“The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.” Henry Ford

Developing line managers motivates and inspires them, which creates happier teams with greater output, greater resilience, greater trust and greater commitment.

“The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.” Henry Ford

Developing line managers motivates and inspires them, which creates happier teams with greater output, greater resilience, greater trust and greater commitment.

What I Offer

Sustained and Blended Range of Capability Solutions

Average staff turnover rates are 19% and it costs as much as 20% of a worker’s salary to replace them.

Society of Human Resources Management.

Do all functional experts automatically make good line managers? No they don’t.

Is a great leadership strategy what a new line manager really needs at this stage? The challenges are far grittier.

How much thought do companies give to the impact of poor line management on employee retention rates and the potential cost impact to the business?

The role of a line manager is crucial to the future of any business yet tends to be massively underestimated and underinvested. It is a missed opportunity for the business.

I offer tailored programmes in line manager capability building and one-to-one coaching.

All programmes are geared to supporting new line managers transition successfully into their new role, to benefit them, the teams they manage and the company as a whole.

Line manager capability building

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Line manager capability building

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Sustained interventions to allow line managers to achieve real behaviour change. I combine training workshops with digital forums and coaching. Together, these reinforce learning and help individuals explore how they will practically use and adapt what they have learnt.

Following a consultation to help understand your company culture and your specific needs, bespoke capability solutions will be developed to suit timeframes and budgets accordingly.

One-to-one coaching

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One-to-one coaching

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I am a great believer that we all need some form of intervention every now and then to help us work through the challenges and opportunities that both our personal and professional life can throw at us.

My coaching style is calm and measured, but also challenging. With every conversation, my aim is to help individuals move forward in their thinking just a little more, with the ultimate aim to help get them to their end goal.

Following an initial free consultation to establish your individual goals, we can discuss and agree a suitable coaching plan that meets your needs.

Line manager capability building

Learn More

Line manager capability building

×

Sustained interventions to allow line managers to achieve real behaviour change. I combine training workshops with digital forums and coaching. Together, these reinforce learning and help individuals explore how they will practically use and adapt what they have learnt.

Following a consultation to help understand your company culture and your specific needs, bespoke capability solutions will be developed to suit timeframes and budgets accordingly.

One-to-one coaching

Learn More

One-to-one coaching

×

I am a great believer that we all need some form of intervention every now and then to help us work through the challenges and opportunities that both our personal and professional life can throw at us.

My coaching style is calm and measured, but also challenging. With every conversation, my aim is to help individuals move forward in their thinking just a little more, with the ultimate aim to help get them to their end goal.

Following an initial free consultation to establish your individual goals, we can discuss and agree a suitable coaching plan that meets your needs.

My Approach

I have seen so many people (including me) promoted into line management positions but just left to sink or swim. The transition is significant, and most people need support to get them through the tricky first 12-18 months.

Many know ‘what’ they need to do, but struggle with the ‘how’ – dealing with challenge, feedback and delegation, for example. This can have a massive impact on them as individuals, but also on the teams they manage.

Among the many lessons I have learnt during my working life, there are three that stand out for me:

Good coaching transforms people.

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Good coaching transforms people

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I have experienced first-hand the amazing impact good coaching has had on me. At various points in my life it has enabled me to work through some complex personal and career challenges, helping to give me greater clarity of thought and a clear direction on the best next steps. I have also seen the transformation it brings to others I have coached. Coaching can increase the confidence and performance of almost anyone.

Good line managers make the difference.

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Good line managers make the difference

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Helping new line managers become good line managers is crucial, not only for their own success and well-being but for that of the teams they manage and ultimately their department or company. Yet many line managers do not receive adequate support.

Training courses are not enough on their own.

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Training courses are not enough on their own

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What line managers learn on short training courses quickly dissipates without some form of follow-up coaching to reinforce what they’ve learnt. This is what creates real behaviour change.

Good coaching transforms people.

