It has been so useful to have an expert external providing training on coaching. What I found particularly useful was the emphasis on how I can better incorporate coaching skills into my day to day work, rather than it being seen as a separate “add on.” During the training I have worked with a great group of people in a safe environment to refresh skills, learn new, test ideas and apply our learning. I have thoroughly enjoyed and been enriched by the whole experience. Fiona’s style of training pushes you but is also very empathetic and nurturing; the course resources and materials are brilliant. The sessions have been challenging, intense and very rewarding. I have since used my coaching learning in appraisals, one to ones with staff, to support others with their personal development and in other ways, and feedback has been very positive. I am now asking more insightful questions to encourage others to dig deep into their experiences, values and aspirations etc. and enabling them to create their own solutions. As one of my appraisees said “you made me work hard there and I got so much out of it.” I am really motivated and gratified to see I am helping others be more self-aware, courageous and solution focused. When I began the course I was somewhat cynical as I have undertaken training in coaching before but never made it stick; however I am now fired up and committed to continuing to apply my learning in other ways, and am convinced there are real benefits in this.
Consultant in Public Health, OHID, Department for Health and Social Care, UK Government
