Too many organisations still see coaching as an exec level perk, however, Basis using coaching techniques as part of its core toolset towards business transformation and change management solutions.  We use it to support leaders, staff and teams to take ownership and commit to the change. 

Coaching can help an individual or group to build sustainable professional and personal skills, embed learning, overcome challenges, reach stretch goals and integrate leadership training.  Studies show that coaching is the most effective means for achieving sustainable growth, change and development in the individual, group and organization.

Basis approach to coaching is pragmatic and cost effective – here are three examples:

Advanced Leadership Programme

Basis is working with a London Council on the 2010 Advanced Leadership Programme.  This is the second year we have delivered this blended learning development programme, following the outstanding success of the 2009 programme. 98% of the candidates said they would recommend it to colleagues.    This advanced programme was designed to develop their leadership skills, allow them to create strong and lasting networks across the council and identify the development needs which will support progress to the next level of management.  There were two underlying principles on this programme – authentic leadership and positive psychology.  This meant that individuals were encouraged to recognise and be true to their own leadership styles and to build on their strengths. This programme is an important part of the council’s succession plan and is also a key part of their talent management strategy. 

Basis are an Approved Centre to deliver Level 5 qualifications in Leadership and Management.

Action Learning Sets for Project Managers.

Basis are working with an NHS organisation to develop a new approach to developing their Project Managers .  The NHS understands that greater commitment to change and improvement will come if new solutions are developed internally rather than being imposed externally. The preference was to build a community of project managers who could learn from each other’s experience and subsequently build a strong network of project management capability.  Basis have been engaged to facilitate Action Learning Sets (ALS), supported by 1:1 coaching,  as a means of using internal teams’ knowledge, skills and experience to drive out plans for improvement. This substantial programme commenced last year and will run throughout all of 2010.

Action Learning is peer coaching in a group setting

“Action learning is a continuous process of learning and reflection, supported by colleagues, with an intention of getting things done. Through action learning individuals learn with and from each other by working on real problems and reflecting on their own experiences. The process helps us to take an active stance towards life and helps to overcome the tendency to think, feel and be passive towards the pressures of life.” (McGill & Beaty 1995)

Within 2 sessions of Action Learning sets, participants will become familiar with the method and Basis will develop their capability to embed ALS into their learning culture, and so a ‘Pass it on’ culture will evolve.  

Government Agency – Building Commercial Capability

Basis has been coaching managers as part of the above programme to  build the commercial capability of middle managers.  These managers are often responsible for managing contractors delivering complex technical programmes with high public visibility.   The contracts are worth hundreds of millions of pounds and the Agency managers have to make sure that the contractors are delivering against contract terms and challenge them when performance is not up to standard.  The idea is that through ‘checking and challenging’ the Agency will deliver efficient, value for money work.   The programme is a multi-modular development programme which builds commercial knowledge and capability.

The embedding of learning is being supported by 1:1 coaching.

Studies have found that Coaching is the most effective means for achieving sustainable growth, change and development in the individual, group and organization. HR Monthly

Simply email basis@basis.co.uk with your contact details to arrange to receive further information.