Why coaching?
These are times of rapid change and high stakes accountability for leaders in education, particularly as they grapple with the huge challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. When the pressures to perform are relentless, resilience is tested; confidence can be undermined and well-being compromised.
Coaching is a simple but powerful process, which provides an opportunity to redress the balance.
Whether new to educational leadership or with years of experience, working with a coach offers leaders time and space to reflect in depth about issues that are important to them and their schools. It provides a safe, non-judgemental place to share thoughts and give voice to concerns.
Within this secure and enabling environment, school and system leaders can explore the opportunities and challenges they are facing, and work towards finding their own, positive solutions.
How does coaching help?
Coaching offers leaders an objective, external perspective that focuses firmly on their needs and priorities. It encourages them to recognise and make the most of their existing strengths, and reveals self-limiting beliefs and behaviours that can hinder progress. At times, coaching questions may be challenging, but they help to increase understanding and give rise to new insights, which form the basis for potential growth and change.
Angie’s coaching practice is underpinned by four key principles:
- strengthening resilience
- using positive interventions to enhance well-being
- working with personal and professional authenticity
- facilitating change that is sustainable in the longer term
With her personal experience of headship and many years spent working with leadership teams, she is uniquely placed to understand the challenges of the leadership role. Through coaching, she offers leaders empathetic support, appropriate challenge, and genuine commitment to their success.
What does a coaching programme involve?
Since successful coaching stems from a trusting collaborative relationship, Angie always offers an initial meeting or video call, free of charge and any obligation. This provides an opportunity to discuss the purpose, scope and boundaries of coaching sessions, and ensures that both parties feel they could work together well.
A typical coaching programme consists of six 60- to 90-minute sessions set across a 6 - 9 month period, but can be adjusted to meet individual requirements. Contact Angie if you would like to know more.
“I would recommend this process to all headteachers trying to manage the often overwhelming level of change faced on a daily basis. It is a positive and forward thinking response to managing well-being in schools.”