What is business coaching?
Business coaching is a professional relationship between a business leader or entrepreneur and a certified coach.
The coach's role is to help you clarify your vision - for your role or your business - that are in alignment with your values and your life goals.
With that vision in mind, the coach provides you with guidance, feedback, tools, support, encouragement and accountability. They also help you reveal your blind spots and barriers.
And together make plans to overcome what's in your way and achieve your vision.
What might business coaching focus on?
Making strategic decisions, when overwhelmed or uncertain
Improving communication with staff, leadership, peers and stakeholders
Finally being able to motivate and influence others
Creating and executing strategic plans
Managing conflict like a pro
Achieving financial and operational targets
Showing up as a more charismatic leader
Leveraging change
Leading teams effectively
Creating new neuro-pathways, new behaviors and new strategic thinking
Increasing visibility
Making a bigger impact
Valerie MacLeod, MBA, Certified Coach
How does business coaching work?
We work together. I become your trusted advisor.
Together we develop your own recipe for your "secret sauce".
I tailor my Systems Thinking Approach® for you.
We meet in person or via technology for approximately 60 minutes per session. Our first session focuses on your vision and expected outcomes. Between sessions you complete action steps and contact me for additional feedback, encouragement and coaching.
We fine tune your leadership abilities and move towards your vision.
I ask you insightful questions, challenge your behaviors and give you honest feedback. I will supply guidance and tools, and also provide encouragement and accountability.
And I apply my unique mixture of both left-brain and right-brain thinking styles. All of this helps you clearly see what's in the way of your goals. And what steps to take next.
I am a certified coach. I work with individuals and teams.
What makes me different from other coaches?
My Background. I have a Bachelor of Mathematics (Co-op with a minor in Computer Science) and an MBA (with a Human Resources minor). I work well with business leaders and entreprenuers who have a background in sciences, engineering, accounting and business.
Systems Thinking. I knew something was missing in planning and problem solving before I learned Systems Thinking. In Systems Thinking we look at the entire situation first along with its impact on other teams, departments and clients. Then we tackle the details. I use The Systems Thinking Approach© and its application to thinking, planning, communication, career management and life planning. With Systems Thinking we'll understand the entire entity we are working with and the possible implications on other people and systems.
My coaching approach. I tailor the The Systems Thinking Approach© to Coaching for your specific needs.
Certifications. I am certified in one of the few coaching programs that looks from a systems perspective, ORSC (Organization & Relationship Systems Coaching). I'm also certified in Systems Thinking, Strategic Planning, Executing Strategic Plans, Change Management and Career Planning.
Balance of left and right sides of the brain. I enjoy using both the logical, analytical and scientific side of my brain along with the creative, conceptual and holistic part. I use both sides in my coaching and training to include multiple perspectives and reduce the possibility that we missed a solution or unanticipated development.
My experience. I have coached leaders for over twenty years. And consulted to private, public and non-profit organizations during that time. I am a happy entrepreneur.
My sense of humour.
Valerie MacLeod, MBA, Certified Business Coach
What are the benefits of business coaching?
Everyone needs a coach. We all need someone who will give us feedback.
That's how we improve.
- Bill Gates
There are many benefits to having a business coach:
A clear roadmap for tackling issues and achieving your goals
Accountability
Objective guidance through a trusted confidante
More informed, smarter and deliberate actions that are in line with your vision
Effective use of time and money
Increased confidence and visibility
Valuable strategic and people skills
See the forest AND the trees
Reduced risks
Work more easily and productively with others (including your boss!)
Increased contribution and impact
Being the leader that people want to work for
Cost effective, customized, results-oriented coaching process
You get what you need when you need it!
Tailor your own coaching or investigate some of my coaching programs:
Thank YOU Valerie, so great to work with you! So easy and yet I feel absolutely supported and more confident with your guidance and suggestions. I’m impressed, grateful and amazed!
Suzan Valenta, Executive Director, Arthritis Society Prairie/Nunavut/NWT