Over the past 12 years, James Symons, the CEO of the award-winning company PC Locs / LocknCharge, has placed significant intentionality on learning. The focus of that learning has been on his ability to lead and the importance of valuing human interaction as a core business process.
With Stuart Wesley, Director of Oasis People & Culture, as his coach, James committed to learning about his impact on others. The coaching sessions have explored the role that deeper listening and self-awareness play in the conversations that fill James's week; whether they are conversations for clarity, innovation or accountability.
"One of the things I value the most is that Stuart doesn't enter the conversation as an Executive," said James. "For instance, he doesn't try and solve the technical aspects of operational problems. Instead, Stuart might help me see how my emotions or thoughts might be unhelpful to a situation and then consider other possible responses."
Wider investment in staff
The impact of these sessions has led to James engaging his entire Executive Team in Oasis People and Culture's development program. Most recently, this has included one of his US team members; who James brought to Australia for some intensive coaching sessions.
"The growth in one of my staff has been immense, and the depth of transformation isn't just impacting Steph personally. Her experience positively affects the team she leads, and it has also been a catalyst to her becoming an influential contributor within our Executive," said James.
Smaller chunks of integrated learning
For James, the key to Oasis People and Culture's approach to the development of his staff has been its commitment to seeing content integrated.
"Often, when it comes to learning and development, people are given large quantities of material to digest; be that in seminar or conference format," said James. "Oasis approached it's development work by spacing content delivery and ensuring that my team have adequate time for meaningful reflection and lasting application."
James and his Executive are looking forward to Oasis People and Culture's input into their upcoming Executive Retreat in 2020.