What Coaching Is and Is Not

Coaching is a Partnership between the two of us.  It is a mutual conversation with a focus on your goals and development that includes specific expectations for growth in your personal and professional life.  In our coaching partnership, you will have opportunity to hone your communication and leadership skills, improve your performance, and identify ways to develop your team -- even if that team is your family.

Like star athletes, accomplished musicians and other high achievers, great leaders know they need a coach to help them leverage their strengths and manage their weaknesses, set realistic goals and hold them accountable for their outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a Coach, do you do more than just talk to me?  As a Coach, I never “just talk.”  I will explore, challenge, encourage, suggest, facilitate, praise, focus, and direct, but never just talk.  I have developed effective workshops, assessments, exercises and activities designed for corporate and professional use.  We will decide together what the most effective approach will be for us through each session.   

Is Coaching Confidential?  Yes.  I understand the need for complete confidentiality whether the coaching is of a personal, professional or corporate nature.  I am bound by ethics agreements which include confidentiality.  I understand the importance of trust in the coaching partnership.  If your company is providing the coaching experience for you, I may be requested to provide feedback to your up-line.  If so, a high-level scope of your progress will be shared, without divulging any area of confidence entrusted to me as your coach.

          Is Coaching for everyone?  Whether on a personal or professional level, coaching is for everyone who wishes to make the most of his or her talents and experience.  Typically, I “take no prisoners” into a coaching relationship, because it is a partnership.  If you feel that your have been “forced” into coaching by corporate leadership, we may have to overcome a few hurdles up front.  The best place to begin is with an open and honest relationship.  Many of the die-hard people, who would never consider this kind of outside input and support, find themselves the most adamant promoters of coaching, after experiencing dramatic breakthroughs.

How do I know if I am ready for a Coach?  From a personal and professional perspective, look at your honest answers to these questions:

* Does my performance, presentation, and/or position reflect a need for new skills?

  

* Are my working relationships good, but not really great?

* Am I stuck?  

* What will be different if I do nothing?

* Am I willing to invest in myself?

If you are interested, give me a call and let's talk about it.  It may be one of the best investments you'll ever make!  864-723-4801  or  contact me via email:  MNK4KFA@aol.com

  

Serving the Best -- Big and Small!

It's is humbling to be able to serve and learn from some of the best leaders and presenters across a broad industry spectrum. It is rewarding when so many clients become my friends.

What a few of my Clients say...

"Including your portion in our training was the best thing we’ve ever done. You possess not only the knowledge and skill to make the training come alive, but also your sense of caring comes through in a very meaningful way. Our success would not have been possible without you!"

Marshall Bryant, Director, SC Governor's Initiative for Workforce Excellence

"Once again, on behalf of everyone at Chrysler, thank you. Our satisfied customers and our very future will be truly enhanced because of your fine efforts." 

Ted R. Cunningham, Executive VP, Chrysler Corp.

"Myra, I do not give praise and recognition unless it is well deserved.  We hit a grand slam, bottom of the ninth, two men out, home run with your help! The connections you made with my team are impressive and the players really enjoy their individual time with you.  You have given more than I expected. You care and it shows."  

Coach Bob Farlow, Toyota 

"There is no more difficult time to manage than during periods of severe economic downturns.  Your leadership training and coaching gave our team the knowledge and confidence to manage through these difficult times.  The bottom line?  Plant performance has steadily improved since completing your training.  That is not a coincidence!"

Dave Brenner, Plant Manager

Michelin North America

  

"My working relationship with Myra now spans almost 15 years.  Over that time her consistent on-time execution with robust expertise, the highest professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to excellence puts her on my go-to short list of the first to call."

Richard L. Davis, President

Arbor Scientia                  

"Our company has once again utilized your expertise to motivate and challenge associates from every level. The workshop helped to enhance skills, improve results and was fun! Thank you!"

Gary Livesay, Plant Manager, PPM Crane

You May Find Some Common Roads

My (twitter-size) story: I live on a mountain lake in SC, aka, SouthCack. Loving God and loving people. I encourage individuals and organizations to change their world... one conversation at a time. 

My Longer (blog-size) story:  When I started my first company (training and development), I asked my dad for advice. Dad was brilliant with numerous patents to his credit and a lifetime of business acumen, so I expected some profound business strategies. Instead, he shared what has become priceless gold nuggets: “Be real and leave everything better than you found it. And remember, God provides for the birds, but He doesn’t throw it into the nest.” Although it wasn’t was I expected at the time, it has proven to be some of the best advice I’ve ever received.

While “chasing the sun” for almost two million miles of client flights, it was my mom that gave me the best advice regarding how to live life in balance. Mom said, “Honey, you just need to remember three things… You need to Love God, you need to Love Your Family, and you need to Lighten Up!”  It is still some of the best advice I’ve ever received and I have shared with thousands of leaders and workshop participants.

As a mother and a business-woman who has been at the bottom of herself, my daughter and son are my “go-tos,” and my greatest loves in this world. They are part of the next “greatest generation” and they stand strong! They are the best I have to offer for the future and they are God’s gift to me now.

Blessed are those who find joy in the journey!

From the coal mining hills of Eastern Kentucky to the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River in South Carolina, my southern roots run deep.  My folks moved to the “Windy City” (Chicago) Illinois for better opportunities, and I was born there into a family of four girls and four boys, and one bathroom. It made for close relationships with lots of love, stories, and gourmet meals of cornbread and beans.

The Chattooga River began flowing through my veins as we visited the old Nicholson home place where my dad was raised. I always knew I would live in these SouthCack mountains. So, I left the Chicago area as soon as I could and moved as close to the Chattooga River as I could. Now, I live, work and play (most of the time) right here in Mountain Rest, SC.

Like the mountains I love, the road of my life has been full of twists and turns. The journey has made me stronger and weaker, grateful for every day and definitely more dependent on Jesus — the One who knows me best and loves me most! At the deepest level of my being, I am passionate about loving God and loving people. (Love the Lord your God with all your heart...(and) love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31)