Services & Support

My Approach

The common symbol for leading others is a telescope – a good one, as we need clarity of goal in the distance to know where to go.

A better tool, though, for the practice of leading others is a kaleidoscope – the means to assess shifting perspectives on oneself as a leader, others you lead in the process, and the situation or context you all share.

Where will you go?…

How will you get there?…

My services make use of my unique and thorough approach to helping others lead:

  • the way begins with rigorous assessment,

  • building courage to take effective action,

  • then a return to assessment to improve one’s leadership.

All of this, for oneself, those around you, and the situation that both sustains and challenges effective leadership. Sometimes navigation requires that shifting, the turning of the wheel, to better measure and evaluate best practices as you proceed.

    • Rigorous self-assessment of the needs, values, strengths and weaknesses of the leader as an individual.

    • Examination of the relationship between the leader and their context.

    • Evaluation of best steps forward to improve their individual leadership effectiveness.

    • Assessment of follower needs, expectations, goals.

    • Evaluation of the relationship between the individual leader and their followers - with the aim of better orienting leadership toward aligning followers with the leader.

    • Crafting actions to bring followers into alignment with the strategic needs of the situation.

    • Situational analysis.

    • Assessment of the relationship between the perspective of the leader and the strategic needs of the situation.

    • Assessment of the relationship between the perspectives and needs of the followers and the strategic needs of the situation.

The Process

Coaching

When individual attention is needed for new, mid-level, and senior executive managers.

Coaching

Consultation

When attention needs to be paid to organization-wide needs, such as culture or values assessment.

Consultation

Skill-Building

When the need is for dedicated skills development through practice-based learning and application.

Skill-Building

Facilitation

When the need is for focused group work to build interaction, collaboration, and effectiveness.

Facilitation

    • New, first-time managers

    • Experienced, mid-managers

    • Executive senior managers

    • Dedicated project teams

    • Cross-functional teams

    • Training cohorts

    • Organizational culture/values assessment

    • Leadership development training

  • "His methods utilized practical application of theory.... He was very passionate about his areas of expertise and promoted learning, growth and development...I highly recommend him as an instructor and coach."

    Executive Director, Morgan Stanley

  • "I attended one of James' management sessions...His approach promoted a greater sense of self-awareness and self-leadership among attendees - well worth the investment!"

    Executive Director of Media Technology Services, CBC/Radio-Canada

  • "James'...style is unique in that he encourages [others] to master the subject matter on their own terms - using his expertise in leadership studies as a foundation for their growth. It is clear that James has extensive coaching and consulting experience in the way that he delivers and shares material...."

    Vice President Client Strategy, dunnhumby