Leadership Coaching Program

Not-for-Profits

Natalie Woodroofe WREN Executive Director Bethlehem, NH

With Lea Belair's expertise, we began to explore ways in which a 'coaching culture' could strengthen our collective work. Both our staff and Advisory board members were eager to find more effective ways of meeting, communicating, and making decisions. With Lea's guidance, we acquired a number of tools and processes that ultimately made for more satisfying and productive meetings and outcomes. Based on these successes, we then asked Lea to work with members of our program for established business owners. Coaching helped these women overcome obstacles and clarify their needs. I would highly recommend that leaders consider the introduction of a 'coaching culture' within their organizations. The lasting benefits are significant.

Corporations

Tammy F. Hetrick Global Trade Manager Burton Snowboards Burlington, VT

Training and mentoring were key components to our Women´s Leadership Initiative at Burton Snowboards. Leadership Coaching was a natural progression for us. We enrolled twelve women at the supervisor/manager level into the Coaching Center of Vermont´s Leadership Coaching Program. These women learned how to listen, how to ask provocative questions, and how to guide without leading. They discovered they often dealt with symptoms without ever identifying the underlying problems. They came away empowered. However, most became frustrated in their work environment because they were unable to practice their skills or use their tools because their managers had no idea what they were doing! The CEO of the company looked beyond the symptoms and recognized there was a need for a company-wide coaching culture, starting at the top. We immediately launched the Top Leadership Coaching program, enrolling fourteen senior managers and directors (men and women) in the first round. Positive results have been reported throughout the company. We have since introduced twelve new women in the Leadership Coaching program (supervisor/manager level), and are now preparing for our first Leadership Coaching program (supervisor/manager level) for both men and women. Burton has always valued leadership. With Leadership Coaching, we cultivate leadership from the top down.

Some highlights from a recent coaching skills training session for the top manager team at Burton Snowboards in Vermont:

What have you learned about being a coach manager?

• It takes a great deal of practice, but the rewards can be great and realized as bottom line $.
• It can and will make our business stronger. It will provide a more productive work environment. It can make people happier and more energized about work!
• Positive approach to difficult conversations.

What is the value of that?

• Loyal productive staff that flourish in their individual positions and as a team within the organization!
• I have many new people in my organization. This will accelerate our team getting on the same page.
• Effective solutions and strategies. Effective team-driven management.
• Bottom line, a more constructive, productive and happy place where people feel ownership.
• Better relationships, more motivated colleagues, identification of otherwise unforeseen solutions. Tapping into untapped creativity and energy reserves.

Applications

• Generates better solution based decisions
• Builds team approach.
• Be a more successful manager and make the people around me appreciate their job and feel accomplished.
• Galvanizing my immediate team, better, more collaborative relationships with others in the company and better business results.
  

Related Articles

• New Coaching Program Helps Managers Continue Building Supportive Work Environments
• Coaching Leads to Higher Emotional Intelligence for You and Your Employees, VBC Instructor Says