The Right PACE

I don’t do leadership coaching.

To be more clear, when I do one on one conversations with leaders to help them make decisions, achieve greater clarity, overcome problems, and move forward with greater confidence I don’t follow the specific approach that is now referred to as coaching in some leadership circles.

I also don’t strictly do mentoring, direction, care, or support.

There’s nothing wrong with any of these established approaches. I’ve benefitted from the skillful use of all of them in my own life. It’s just not how I work with leaders.

In practice I find sticking to any one method or structure too restrictive and mechanical. Instead I try to bring all of my experience and insight to the conversation and adjust my approach to what the leader needs in the moment.

I think of it as PACE:

Perspective (what I’ve learned from more than 15 years of focus on nonprofit leadership and working with leaders across Canada and internationally),

Accountability (supporting you without letting you off the hook),

Challenge (calling out your best character and highest potential), and

Encouragement (reminding you of the deeper truths of who you are and what you are capable of)

It’s a fluid process and relies significantly on developing a strong rapport and my ability to understand each leader’s personality, perspective, and situation. I don’t get it right all the time.

I know that my natural tendency if to provide lots of Encouragement, and probably not enough Accountability. I have to watch that.

I’ve also learned that the most effective way for me to help leaders is to meet with them monthly for at least six months so we can learn together how to get the best results from PACE sessions. In some cases we meet for years. Those leaders have made me much better at what I do.

If a PACE session seems like it might be helpful for you please contact me.