David Michelson - Profile

Coaching describes the style of managing people that I have been using most of my working life, in fields including learning & development, information technology, manufacturing, marketing, and retail. In every role I have been responsible for the performance of others.

I enjoy helping leaders/managers and teams to see “the bigger picture”, to help them look further ahead, to identify and overcome perceived difficulties, and to guide and support them as they set goals and determine the actions and tasks needed to achieve these goals.

In 2007/2008 projects have included work with individuals, small teams with of managers with differing views about their own and the team/s objectives, and organisation leaders wanting to further their own personal and professional development. I also run one-day workshops titled “Coaching Managers to Coach” for groups of 6 to 12. I am presently involved with the creation of a multi-part “Guide for Managers” handbook for an Edinburgh-based financial services company.

A satisfactory outcome is achieved: when the coachee/s has/have clarified their aims or goals, made and followed through effective plans, achieved the goal/s that they have set themselves, have overcome any “blocks” or limiting beliefs that were holding them back, when they feel capable of continuing to make and follow through on plans for themselves, and when they appreciate the effectiveness of a coaching style of management/leadership and apply that in their day-to-day working environment.

My coaching skills include:

• Listening and understanding, communicating enthusiasm and encouragement, whilst maintaining a realistic view of what’s achievable,
• An ability to quickly build empathic trusting relationships,
• The experience to identify, understand and recognise core issues and to know when I should make referrals to others with specific training and skills (eg. in Conflict Resolution),
• Enthusiasm for developing (sometimes even reawakening) the motivation, drive, and capabilities of leaders, senior managers and entrepreneurs.

And I continue to work in the real world, I am not “just” a business coach.

Personal info:

I am based in Troon, SW Scotland, and am happy to travel as required, but not all the time!  I am a parent with three children. My elder son is an Economics graduate from Glasgow University (now career-seeking). My younger son is studying English & Classics at Newcastle University. My youngest (daughter, aged 9) is in P6, which helps to keep me in touch with a wide range of current topics!  My wife is a primary teacher, and keeps me updated about best practice and new trends in learning and development.

DoB: 30 Sept 1950

Further info:

Professional and personal references are available, please ask.

David Michelson: CV 1962 - to date

** Actually a summer job driving a tractor-based grass mowing machine, working on school playing fields and acting as relief mower to local park playing fields.