Peter Hawkins: Emeritus Professor of Leadership at Henley Business School and Chairman of Renewal Associates

In this episode of "Coaches on Zoom Drinking Coffee," host and CEO Alex Pascal of Coaching.com speaks with Peter Hawkings, a distinguished figure in organizational strategy, leadership, and culture change. He is celebrated for his extensive experience coaching over 100 boards and senior executive teams worldwide.

Hawkins speaks about his personal journey, and his early passion for drama and theater, which gradually shifted towards an interest in the human process and group dynamics, ultimately leading him into the world of therapeutic communities and organizational development. He reminisces about his initial encounters with coaching dating back to 1978, emphasizing how his diverse background, including roles in mental health, organizational learning, and consultancy, has shaped his approach to coaching.

A central theme in Hawkins' discussion is the significance of adult development in coaching. He introduces Bill Torbert's model of leadership development based on moral maturity and explains how it is vital for individuals, particularly those in leadership roles, to progress beyond the ‘achiever’ stage to effectively navigate the complexities of modern global organizations. He advocates for a holistic approach, emphasizing the necessity for coaches to possess a balanced blend of leadership experience, psychological understanding, adult development knowledge, and coaching skills.

Hawkins discusses his work on developing a vertical development assessment process for teams, aiming to raise the maturity level of teams and subsequently, enhance individual development. He stresses the importance of creating a healthy learning environment within teams, fostering continuous growth and adaptation to the ever-evolving challenges of the professional landscape.