The key to a successful coaching experience is the beginning of the journey. It's essential that a clear goal or aspiration is identified, challenged and validated. Without that, a lack of belief and commitment can hamper results. I aim to make sure that my client has clear objectives, that there is buy-in from their team if appropriate, and that we're clear how success will be measured. I'll always prepare a clear Proposal before we proceed, so you can see that I get it, that your expectations and the results are defined.

I'll use a range of tools, which will be chosen for individual clients. In all cases the proved and very well established "GROW" model underpins the whole process: establish the Goal, challenge the Reality, consider the Options, decide the Way forward. At different stages, there are many approaches- for example some clients like a purely verbal, highly interactive workshop approach to draw out ideas from a management team, and a visual representation of a vision and direction of travel rather than a documented plan. I'm comfortable with either. What works for one client may not work for another. Action Planning similarly will vary, from a short one to one session to a series of detailed, highly structured team sessions. It depends on the risks, the style of the business, and the scale of growth. Implementation of projects again is each to his own- whatever works best, from regular team-based reviews to individual reactive coaching sessions and everything between. Whatever you and your team respond best to, it's my responsibility to identify and use the right approach. That's a promise.