Viktor Dubrava, Operations Manager - Learning at Crisis, was offered a place on our Intensive Skills Programme (ICS) and having worked with Management Futures previously was delighted with the opportunity to develop new skills and learn more about coaching. As a result, he has enhanced understanding of the relevance of coaching within his sector and is keen to open up the programme to his colleagues so they too can benefit from the coaching tools gained on the ICS.
What prompted you to take MF up on the offer of a place on the ICS programme?
"After working with Management Futures and seeing their commitment to the work we do at Crisis, I thought it would be a great opportunity to attend a programme that was designed by them. Their previous track record of professionalism, adaptability and expertise led me to sign up as I trusted I was in good hands to learn something new. I was also always interested in learning more about coaching, and keen to develop my skills in this area, so I believe this opportunity came at the right time with the right people!"
What is a standout moment on the ICS programme for you?
"There were so many! It was fantastic to meet professionals from different backgrounds and learn from each other. I enjoyed doing the Wheel of Life exercise, the Peak Performance tool, learning more about the KIPPER method and the opportunity to practice every single method we talked about - listening to others about their different approaches. The programme was also delivered by three different coaches, so it was useful to see different coaching styles and acknowledge every coach is a bit different and the chemistry between a coach and a coachee is important too. Everyone was incredibly supportive."
What was the part that affected you most and why/how?
"I appreciate more that coaching someone does not only mean firing questions, but it involves nuances of language to ensure there is understanding and positive forward focus. There is precedent in using silences, reflecting and summarising. I found practising summarising especially helpful, as people could often reflect on my summaries of what they have just said and it helped them to move conversation forward. On the last day, we were able to practice everything we learnt on a 'real client' and were immediately provided feedback by a Management Futures coach, which was very helpful!"
How will having done the ICS impact how you lead your team at Crisis? And your Crisis clients?
"Coaching is definitely a tool that I am more mindful of when working with my team or people accessing our service. I find that it empowers individuals and can improve their self-awareness and plan goals quicker. The non-directive coaching method goes nicely with our way of working in a psychologically informed way, when we aspire to establish an open, trusting and strength based professional relationships with clients."
How would you take the skills you learnt outside of work?
"Coaching can be applied to so many situations outside of work and it’s a fantastic way of handling different personal relationships too. I am mindful of the importance of actively listening to people around me, asking questions other people wouldn’t usually ask and encouraging them to think of their roles in the challenges they face."
5 words that describe the ICS programme?
"Impressive, practical, challenging, collaborative, insightful."
Who do you think would benefit from joining the next ICS?
"The skills and methods you learn during the programme are invaluable and can be beneficial to anyone in any capacity, whether they are an executive director, a team leader or a person that just started a junior role. The ICS programme especially is the best way to develop foundational skills and gives people confidence to begin their coaching practice."
Any other thoughts on the collaboration between Crisis and Management Futures?
"I’d love to carry on working with Management Futures and explore how we can continue moving forward, elevate what we have achieved so far and develop the partnership further. Having done the ICS programme, I better understand the importance of coaching in our sector and appreciate how much one course can affect the team, so I would be keen to open this opportunity to my colleagues."
ARE YOU FEELING INSPIRED?
We are incredibly proud of our ICS programme which introduces novice and experienced coaches to the fundamental skills and tools required in Executive Coaching. As you can see, many of our ICS Alumni go on to complete further professional certifications in coaching and successfully coach senior leaders as internal coaches or independent professional coaches.
We have a number of programmes running throughout the year - please click here to see the dates.
To find out more contact Sarah Campbell on +44 (0)20 7928 4841 or by email sarah.campbell@managementfutures.co.uk
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