being done to them. Coaching should never feel strange or formulaic, but like a conversation between two thoughtful individuals.

Practicalities

Since the pandemic, I have mostly been coaching via Zoom. There are advantages – geography, accessibility and privacy. Some people might need or want only one session, some may opt for 3 or 4, or even a dozen or so. Coaching is a confidential process. Some employers will pay for coaching, but this doesn’t mean they should expect to be party to confidential information. And nobody should be pressurised to accept coaching, it will not work for you if you don’t find yourself in an enquiring frame of mind.

Who is coaching for?

I coach people who want to develop a new skill, who are experiencing a work dilemma or are at a career cross-roads. I coach people who find themselves in dispute or difficult interpersonal situation. I coach doctors facing career choices, needing to develop skills or gain confidence. I coach neuro-diverse people who need to work in a neuro-typical work environment. I coach parents on parenting in challenging situations. There are many more types of people I will coach, so if you don’t see yourself in this list, please don’t despair, just get in touch!

I also coach with the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, NHS London Leadership Academy, and Career Planning for Doctors and Dentists.