Learn More

Good coaching transforms people

×

I have experienced first-hand the amazing impact good coaching has had on me. At various points in my life it has enabled me to work through some complex personal and career challenges, helping to give me greater clarity of thought and a clear direction on the best next steps. I have also seen the transformation it brings to others I have coached. Coaching can increase the confidence and performance of almost anyone.

Good line managers make the difference.

Learn More

Good line managers make the difference

×

Helping new line managers become good line managers is crucial, not only for their own success and well-being but for that of the teams they manage and ultimately their department or company. Yet many line managers do not receive adequate support.

Training courses are not enough on their own.

Learn More

Training courses are not enough on their own

×

What line managers learn on short training courses quickly dissipates without some form of follow-up coaching to reinforce what they’ve learnt. This is what creates real behaviour change.

A Qualified Coach Specialising in Line Management

Who I am

I am a qualified coach specialising in supporting new and inexperienced line managers transition successfully into new roles.

I have 35 years’ experience in coaching, line management and facilitating, and hold coaching qualifications from both the International Coaching Federation and Henley Business School.

In that time I have worked for a number of large UK organisations, including Nestle, Nutrica (now Danone) and Ciba Geigy (now Novartis) across Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Learning & Development.

Many of these roles were as line manager. Over the last five years I have increasingly concentrated on coaching line managers as they move into new roles, helping both the individuals and their teams to become more effective. It has become my passion.

Testimonials

What companies say:

Chris recently approached me, asking for help to pilot a programme in my organisation. He clearly has his finger on the pulse because his new idea of supporting line managers with challenging employees is topical, and really relevant to the current climate, so we were delighted to help. The topic could’ve presented some challenges around confidentially, however Chris handled this well, addressing my concerns quickly and put delegates at ease through robust contracting upfront. We were also pleased that Chris offered this solution in a virtual format, and tailored the agenda to avoid “Zoom Fatigue” Chris went above my expectation with this pilot, he reacted quickly to our needs, creating additional materials to help us source the right the delegates. He communicated regularly throughout the experience to all involved, and acted quickly to get feedback. And the feedback was excellent, delegates got great value with it being a ‘shared experience’, they complemented Chris’ facilitation style as being authentic and genuine, and most importantly they’ve come away with a plan of how to tackle their challenging employee. I would highly recommend working with Chris, and I’d happily approach him to help us with other aspects of Line Manager development.
Lou Smith, Learning & Development, Nestle, August 2020

“It has been a real pleasure to work with Chris in a Diversity and Inclusion training programme for the company. His sound knowledge and personable way to approach the issues treated in the training were key to contract him for this piece of work. He understands perfectly what clients need from the very beginning, sticks to deadlines, is always available to discuss and his flexibility is very much appreciated when it comes to adapt to eventualities. I highly recommend him.”

Ana Valiente, AVIS Budget Group, Legal Director Southern Europe

‘In 2016 Nestle embarked on a thorough review of its Sales Training and Capability programme. Chris’ played a major role in designing and executing the single biggest business development in Learning & Development for Nestle (UK) in the last decade. Delegates love it, enablement is high and Nestle has a contemporary and powerful programme of assets that deliver competitive advantage.’
Bradley Moore, Sales Director, Nestle Purina

‘I have worked with Chris as a co-facilitator on leadership and coaching programmes. The feedback he receives from participants is very strong: he is modest, approachable and easy to talk to, which means that he develops trust very quickly. His broad business experience lends him a high level of credibility, which he uses without being overbearing. He values the input of participants and leverages it to help the group explore and individuals to develop their own learning.’
Irene Donaldson, Coaching and Mentoring Specialist, Nestle

‘I worked very closely with Chris on the development of the first Nestle Sales Academy. This best-in-class training, coaching and development programme has won numerous awards globally within Nestle and is recognised as the benchmark for sales development.’
James Titmuss, Account Director, Nestle Purina

‘Chris has helped shape many successful careers through leading by example.’
Julian Barker, Operational Director, Nestle Purina

‘What I really enjoyed about working with Chris was his honesty, integrity and vision. He is genuinely interested in helping people be the best versions of themselves. Chris has the skill set to help people develop their capabilities and careers. I would recommend him to anyone.’
Tom Wilde, Supplier

