The British Geological Survey
Hero Image
The British Geological Survey
Side Links
Chief Officer Leadership Coaching, Leadership Brand Presence & Impact, 360-Degree Feedback Process
In 2019, Executive Chief Scientist Prof. Michael Stephenson was keen to undertake chief officer leadership coaching with a follow-up review of his leadership skills, style, brand and impact. Another focus was on his core professional purpose and values, to support his thinking about the impact of his role, including legacy work.
Senior BGS leaders had previously been supported by emintell through a 360-degree coaching feedback process.
What We Did
A 360-degree feedback process was undertaken by emintell, interviewing a number of his professional peers, line reports and other internal and external stakeholders. The questions were based on similar themes to the earlier 360-degree process, leadership themes connected to his leadership skills, including focus on results, strategic thinking, change orientation, leading himself, leading others, emotional intelligence, and inter-personal communication for high personal impact. The questions were extended this time, to include inquiry questions about the impact and value he has as leader, particularly advancing the value and profile of the Geo-sciences, both to the government and also through his written research and book publications. The results were collated by emintell into one document, which was the catalyst for Prof. Stephenson to begin exploring his Leadership in detail. Subsequently emintell provided coaching over a six-month period and this was delivered in a wrap-around format, with reflection notes, contact between sessions and signposting to appropriate sources of other learning and resources, pertinent to the emergent coaching themes.
Impact and Benefits
The feedback process provided positive affirmation and real insights for Prof. Stephenson into his leadership abilities, achievements, brand, and interpersonal impact, including how he’s perceived by a wide range of organisational stakeholders.
He was able to re-clarify his core purpose and gain a clear understanding of his professional values and their impact on his senior role. This enabled him to re-focus on areas of scientific research leadership which are important to him and the wider organisation.
“The experience was wholly positive, allowing me to see my progress as well as the challenges that I still have. But more than this, the coaching (particularly this time around) improved my self-awareness and my ability to see in perspective my role in the organisation.
It also allowed me to concentrate on my impact, to distil down what I really bring to the organisation. The coaching (and Elaine’s style) encourages a contemplative approach, so that you can understand why you come to work and what you really want to do – and to match that with your role or your career ambitions. I highly recommend Elaine as a senior leadership coach.”
Prof Michael Stephenson, Executive Chief Scientist
