From frustration to empowerment: My coaching journey and why healthcare leaders need space to think
Last month, I completed my Level 2 Diploma in Professional Coaching – something I’m phenomenally proud of and an unexpected continuous professional development pathway that I never perceived myself taking. Let me explain why this journey matters, not just for me, but for healthcare leadership as a whole.
My leadership evolution
When I first stepped into leadership roles as a nurse, coaching wasn’t something I’d experienced or even heard about outside of sports. I spent my formative years in a healthcare leadership working in A&E. An environment that was highly task-oriented and target-driven, dominated by the pressure of four-hour wait.
My leadership style developed as didactic and pacesetting. Yes, I brought others along, but primarily to meet targets and hit that four-hour benchmark. It worked, but something was missing.
Everything changed when I moved roles and started down a different pathway. I began working under a leader who led from a coaching perspective – someone who was genuinely interested in my opinions, who asked me what I thought rather than simply telling me what to do. I was fortunate to work alongside this transformational leader, and I still do. They taught me a huge amount about leadership and how to truly get the best out of people.
The Curiosity That Changed Everything
I became curious. I wanted to learn more. I was curious to explore how having coaching and facilitation in my leadership toolkit would support me and others to thrive.
It’s been an ongoing journey. Initially, I learned coaching skills to help me become a better manager and leader. From this my curiosity kept growing, over the last three years, I’ve studied and practiced coaching to provide one-to-one and team coaching for people working in leadership roles. Supporting leaders to create space to breath and connect to their thoughts.
Creating Space in a Busy World
In a world where we wear the “busy badge” with pride, being able to create spaces for people to pause – to provide them time and space to think – is a great privilege that shouldn’t be overlooked or undervalued.
How do we create spaces for our leaders to think and reconnect with themselves? Because once we learn to lead ourselves, we’re better positioned to lead others and, ultimately, to lead organizations.
Learning from Those I’ve Coached
Recently, I stepped into the uncomfortable space of asking a cohort of senior leaders who had experienced coaching what they took away from it. Here’s what they shared:
Noreen, Nurse Leader, Specialist Care: “What I was expecting from Jenny was to provide solutions and guidance; however, through inner reflection and reviewing and formulating my solutions through probing questioning, I was enabled to work out the next step. It was frustrating as I was expecting answers to my problems on a platter, so I had to perform lots of deep dives. It enabled me to take a look at myself and how I approach matters, but also challenged me to think widely about various outcomes and solutions before jumping in.”
Claire, Lead Nurse, Critical Care: “I haven’t thought much about coaching before I met Jenny. She has challenged me to think deeper and to step with confidence in my leadership role. She sees potential where I might have seen limitations. Her asking the right questions provided me with new perspective and strategies to act more purposefully and to lead with authenticity. I’m truly grateful.”
Despite all my learning over the last three years, seeking that feedback felt uncomfortable. The inner voice asking “Are you good enough?” is still there – just perhaps a little quieter than it used to be. There is a true vulnerability to growth.
Celebrating Success: A Special Coaching Opportunity
Having completed my diploma, I’m celebrating this milestone by offering a special opportunity to fellow healthcare professionals! I’m 50 hours away from achieving my PCC level with the International Coaching Federation, and I want to reach this milestone by the end of the year.
I want to share this exciting journey with healthcare leaders who are ready to thrive during these times of transformation across health and social care. There’s no better time than now to access coaching that empowers nursing leaders – support that enables you to lead effectively, navigate change, and support others to flourish.
Coaching will empower you to step into a world where you can thrive and, in turn, support others to thrive. You become like a lighthouse, maximizing your skills, potential, and authentic leadership to help others stay safe – both within your organization and teams, and the people you care for.
The Offer: Six 1-hour coaching sessions for £1,000 plus VAT
If you’re interested in exploring this opportunity, reach out for an exploratory conversation. I’d love to support you in thriving as a leader.
My Vision
Imagine a world where every healthcare professional can reach their full potential. Imagine a world where every healthcare professional is thriving. Consider the impact this potential would have on global health. This is the world I’m working to create.
Ways to connect with Jenny:
Email: jenny@developtothrive.com
Website: www.developtothrive.com