Coaching Process
My coaching model uses a results-focused, self-directed learning model informed by research, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, change principles, and adult learning theory. The process is collaborative; you and I will work together to help you discover what’s most meaningful for you and how it will help you achieve the results you desire. Leadership Coaching engagements can last from several weeks to several months to a year or more, depending on the objectives, commitment and outcomes of the client, or coachee. Working both individually and/or in groups, I provide these services either in-person, via video call (Zoom) or via traditional phone call.
“Jim McKenna has been a tremendous asset to our heart and vascular institute. His ability to coach and mentor our physician leaders has been transformative to our organization. The way in which he enables our physicians to realize their potential, and then achieve that potential, is nothing short of amazing. As a physician leader in a busy health care system, I cannot devote the necessary time, nor do I have the requisite expertise, to facilitate leadership development at this level. His services have been a huge help, and I would consider them indispensable…thank you Jim!”
Associate Professor of Medicine, Executive Director of Clinical Growth and Outreach
General Cardiology, University of Virginia
Formerly Executive Chair, Centra Heart & Vascular Institute
The Premise
Coaching begins with the assumption that the client is whole, wise, and highly knowledgeable about her/his own personal and professional development. Therefore, my primary role as coach is to draw out the leader’s wisdom through inquiry, curiosity, gentle provocations, and challenges that help the leader to stretch into their own best capacities.
Coaching with me begins with an initial, comprehensive self-assessment, as a baseline or starting point, from which to measure future progress.
It also provides measurable outcomes about changes in the leader’s behavior, as determined by key stakeholders at the end of the coaching engagement.
To achieve these, I introduce and/or co-create self-observation exercises and behavioral practices.
Together, we (you and I) look collaboratively through a holistic lens, attentive your interior life (physical, emotional, cognitive, and spirit) as well as how your interior reality is expressed through your physical presence and behaviors.
Who I Work With
The professionals that I work with seek an expertly trained partner to journey with them to harness their resources, create effective strategies, break through limiting patterns, and create positive change. They have achieved success. They want to focus on development of leadership behaviors (rather than strategy, financial acumen or other non-behavior skills). They are educated, assertive, bright, and ambitious, and include:
- Physicians (For all specialties especially hospital-based physicians like hospitalists, cardiologists, emergency medicine, and many more)
- Nurses
- Executives
- Entrepreneurs
- Attorneys
- Managers
- Many others…