UK ICF Collaborative Partnership with Scientists from the Microbiology Society

Recognising the ‘glass ceiling’ for many scientists, particularly women, exists - and the effect is to prevent many first class scientists from making valuable contributions, the Microbiology Society looked for change.

The Microbiology Society is a membership charity for scientists interested in microbes, their effects and their practical uses. It is one of the largest microbiology societies in Europe with a worldwide membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, research institutes and schools. Members have a unique depth and breadth of knowledge about the discipline

With a Grant - called Unlocking Potential, the Society committed to offering coaching as part of a package of support. The partnership with UK ICF was designed to provide the coaching to help overcome barriers. As part of the deal, we have provided a study into the impact of the coaching.

As members of ICF we have a set of core competencies that form the basis of our work. In the following two examples we can see how the first set of competencies, Setting the Foundation, are illustrated through the coaching relationship.

UK ICF understand the importance of having credible research to demonstrate the power of coaching and have invested in evaluation of results. The following information is taken from in depth interviews conducted by Dr Helen Smith from Enhancing Leadership and Manchester Metropolitan University

Reflections on Coaching: The Foundation, Opportunities for Growth

Here we can see how our coaches demonstrate ethical practice and embody a coaching mindset.

Coaching is not only a transformative experience for the coachee but also a journey of self-discovery and growth for the coach. This continuous reflection and challenge is an important part of preparation for setting the Foundation.

As coaches engage with clients across various sectors and career stages, they often glean valuable insights that resonate with their own practice and personal development. Let's explore some compelling reflections from coaches who have been inspired and enlightened by their experiences through the collaborative partnership, adding richness of experience to the coaches who engaged.

One of the coaches reflected on the expansive nature of career coaching and the potential for future growth. The coach contemplated the broader question of where the client would want to go in the future, prompting a revaluation of their own coaching trajectory too. The insight reinforced the idea that coaches need not be pigeonholed into specific niches.

Indeed, a distinct benefit to our members of collaborative partnerships such as these is to open up opportunities to work with a diverse range of clients. For one coach, it reaffirmed the enthusiasm for working with scientists, reconnecting with the energy and passion that fuelled their coaching journey from the beginning.

Collaborative partnerships provide vast opportunities to expand coaching practice, particularly for organisations like the Microbiology Society who recognise the value of coaching. The realisation that nearly every group of scientists could benefit from coaching underscores the potential for impactful work in diverse settings. This insight encourages the coach to consider the wider scope of their influence and the transformative potential of coaching across various sectors they previously had not considered.

In our reflections, we noticed the contrast between coaching different groups of clients – from undergraduates to executive-level leaders. The coach notes the common thread of fear and anxiety around career transitions, regardless of career stage. The realisation that executive leaders, with decades of experience, also grapple with fear around new beginnings offers a reassuring perspective. The coach finds excitement in helping clients see career transitions as opportunities for exploration and personal growth. This insight becomes a powerful tool in addressing the pervasive fear and anxiety experienced by many coaching clients.
A common thread woven through these reflections is the belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of their career stage or background. Coaches are inspired by the diverse challenges faced by their clients, reaffirming the importance of offering unbridled support, presenting challenging discussions when necessary, and giving clients permission to explore new possibilities. The insights gained from working with different clients become the catalyst for personal and professional growth, shaping the way coaches approach their practice and opening doors to new and exciting opportunities.

In the dynamic landscape of coaching, these reflections serve as a reminder that every coaching interaction is a reciprocal journey, offering lessons, inspiration, and growth for both the coach and the coachee. We found that the tools of setting an ethical foundation with an enquiring mindset are fundamental in facilitating trust supporting change.