‘Chris’s ability to build rapport quickly, engage with the group and be sensitive to others was very good. He was fluid and engaged tremendously well with the group, had good pace, humour and presence.’
Rachel Woodward, Coaching Co-facilitator

‘Chris has extensive business knowledge, experience and understanding of large organisations and combines this with a great facilitation and coaching approach when working with groups and individuals.’
Jenny Pullen, Coaching Co-facilitator

What individuals say:

‘Chris has supported me throughout 2018 with monthly calls. He has helped me work on my communication style and improving my interactions with others. The changes I have made have been seen and appreciated by my colleagues. I can’t thank Chris enough for helping me to reach a better me.’
Meg Dessagne, Coachee, 2018

‘I am each time surprised by the impact our conversations have on me. I go to Chris with what seem big problems and always leave with simple actions that I am committed to and feel energised and happier. I have had many lightbulb moments, just by Chris asking me the right question at the right time. He has helped me both professionally and personally and I cannot thank him enough for his time and help.’
Claire Kaniecki, Coachee, 2018

‘Chris is incredibly easy to talk to and completely puts you at ease so that you are able to work through your thoughts and frustrations in a logical way and in a totally pressure free environment. After each session I always came away feeling I had control over my situation and there was nothing to worry about. Chris helped me look at my options in a rational way to enable me to make some key decisions. It had a really positive impact on my mental wellbeing and overall confidence.’
Francis Kroon, Coachee, 2018

“I was looking for some outside perspective and coaching on a particularly challenging situation I found myself facing into. Chris is extremely personable and easy to work with; he set an honest and genuine tone that enabled for a positive and open discussion. Chris’ approach to coaching is developed, our discussion felt natural and organic and I was guided from a place of uncertainty of thought and direction, to a place where I had a clear picture of what I thought and some next steps to ensure forward movement. Chris actively followed up on the outputs of our conversation which gave a helpful level of accountability to what we had agreed upon. The result? I’ve been empowered to make some tough decisions, I’ve been equipped to have some challenging conversations and I’ve brought a clear sense of leadership to my team. Thanks Chris – couldn’t have done it without you!”

Josh Dunkley, Coachee, 2019

“I thoroughly enjoyed my coaching experience with Chris. I am very pleased with the benefits I reaped through our coaching sessions. Chris has a kind demeanor and is easy to talk with, yet challenges you to dig deeper into the topics discussed, presenting you with the opportunity to get the most out of your meetings. I definitely have several tangible items that can be immediately applied to varying situations, both professionally and privately. Thank you Chris!”

David Williams, Head of Operations, Hoegh Autoliners (Jacksonville, USA)

“I am grateful for the experience Chris had provided to me for the past 6months. He is natural and had been able to guide me towards being a better people manager. He was able to illustrate with great examples and efficient techniques in coaching. I will certainly go to him should I encounter difficulties in the future. Thank you Chris!”

Jeff Han, Sales Manager, Festo (Singapore)

“Chris has coaching me over the last few months on career strategy and interview preparation. Chris has helped me get clarity on my thoughts which has enabled me to be more focused and enthusiastic in my career planning. I have found my time with Chris therapeutic, rewarding and has delivered my objectives.”

Kirsty Pacey, Customer Business Manager, Nestle

Chris was my mentor throughout my transition in line management, he made me think that being clear in expectations, trusting my instinct and defining strategies to empower my team are the engine of a great management journey. Once again, thanks!!!

Natalia Peralta, Area Sales Manager, SCHOTT (Columbia)

Chris was my coach over the last few months and helped me tremendously as I made a significant transition in roles within my company. He helped me identify and understand the management skills required for the new role, and how they differed from my previous role. He genuinely understood my struggles and helped me to become comfortable when I am not the subject matter expect. He challenged me to define what good leadership looks like, and helped me work through real-time examples together. I appreciated his patience and his honesty throughout the coaching process, and would definitely recommend him as a coach. Thanks Chris!

Chuck Compson, Marketing Director, Almatis (Germany)