I had no hesistations other than the differences of dealing with the wider areas versus my first coaching engagement when it was more project specific. The world in which I now operate is much different. I’m more comfortable with the variety of work I have to do i.e.  project work, management and business development. I am more aware of when I am struggling and question whether I need to or there is an easier way to accomplish the same aim. I’m setting up systems to ‘end struggle’ and integrate time to respond to the unknown and jettison non critical work.

I feel more ‘Director like’. More measured and I bounce about a lot less. I write a lot less detail down because I am spending more time considering work tasks and primarily whether I should get involved or delegate. I am more reflective in what I commit to. For example I’ll now sit through a Board meeting and note only the salient point versus trying to note and think about everything that is said.

I am much better at getting to the source of issues now versus fixing symptoms. I am also communicating a lot more with key stakeholders whilst I am in the middle of an issue rather than getting stuck into the detail and not just popping up with my answer at the end. I am now more aware of when I am struggling and can step back and make an informed choice – definitely got better at work just need to do some tweaking at home. Saying that I am much more aware of how to redress imbalance and catch myself slipping into overload.

I have started the Dartford job as I would like to and have stepped back without getting sucked in.  The Reading job did not get off to a good start due to the PM’s inability to delegate but this has now settled down, primarily because I have spent time demonstrating to the PM how he can delegate but I need to work more with him on this  = primarily on how to leave others below him in a stronger position to step in whilst he is away.

Yes definitely. I’d recommend to anyone in my position because I have never really got comfortable at any level before the next promotion which is nice but very wearing.  Helped me to deal with that – accelerated experience and wisdom.  If anyone is pushing to the next level this really helps.

That you help people surface ideas, answers that they already knew in a way that is more powerful because they came to the conclusion.