Methodology

Our Theoretical Approach

At GCA we work with the whole person. A systems thinking approach informs our coaching practice, such that the individual is seen as a mini-system operating within a much broader context. Any manager or executive is seen as a learner or “learning system” operating within other systems such as their team, the organisation, and the wider business and social community, family and friends.

The pace of change in today’s business environment requires that every individual in distributed leadership across the organisation is able to make informed and speedy decisions that take into account the complexity of the environment within which they operate, no matter where they sit in the organisation.

The coaches utilise a variety of techniques in accordance with this philosophy to explore such complexity to help clients understand their link to the bigger picture. The coaching process aims to help a client appreciate the interdependent connections within a complex array of influences. Through developing an intimate knowledge of the wider business and social environment clients become to understand the difference they can make within their own sphere of influence, appreciate key relationships in their lives, and become more conscious and self-directed leaders.

On a personal level it means helping the client appreciate the links between their life and work, themselves and the organization, the broader strategic environment and social groups within which they interact. From appreciating this complexity clients can, understand what is within their locus of control, and appreciate broader social and political influences that are impacting on achieving the goals they have set for themselves.

Embedded in the process is a focus on self-awareness and emotional intelligence, and so on another level the process is connected to a deeper search for meaning. Clients often experience profound insights which lead to a new understanding of themselves and others. They begin to understand difference alongside an understanding of his/her own self. This leads to behaving in differing ways, and an understanding that behaviour influences those around them.

Client’s are encouraged to explore the connection between their potential and what value they have to add at work, at home, and in other communities. This approach helps client’s to understand themselves in relation to a much broader context, solutions begin to emerge from the complexity, and people learn to work smarter and not harder, and with greater mindfulness.

Theory in Practice

Our process is aimed at providing experiential learning tools that promote self-awareness on both a cognitive and emotional level that is holistic and future-focused.

The coaches are flexible in their application of a broad range of evidence-based methodologies to respond to the different and changing needs of each executive.

With all clients, a solution-focused, goal orientated approach is taken to work with clients on change in the areas of skills, knowledge and attitudes required to achieve their goals. Each coach has a broad range of tools, experience and methodologies to draw from in the areas of:

• business experience;
• management experience;
• social ecology practice;
• positive psychological models;
• behavioural models, skills and tools;
• complexity and systems theory;
• business strategy and foresighting tools;
• coaching experience.