Coaching and Advising

Shawn MacDonell, LEAP Program Coach, talks about his approach

I've been working in the field of coaching for four years now working with clients in all kinds of areas and fields. The main focus of my work has been to help people, at no matter what stage of their lives, not to be complacent, but rather to push the envelope to unfold a world of happiness. I design programs that help people enrich their lives by helping them look at their past, rediscovering their current place in life, and planning for the future.

Life coaching is concerned not with improving the client by any means, but rather by helping people see various scenarios from various perspectives. I have worked with over 100 students to help them achieve success as they grow from secondary students to career professionals.

I've also more recently been working as a consultant in both the educational and athletic fields, helping people in each of these fields define what it is they are trying to accomplish. I have been developing various systems to help the people within these fields define success and to achieve individual excellence. This experience has proven to be very dynamic and rewarding, as many successes have come about as a direct result of our work together.

Learn more about Shawn MacDonell and his organization, Creativision (external link)

What is Coaching?

Linda Vanderlee, coaching advisor to the LEAP program, answers the question:

Coaching is a collaborative relationship in which we learn together about what matters to you and what competencies would help you influence your world. The coach's role is to help you discover your own path and possibilities. Your role is to take the time to reflect and learn about yourself and those possibilities.

The coach's purpose is to listen, ask questions, make observations, and support you. He or she may also offer information, resources, or action suggestions for your consideration. The primary expectation is that you be willing to take personal responsibility for your own learning and your own behaviour. A coach also encourages you to be open to the possibility of surprising yourself.

Typically coaching dialogues cover topics such as effective leadership and management, decision making, learning style, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, interpersonal relations, envisioning your best life, work/life balance, self care. It's what's important to YOU that shows where to focus.

Coaching tends to be an emerging design, one that concentrates on current and relevant events as they happen. You'll work with a plan but move with the rhythm and pace of your needs as they surface. Coaching Intention:

  1. help you clarify and move toward your vision
  2. help you notice your perspective and approach
  3. help you understand how you influence (help or hinder) a situation
  4. help you identify and work with your areas of strengths and learning needs

What It Looks Like:

A coaching relationship is flexible; how often and how long we meet is up to you and your current needs. A session can be from 30 minutes to two hours and supplemented with contact in between.

There are many different learning tools, inventories and instruments to use, but focused informal conversations are usually the primary way of working together. There is usually some reflective 'homework' to help you practice and integrate what you are learning about yourself into your life. You always have the choice to do what works for you.

Coaching Outcomes:

Though the process and focus may change, the outcomes remain relatively stable:

  1. to support the achievement of your primary goals
  2. to build your self confidence and effectiveness
  3. to increase your self-awareness of your particular leadership skills, strengths, style, and learning edges

Learn more about Linda Vanderlee and her organization, Rendezvous Rupert (external link)