By Marisa Woodward, Leadership and Talent Branch | APS Academy
The APS Academy is now offering coaching before, during and after APS Academy SES leadership programs to help participants apply and sustain the learning in their everyday work. SES Executive Coaching provides confidential, personalised support focused on the leadership work SES officers are accountable for every day. Coaching creates structured space to think clearly, test assumptions and exercise judgement while navigating complexity, system pressures and heightened accountability.
For SES leaders, development is not a discrete event. It is an ongoing practice of sensemaking, decision making and leadership identity. Executive coaching supports this practice by helping leaders pause, reflect and act with greater intent, particularly where challenges are novel, contested or without clear precedent or where they are experimenting with new ways of leading.
Through coaching, SES leaders are supported to:
- reflect and progress development goals and priorities identified through 360 feedback (Feedback is now more readily available as part of the SES Performance Framework)
- surface and work through the real issues they are facing in a role
- strengthen judgement in ambiguous or high-risk environments
- translate insight into deliberate leadership action
- sustain momentum and learning over time, not just during learning programs
The coaching complements formal APS Academy programs. Its value lies in supporting leaders in the work itself, where trade-offs must be made, authority must be exercised, and consequences are real. Essentially it helps participants apply the learning from the SES leadership program in the workplace.
Who should participate
SES leaders who are enrolled in, currently participating in, or alumni of APS Academy SES leadership development programs.
APS Academy Executive Coaches
APS Academy executive coaches bring deep experience of the APS operating environment and extensive capability in coaching SES and C suite leaders.
They work with leaders to:
- experiment safely with new ways of leading
- apply leadership insight to their specific role, system and context
- address complex leadership challenges and transitions
- strengthen leadership effectiveness and professional identity
- balance authority, role expectations and personal leadership style
Coaching options
Coaching packages are flexible and can be tailored to individual leadership needs by:
- single session
- 3 session package
- 6 session package
- 10 session package
Next Steps
If you would like to explore how executive coaching could support you in your leadership role, complete the Executive Coaching enquiry form. A short, confidential exploratory conversation will then be arranged to discuss your needs and options.
To learn more, visit the APS Academy SES Executive Coaching page.