Why does a Chief Strategy Officer need coaching on strategy?
A Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) is responsible for the creation, communication, execution and sustaining the organization's strategic plan.
A CSO's role is different from the others you have had. A CSO usually comes from the operations side of the business and has a strong strategic ability.
In addition to the your existing skills, you need to work across all units to ensure everyone understands and is implementing the strategic plan.
Chief Strategists need to know how to communicate, influence and involve others so that the strategy becomes how individuals at all levels of the organization do their day-to-day activities.
As CSO, you are charged with driving the change associated with the plan throughout the organization and throughout the year.
You need support, tools and guidance from a coach who has experience coaching leaders in both operational and CSO roles. Someone who can advise, ask questions and provide perspective.
Coaching for Chief Strategists focuses on
Creating a shared strategic plan (which sounds easier than it really is!)
Updating the processes and structures for executing and updating the strategy
Communicating the plan, and continuing to communicate regularly
Knowing how & when to "step in" if the strategy isn't followed
Making quick strategic decisions
Ensuring departments work together and not against each other to execute the plan
Motiving and influencing
Driving change at all levels
Creating alignment with the plan
Ensuring the plan is up-to-date and includes new thinking
Creating new neuro-pathways, new behaviors and new strategic thinking
How does coaching work?
We work together to achieve your goals - virtually or in person.
I bring in experience from facilitating and teaching strategic planning, as well as, coaching operational leaders. I am your trusted advisor.
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. Together we create a tool to measure your progress towards those goals. Between sessions you complete action steps and contact me for additional feedback, encouragement and coaching.
We fine tune your strategic knowledge and 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.
My experience with strategic planning. I am a Master Facilitator in certifying others in the Haines Centre's Systems Thinking Approach to Strategic Management. I have been coaching, facilitating and teaching planning for over twenty years. I am a Strategic Management Professional Pioneer with the Association of Strategic Planning, and helped form the association and their certification.
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!