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Diagnosis
The work of Heifitz and Linsky in their seminal book “The Tools and Practice of Adaptive Leadership” has been very influential in my work.
It’s a great philosophy, metaphor and set of mental models and tools that allow for personal and organisational transformation.
Being Explicit
I’m not talking here about foul language! I’m talking here about the importance of making sure that we don’t assume the other party “gets” where you’re coming from. Make sure you take care of your words and that are saying exactly what you want the other party to hear, including your intention and personal investment in the conversation you’re having.
Hoping Actions Speak Louder Than Words
If you have a purpose, share it. If you have intent, openly discuss and communicate it. Don’t leave it for others to guess.
Importance of the Conversation
Apart from watching you and learning from your role-modelling, the only frontier where others truly experience your leadership is in the conversation you are having with them. Pay attention to your words and behaviours as they speak almost exclusively for your leadership agenda. Especially if you don’t walk the talk afterwards.
Signal and Static
My friend and mentor Dr Ron Warren, author of the Drivers and Derailers of Leadership, and founder of the LMAP psychometric, first introduced me to the term signal vs noise when describing behaviour/personality development goals.
Asking People to Change is Easy – Actually Changing is Hard
We need to remember that when we give feedback we’re asking people to adopt change. And that’s not easy. Easy to ask for, but not easy to do.
01/09
I have worked with Simon for the past two years and I have no hesitation in recommending him as an executive coach. What sets Simon apart from other executive coaches is he is able to very quickly ‘have your measure’ as a person – what I mean by this is Simon has the ability to get to the core ‘you’. Simon very quickly gets to understand what makes you tick and where your soft spots are. In a very constructive and positive way Simon is able to probe opportunities for improvement and challenge you in a way that drives authentic personal growth. He is unusual in his approach as he is able to not allow a non-answer or tick the box answer sensitively and with good humour. You feel that he is always trying to bring the best out of you. He is authentic, trustworthy and provides direct and insightful feedback to help you be the best you can be. He is able to quickly understand the core issues and provide a thoughtful and considered plan that achieves tangible results.
02/09
After a robust and competitive tendering process, UBT partnered with Simon Wood as the lead course development facilitator and master trainer for our fledgling 6-day intensive leadership program. I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best decisions we ever made. Simon’s contribution to the development of the program in the first instance was huge. He drew on his practical experience coaching many senior leaders, his understanding of psychology and human nature, and not least his often-deployed skills in the dramatic arts as a tool for participant engagement. Simon is deeply empathetic, and brilliant at understanding and adapting to different cultures and challenging group dynamics. He knows when to step back and let the room do the work, and when to lean in and deliver a well-timed and well-meaning direct hit – a true coach. Now several years in, Simon’s delivery of our leadership program has made a tangible difference to the lives and career trajectories of hundreds of our clients and staff. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Simon to any organisation or leader looking to achieve meaningful change and personal growth – working with him will be a decision you will be glad you made.
03/09
Simon was able to provide incredible insights into the way I lead. A couple of things that really stood out to me was Simons experience & style of delivery, enthusiasm & empathic connection in presenting the course. Also Simon was able to effectively challenge my own assumptions & beliefs providing awesome insights whilst delivering the course.
04/09
I recently completed the 1st full day of my leadership course with Simon. I found him very disciplined and yet engaging in his delivery. His knowledge on the subject was impressive and he imparted it in a very digestible way. Thoroughly recommend him as a leadership trainer!
05/09
Simon’s impact on our leadership team’s performance has been transformational and his influence on my personal development surpassed expectations. I had the pleasure of engaging with Simon on executive coaching, leadership team development and conflict resolution, where Simon helped all of us understand ourselves and each other’s communications preferences. He facilitated executive team discussions where we developed our engagement contract that became our modus operandi in delivering an organisational culture of respect and honesty. Given us tools, and more importantly COURAGE to confront the most uncomfortable of conversations, with respect and dignity. I cannot speak more highly of Simon’s approach and cannot be more grateful of the influence he had on my personal journey of becoming, not just of a better leader, but of a better human being.
06/09
Simon has provided training and mentoring to our team during a complex time of growth. He is exceptional in all areas, works to the brief but provides ideas to evolve and improve it and our team always comment he is the most talent trainer/facilitator they have come across. We are thankful to have Simon as an ongoing supporter to our business and happy to provide a more detailed testimonial if required.
07/09
Simon ranks in the top 10% of consultants I’ve worked with in terms of expertise, delivery, results and redundancy. Simon is one of those consultants that I’ll always keep in my back pocket and until this endorsement, was one of my best kept secrets. Broadly, with the support of Simon’s expertise and execution, the results we delivered can be looked at in two parts. Firstly, there’s the cultural/workforce based improvements from senior to mid-management to frontline– clarity around vision, communication, collaboration, systems and processes, actions etc.. And secondly, there’s the financial improvements which to date have exceeded my 30% sales growth target in retail cash sales over a short 9 month period. When I next seek a first class consultant to assist with change management where the group is open and ready for some “positive” hard yards, Simon, expect my call.
08/09
I engaged Simon as a facilitator while working as Business Learning Manager at ANZ. Simon delivered 35 sessions to over 750 bankers across Corporate and Commercial Banking in 2017. Simon is an outstanding facilitator. His energy, enthusiasm and delivery is brilliant. He is by far one of the best facilitators I’ve seen throughout my career in learning. He engages the most reluctant and pessimistic learners to participate and contribute, and leaves a lasting impression on all. The feedback I’ve received from learners and business leaders has been consistently excellent, across Australia.
09/09
Working with Simon to improve my capabilities in navigating and presenting with clarity and impact has been exceptionally rewarding, not only within the corporate world, but on a personal level as well. Simon immediately grasped my challenges around presenting to senior management and applied effective approaches to allow me to address them. The personalised knowledge I gained was far beyond my expectations and my 6 individual sessions has been the most valuable training I’ve ever done. If you’re looking to squeeze a little more effectiveness and confidence out of your capability, Simon will definitely find the right way for you.