Corporate Coaching & Training:
I believe that companies who truly value their employees, show flexibility in their management of them and offer training and assistance to resolve problems gain in terms of productivity, loyalty and, ultimately profit. Many companies pay lip service to this ideal, but many fewer actually implement it and achieve the benefits. Communications in many companies is poor - how often I hear employees saying they are not listened to, management don’t ask for input from the people on the front line etc. Good morale and staff loyalty depend on employees feeling they are listened to, valued and considered when decisions are made. Communication from the top down is very important - but the mechanism for communication from the bottom up is even more vital. I believe many employees do not reach their full potential because of relatively minor issues getting in the way… things that if recognised and handled correctly could be solved quickly and economically.

STRESS MANAGEMENT:

• Research carried out in 2002 indicates that 64% of the UK workforce is suffering from workplace stress with a particularly sharp increase in the incidence of stress in 18-24 year olds.
• The HSE estimate it is costing UK businesses 6.5 million lost working days annually - around £370 million.
• Nearly 80% of people suffering from stress do not seek any help resulting in damage to home and family life, relationships and health. Increasingly, litigation against companies for stress related damages is being successful.
• Companies are now expected to have a stress policy - but many don’t , and don’t even know how to go about it.
• Many sufferers can be helped to control their own stress responses.

Using NLP I can help people to recognise and develop their own unique resources, allowing them to react more appropriately to the inevitable worries and problems of life, to cope more positively with change and to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. Analysis of absentee records, general observation and feedback from employee appraisals should enable managers to identify individuals who may already be suffering from stress. Individual coaching is then likely to be most effective as every problem is different, and stress may be coming from outside the workplace as well as inside. Depending on the specific problem, a positive effect can be achieved in just a few sessions. I also offer half day and one day workshops on stress management for staff which can help people to handle stress better before it becomes a serious issue. The company culture may be contributing to stress levels - I can suggest strategies to reduce stress levels overall and to make the staff feel more valued.

TIME MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS:
However much people know the theories about time management, handling meetings effectively etc it’s amazing how many of them still spend too much time doing things that aren’t important and letting other people run their timetable. Simple organisational techniques can have a major beneficial effect on efficiency. Using NLP can create the motivation that actually gets people to put the theories into practice. One senior manager from a major plc remarked to me that “a few simple techniques that I should have already known, plus a really clear vision of the benefits to me, seem to have put me back in control of my time and stopped me having to work evenings and weekends!”

FAMILY BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS:
Something over 70% of enterprises in the UK are in fact family businesses - and only a tiny percentage of them get to the third generation. This is usually because of internal conflicts and lack of planning for succession. Using NLP skills I can help family members to identify what they really want, to recognise and appreciate others’ points of views and to identify a way forward, potentially to the benefit of all. I also have access to a group of other professionals with expertise in the legal and financial aspects of family business who can advise on succession planning and related issues.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PEOPLE MANAGEMENT:
Very often workplace stress is caused by personality clashes, poor interpersonal skills and poor people management skills. NLP techniques can help individuals to see how they are coming across to others, to improve their communication skills and to change the way they react to other people’s behaviour, to criticism etc. Addressing workplace clashes and conflicts, rather than ignoring them, makes for a happier working environment, improves staff retention, reduces absenteeism and leads to greater productivity and efficiency. The same skills can be useful in dealing with difficult customers.

CHANGE MANAGEMENT:
Change is both inevitable and essential in today’s fast moving world. Many of us are uncomfortable with change - it frightens us and takes us out of our comfort zone. Companies who implement major changes without proper consultation and without considerate management and assistance for those affected do massive damage to morale, efficiency and productivity. Managed well, on the other hand, change can bring positive benefits not just for the company, but for all the individuals involved as well.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS:
How a company communicates with its staff, particularly during difficult times, can have a major effect on morale, staff loyalty and productivity. Even though there may be various communications tools in place, unless they are regularly reviewed and updated, and unless the staff are asked for their views on them, it may be that they are not doing the job they should be. With experience working with companies such as Smiths Aerospace Electronic Systems, Hayter, Dairy Crest Dairies and Electrolux Laundry Systems, I can offer sound advice on any aspect of your internal communications, and implement my recommendations to whatever extent is appropriate for your company.
Communications audit - how well does your company communicate with its staff and would they agree with your answer?
Internal communications plan - usually following an audit.
Team briefing - you may have an existing scheme that needs refreshing and updating, or it may be the right time to introduce some form of team briefing for the first time. Either way I can put together the structures, arrange training and, if required, write the core brief monthly or more frequently.
Internal publications - anything from a simple newsletter for a single site to a multi-page full colour newspaper for multiple sites in different countries. I will make recommendations on content, style, design and frequency; research, write and edit articles; source or arrange photography, and, if required arrange production and delivery.
Other ideas - could include live, video or audio presentations by directors, recommendations and training for directors carrying out departmental visits, use of noticeboards, suggestion boxes, intranet and email communication, employee forums etc.

EXIT COACHING:
People leave their jobs for a variety of reasons - not all of them happy. Whatever the reason, the personal trauma and distress can be mitigated by constructive exit coaching. While I do not offer specific careers advice, using NLP I can help an individual to identify his or her own goals - often in these circumstances people forget to ask themselves ‘What would I really like to do?’ Having got some sort of answer to that question, we can then work through what steps would have to be taken to achieve this, what training is necessary, how it will impact on finances, family life etc. As a result, when the person decides what to do next, it is a properly thought out and considered decision - not just a panic reaction at a time of considerable stress.

HOW I WORK:
Generally I would expect to have an initial meeting to discuss the situation after which I would prepare a costed proposal based on the company’s requirements. This could be anything from three or four coaching sessions for one individual going right up to an integrated programme of coaching, training and internal communications. For simple programmes I would expect to carry out a review and evaluation session at the end. For more complex programmes I normally expect to include a review every 6-8 weeks. My business background allows me to understand the situation from the company’s point of view. NLP gives me the skills to help individuals at all levels to:

• effect change in their lives
• recognise and achieve their personal goals
• overcome limiting beliefs and stress responses that get in the way of their progress
• improve relationships with colleagues, superiors and subordinates
• make the best possible contribution to their company’s success while maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

This in turn translates into improved efficiency, productivity and success for the company.

A CLIENT’S PERSPECTIVE:
“Caroline carried out a major staff relations project for Smiths over some 18 months involving many of the techniques she specialises in. The whole process was creatively and efficiently handled, and feedback at all levels was excellent. As a person she is extremely intelligent, good humoured and a delight to do business with. I have no hesitation in recommending her.” Michael D Jones, Managing Director - UK Operations, Smiths Aerospace - Electronic Systems, Cheltenham.