Sometimes, though not always, the way a client sees you is so similar to the way you see yourself or to the person you aspire to be that, on reading it, you have a sense of “coming home” – of stepping just a little bit more fully into who you really are. This was the sense I had on reading the testimonial below.
This testimonial comes from Dave Eccleston, who recently left his job as Head of Integrated Talent Management, Europe with Pitney Bowes to embark on a new chapter of self employment. I particularly value it because Dave speaks from the perspective of commissioning client – the person who, within his business, was responsible for sourcing the support needed by his colleagues across the business. I am grateful to Dave for his permission to share it here on my blog:
I first met Dorothy after a colleague recommended her as a potential executive coach for a senior leader. I really appreciated the way she took time to explain her approach to coaching in the context of the opportunity being discussed. Her style is friendly, engaging and warm coupled with an ability to ask searching questions to get to the heart of the situation to identify the value she can bring to a coaching assignment. My experience of working with her has been that of a collaborative partnership. Subsequently Dorothy coached a number of leaders at various levels within the organisation.
The feedback received from those she has coached consistently focused on the depth of the relationship forged with Dorothy, and on how hard she made them think about their situation and what they wanted for the future. One senior leader commented that he had never in his career faced so many searching questions in such a short space of time which had been posed in such a friendly manner to clarify the need.
On a personal note, Dorothy has been very generous with her time in helping me think through a couple of career challenges. For me, working with Dorothy is always stimulating and a pleasure.
I have no hesitation in recommending Dorothy as an executive coach.
Dave Eccleston
Formerly Head of Integrated Talent Management, Europe
Pitney Bowes