Executive Coaching
At The core of our work as a consultancy is coaching. Supporting individuals to grow and develop, and organisations to build capacity. Often engaged to support and coach individuals, we provide a valuable mechanism for individuals to learn about themselves, receive guidance and critical advice in their role, as well as providing a critical thought partner in managing challenging situations and/or individuals.
Coaching for leadership groups is also offered by the Education Consortium. School leadership coaching is about connecting all the key people - helping them to meaningfully connect for the collective benefit of a shared vision and purpose. Coaching of this nature can take the form of on-site guidance or workshops, but also ongoing interactions and communications remotely and electronically.
What does this look like?
Generally the client enters into a coaching agreement with The Education Consortium, either on an annual retainer which allows for an agreed number of coaching sessions throughout the year, or for a set number of coaching sessions based around a specific project or identified need. These packages can be flexible and tailored to suit an individual or school need.
In essence, our preferred approach in working with schools is to work with all key leaders in the organisation through coaching.
School Coaching as a Concept
We have mentored many School Heads. Coached numerous leadership teams and worked with countless Boards. We feel, to differing degrees, that we have had some significant impact, however, no experience has been more impactful than working with the individuals within these groups collectively. There is a common purpose, and helping the individuals or sub- groups to understand and appreciate other’s roles is paramount to achieving optimal outcomes.
Secondly, as educators, as learners, and as avid students of learning, we believe quality dialogue, opportunities to try different approaches and opportunities to reflect on one’s own learning, are critical for individuals and institutions to grow and develop further. This is best achieved when there are opportunities for the individuals and groups to be supported in that learning by an individual or individuals who can see the broader perspective and are somewhat removed from the day to day decision-making
In essence, our preferred approach in working with schools is to work with all key leaders in the organisation through coaching. Our focus will vary as we lend support to individuals, key groups and all leaders together. School leadership is about connecting all the key people - where they all know their roles in that process and helping them to meaningfully connect for the collective benefit of a shared vision and purpose.
School Coaching as a concept is built on two major premises. Firstly, schools are governed and led in a variety of ways, however in most community based international schools they are often led by an individual, often referred to as a Head of School (HoS)/Director who has responsibility for the educational program and day to day operations. This individual who has responsibility to lead is usually supported by other key employees who collectively form some type of senior leadership team. This person usually reports to a Board of Directors or Trustees, based on a variety of governance models, made up of individuals usually unpaid and often parents in the school. This group ultimately has responsibility for fiduciary oversight and the long-term future of the school. What results in this model, with its many variations, is a group of critical paid and unpaid individuals charged with the short and long-term future of the institution. Lots of moving parts, lots of egos and relationships, and critically, lots of processes that need to come together to make it all work well.
Coaching Support for Board Chair
The role of a Board Chair is complex, time consuming and often challenging. More often than not the Board chair does not come from an educational background so the individual is often thrust into a critical leadership position in an industry in which they have limited knowledge or experience. These factors highlight how valuable external support can be. We are very willing to tailor a short-term or ongoing coaching arrangement to ensure the right support is available
“Andy is a one-of-a-kind coach. He is able to thoughtfully listen and share purposeful feedback that reflects both his expertise and empathy. He balances honesty and humility, humor and straight-forwardness, and perspective and kindness. I appreciate his directness, reflect on his insightfulness, and am drawn to his care for me. I've developed as both a person and leader with Andy on my side.”
Ben Thrash, Head of School, Barrie, USA
“Andy has been my coach for the past three years and has supported my professional growth while helping me navigate complex and challenging situations. Our bi-weekly conversations cover a wide range of topics ranging from day-to-day operations, dissecting a challenging issue, and long-term planning to personal leadership growth. His support has been instrumental in my success as an educational leader.”
Dr. David Lovelin, Assistant Head of School, Jakarta Intercultural School, Indonesia