NEWSLETTER FOR OCTOBER 2007

Coach of the Month - October

Name

Charles Hunter

Company

Leadership Solutions

Background

After an initial career in mining, I moved into manufacturing and spent twenty years as managing director of three businesses operating in international markets.
This was followed by six years with one of the ‘big five’ consulting firms, engaged on international assignments with a broad spectrum of blue chip companies across diverse sectors including banking, insurance, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, timber, healthcare and transport.
For the past nine years I have worked as an independent adviser and coach with clients from middle management to board level in manufacturing, energy, banking, insurance, public services, military, railways and facilities management. This has covered companies from major global operators to small manager owned firms.

What Inspired You To Go Into Coaching?

I have had an enjoyable and fulfilling life working in industry and commerce and, although this may sound somewhat altruistic, I truly feel that it is good to be able to ‘put something back’ and to derive pleasure from seeing others succeed, aided a little by my input and advice. Also, it is a good way to keep the ‘old grey matter’ stimulated and in working order.

Key Qualifications & Training

My first qualifications were in Mining Engineering and Surveying followed by an M.Sc. in Engineering Production and Management and Chartered Engineer status to assist my transfer into manufacturing. Subsequent training and qualifications (e.g. MBIM and MIMC) in various business skills and personal development subjects helped my career in senior management and more recently in business coaching. Specific training in coaching was received during my time with Gemini Consulting (now Cap Gemini).

Specialist Areas of Coaching

Individual skills development and performance improvement from middle management to board level.
Company performance improvement through business awareness and skills development.
Interpersonal, motivational and team working skills development.

Greatest Coaching Moment

Finally getting a particularly intransigent client to see and appreciate that, just because others do things differently to him, they may still be doing a good job. This helped him to migrate from constantly looking for and picking fault, to looking for and catching people ‘winning’. The motivational lift and performance improvement this created in his immediate reports was significant.

What Is Your Vision For Your Coaching?

I believe there is tremendous potential in small businesses for greater success and, by sharing some of my lifetime of experience with owner managers and other senior staff, I hope to continue to make a small contribution to making them even just a little bit more successful. Likewise, continuing to work with senior staff in larger organisations, to help them in leading and developing their staff more effectively and providing them with improved skills and techniques to increase their own performance.

Philosophy

My philosophy is largely that everyone has the capacity to make a better life for themselves and others, but often are not aware of some of the tools and techniques available to them. By helping others to see that they can break through the psychological fences we have all built around ourselves and that they can achieve much more than they think.

Contact details

Telephone: 01828 670436
Mobile: 07899 778098
Email: charles.hunter@btinternet.com

Client's Corner

Sheila Traskowskie of Helena Housing

Helena Housing "There is a strong emphasis on leadership and organisational culture and developing our employees and their managers, ensuring they have the right skills and attitudes to take the business forward...more"