For individuals who are motivated to develop their performance but are struggling to demonstrate the behaviours they need in order to perform effectively at a more senior level, there are a number of VCA options FRS’s can choose from to support individual and group development.

By evaluating performance information in feedback reports (internal or CPG based) and identifying behaviour and attitude patterns across different assessments, our Psychologists can use coaching to improve the demonstration of Leadership Behaviour/ Values in a workplace context (which usually positively impacts future assessments).

Depending on the individual’s performance and aims, coaching sessions may include:

Recognition of patterns of behaviour, and discussing the wider impacts of these can have a positive impact on key areas of performance, for example;

Max* was keen to become a Watch Manager in 2020 but unfortunately, despite improvement with each process, was unsuccessful after three attempts at the Career Progression Gateway. Although incredibly disappointed, Max decided to seek help. Having exhausted options internally, Max contacted VCA with FRS permission, for some self-funded coaching, to try to gain further insights into his performance, and where, how, and why to change his approach.

Feedback highlighted that whilst being aware of the value of an inclusive approach and team input, Max showed less willingness to engage in ‘courageous conversations’, to outline clear solutions or take responsibility for team performance.

Max’s goals were to understand what ‘good looks like’ and how this is practically applied in the workplace, explore and challenge thought processes leading to certain behaviour patterns and ultimately to gain a promotion.

Max had four 45-minute coaching sessions from December 2021 to September 2022 with one of VCA’s Occupational Psychologist coaches.

Through discussion at the initial session and understanding preferences and learning style, it was agreed that a practical coaching approach would work best. This meant Max could practice different styles and approaches through mock exercises and discuss feedback, supported by some theory and examples of good practice.

Max completed practice role plays and discussed approaches to written tasks in the coaching sessions, explored feedback in the moment and was able to hold the mirror up and reflect and critique his own performance. Max took key learning points away from each session to find opportunities to apply it in the work setting, and to discuss at the next session.

Max: “May I take this opportunity to thank you for your well measured and thoughtful approach, that provided me a narrative to realise my weaknesses, your honesty that provided me the appetite to want to succeed and your humility that provided me additional support and confidence going into this recent CPG. Regardless of the outcome, I will be recommending the Coaching facility provided by VCA. Thank you once again to the team”

Assessor: “Max is a very positive and determined individual, with a clear growth mindset and desire to learn. Max was very open to feedback throughout the whole process, continually seeking out how do better, and was a pleasure to coach.”

(Max gained promotion to Watch Manager is 2023).