I have been coaching and mentoring managers for 18 years. The approach I use is likely to include cognitive, solutions-focussed and positive psychology. A contract is agreed which includes the ethical limits of confidentiality and the expectations of the client and the employing organisation if it is funding the coaching.

It can be useful to begin with a personality questionnaire such as the 16PF, the NEO, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator or possibly the Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire to highlight a person’s strengths and preferred ways of working. This can be particularly useful if someone is considering a change in career or wishes to focus on their leadership style.

Psychological coaching at work takes account of the complexity of the work context including organisational structures, climate, culture,commercial pressures, legal and human rights and individual personality traits.