McPhail Watmore Associates Ltd
Coaching and Constructive Conversations Training
Develop the people who solve the problems
Most managers are trained to solve problems. This course trains you to develop the people who solve them. Our practical coaching skills training gives managers a framework for the everyday conversations that build a capable, motivated team, from developmental coaching to the constructive conversations that get performance back on track.
Why coaching skills matter for managers
The best managers do not have all the answers, they help their people find their own. That shift, from directing to developing, is what turns a group of individuals into a self sufficient, high performing team, and it is a skill that can be learned.
Coaching also underpins the harder conversations. When performance dips, a manager with coaching skills can have a constructive, honest conversation that motivates rather than deflates. These are the conversations managers most often avoid, and learning to have them well is one of the most valuable things a manager can do.
What our training covers
This is a practical, skills based course for anyone who manages or develops people. Participants leave with techniques they can use in their very next conversation:
- The difference between managing, mentoring and coaching, and when each is right
- Non directive coaching, asking the right questions so people find their own answers
- A simple, repeatable framework for a coaching conversation
- Active listening, and the skill of staying quiet enough to let someone think
- Holding constructive conversations when performance needs to improve
- Giving feedback that motivates and builds trust rather than defensiveness
- Building a coaching habit into everyday management, not just formal reviews
What our clients say
“
I had a great day yesterday, and learnt so much!
I will be meeting with our managers all next week, and I am sure that their learning will influence how we move forward.
Thank you for your energy and commitment.
Chief Officer
Age UK Torbay
“
The training on the day both myself and HR Director, were pleased to find it engaging and practical, with clear and relatable hospitality specific examples aligned to the law.
Assistant Learning & Development Manager, People and Culture
Four Seasons
“
Experience was really good – workshop activities made me think of things that would impact me – all topics were enjoyable
Employee
Redbridge Council
Trusted by organisations across
Higher Education•
NHS•
Government•
Finance•
Legal•
Housing•
Charity
Who this training is for
This training suits line managers, team leaders, and anyone responsible for developing others. It works well for new managers building their toolkit, and for experienced managers who want to move from solving every problem themselves to growing a more capable, independent team.
We work with organisations across the UK in the public and private sector, including higher and further education, the NHS, national and local government, finance, legal and professional services, housing and the charity sector.
Our approach and credentials
All of our training is bespoke. We take time to understand your organisation, your sector and the decisions your people actually make, then build the session around examples they will recognise. Sessions can be delivered in person or online.
Our consultants are experienced practitioners drawn from the public and private sector. McPhail Watmore Associates was established in 2000, and our founder Fiona McPhail is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD with 30 years' experience in HR and equality, diversity and inclusion. You can read more about our team on our About page.
Established 2000
Over 25 years of training and consultancy
Chartered FCIPD
Founder led, 30 years' experience
Charter assessors
Investors in Diversity, Disability Confident Level 3
Seven consultants
Public and private sector practitioners
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between coaching and managing?
Managing often means directing people and solving problems for them. Coaching means helping people find their own solutions, so they grow more capable and independent over time. Good managers use both, and this course helps you recognise when to direct and when to coach.
What is non directive coaching?
Non directive coaching is an approach where, rather than giving answers, you ask questions that help the other person think the problem through and reach their own conclusions. It builds confidence and ownership, and produces a more self sufficient team. It is the core skill this course develops.
How do I have a constructive conversation about poor performance?
The key is to be clear and honest while staying supportive, focusing on the specific issue and the way forward rather than on blame. Coaching skills help you have these conversations in a way that motivates rather than demoralises. Our training gives you a structure and the chance to practise.
Is the training for managers or all staff?
Both. Our awareness session is designed for everyone and builds a more understanding, open culture. The manager session goes deeper into legal duties, adjustments and neuroinclusive practice, for those who support or recruit staff directly. Many organisations commission both.
Talk to our team
Whether you want to book a session or discuss what would work best for your organisation, get in touch to discuss your training needs.