FAQ - Kilgallon Consulting

What does 'mining for your cultural gold' actually mean?

Much development work only skims the surface. Mining for your cultural gold is going beneath the surface to find out what really makes your organisation tick. From there the potential of the organisation can be recognised, released and developed.

Why is there so much current emphasis on the need for cultural change?

The culture of an organisation is based on what it believes is important and what it believes is true. As such, organisational culture drives the behaviour of all individuals within the organisation, especially at senior level. The company culture determines how organisations treat their staff and their customers. Creating a strong company culture will give competitive advantage. It will also help organisations to attract and retain talented staff. This is why there is so much emphasis on cultural change in companies and cultural change in organisations.

How will 'mining for your cultural gold' assist my organisation with cultural change?

Mining for your cultural gold is a simple three-step process, that doesn't require teams of consultants on site for days on end, which will provide you with a clear picture of your organisation's values and beliefs. This will enable you to assess whether where you are now will support your business strategy. This can prove invaluable when making costly strategic decisions.

How will Kilgallon Consulting work with you?

Firstly, we need to know the results or desired outcomes you want. You define your results. We will then assess, using a range of measures, where you are now. This helps us to determine what interventions we need to make on your behave. Culturally, our preferred way of working is as a 'flexible partner' not a service provider. This enables us to identify more accurately what is needed and provide a solution that matches the realities of your workplace. We do not subscribe to a 'one size fits all' approach, because in our opinion it rarely does. We provide consultancy, coaching and facilitation. Part of the solution may be working with your leadership team, improving communication, embedding a culture of customer care or simply supporting a key business function through challenging times.

What is coaching?

Coaching is about working with an individual or group of individuals and guiding them in the deep conversations necessary to step out and be themselves. This is not a superficial process - it's about authentic change. The coach is there to act as a guide but it is the person or people being coached who will make the journey.

How does training compare with coaching?

Training is an educational process where you are encouraged to learn a specific subject or set of skills, which may have been identified as part of overall staff and/or organisational development. Although useful training frequently happens on the surface whereas coaching requires deeper mining and knowledge of how to travel across the organisational territory. In training you can opt out of the process; in coaching you can't.

How does mentoring compare with coaching?

Mentoring is a process where you work with an individual who you respect because of their experience and expertise. They do not need to work in the same sector, although if they do this can be of immense benefit. A credible mentor will provide support, advice and guidance and draw upon their own experiences in similar situations.

Are you able to do training, mentoring AND coaching?

Yes! Kilgallon Consulting offers a wide range of services including leadership coaching and training, management training and development, leadership mentoring and one to one coaching.

Do you use facilitation skills to work with larger groups of people?

Yes we do. We also facilitate with smaller groups. The purpose of facilitation is to ensure the dynamics in the group work towards the common goal or group purpose. The benefit of using us in group situations is that we can help concentrate the group mind and act as an impartial guide when the temperature is raised!

How long can it take to get results?

There is no definitive answer to this - it depends entirely on your needs and how quickly you want to achieve them. We work WITH you, at your learning pace - as such we can work intensively to achieve results or, work with you over a longer period of time to embed learning.

How much will your services cost?

There is no 'off the shelf' solution to what we offer. Every company and every individual has differing needs - as such some will take longer to achieve than others.

The changes we can implement in your organisation are priceless - they will result in a happier workforce and therefore satisfied customers. And we all know that satisfied customers mean a good reputation and more business - whether that's repeat or new. Our promise to you is that the value we bring will always exceed the amount of your investment.

What is alignment?

Alignment is when the values and beliefs of a company are a close match to the values and beliefs of the workforce. With less internal friction energy can be spent working towards the same goals and aspirations. The greater the degree of alignment, the greater the success of the business.

How does the process of alignment start within a company?

We have worked with enough organisations over the years to know with complete certainty that there is hidden potential in all organisations. Our job is to unlock that potential. If you want the people in your organisation at every level to be able to deal with change dynamically and innovatively, we can help. We will help you understand what it is that makes your organisation tick; it's identity, character and unique personality. In other words we will define what kind of culture you work in. We will then help you understand the values and beliefs of your workforce and help you put together a cultural strategy to align the workforce with the organisation. This may be the most important activity you ever engage in. Please see 'The Gold Rush - Corporate Solutions'

What is the external impact on customers of an aligned organisation?

It's simple. Valued staff equals better service and better service equals more business - and who doesn't want more business?

What is personal alignment?

This is where you are able to live your personal values and beliefs. Both in your personal and work life. If you have ever felt like the proverbial 'square peg in a round hole' then the chances are you were not being true to you. Much stress today is caused by people feeling out of step, or mis-aligned in their lives. Please see 'Mining for your Inner Gold' page and request information about our Prasana Programme.

What is meditation?

Meditation is an ancient method of calming and focusing the mind. Often focusing on the breath, an image or purpose. With regular meditation it is possible to clear away our negative thoughts and distractions. With a calmer and clearer mind time management, decision making and problem solving can all be improved.

Why meditate?

There are now many documented studies in the UK, America and Europe to support the very real health benefits of regular meditation. Benefits include reduced blood pressure, strengthened immune system and overall relaxation. Just think how much more productive and focused your workforce will be by taking 15 minutes each day to meditate. Please see the Meditation page.

If you are interested in finding out more about our services contact Kilgallon Consulting today - the experts in cultural change within organisations and personal development coaching to help individuals to reach their potential.