Nathan Elvery, past president of the Association of Local Authority Treasurers, outlines the benefits of a section 151 officer having a coach or mentor for support and advice amid the ‘choppy waters that local government continues to sail in’.
I recently wrote an article focusing on prudential borrowing, which highlighted five key points including the critical importance of the experience, skills and knowledge of the section 151 officer within any council and the importance of ensuring this officer has the support of the council.
This article highlighted the importance of ensuring that the s151 has a mentor or coach and is linked to a wide network of peers, which can provide support and advice. The s151 role can be a lonely place, but it does not have to be if the organisation they work for is willing to provide this support to such a crucial role in the council.
So, for this article, I am focusing more deeply on the benefits of having a coach or mentor to support the s151 and the deputy s151. Having a coach or mentor can be incredibly beneficial for personal and professional development. Here are some reasons why it can be so valuable:
- Guidance and support: A coach or mentor provides valuable guidance and support based on their experience and expertise. They can offer insights and advice to help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals.
- Accountability: Having someone to hold you accountable can significantly increase your commitment and discipline. A coach or mentor can help you set specific targets and monitor your progress, keeping you on track.
- Learning from Experience: Coaches and mentors often have extensive experience in their field. Learning from their successes and mistakes can save you time, effort, and resources as you strive to achieve your objectives.
- Personalised feedback: A good coach or mentor can offer personalised feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement. They can help you identify blind spots and work on self-awareness, leading to continuous growth.
- Networking and connections: Coaches and mentors can introduce you to valuable contacts in their network. Expanding your connections can open new opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.
- Building confidence: Having someone in your corner, believing in your abilities, and providing encouragement can boost your confidence and self-esteem, leading to higher performance and greater success.
- Perspective and objectivity: A coach or mentor can provide an outside perspective on your situation or challenges. They can offer unbiased feedback and help you see things from different angles, facilitating better decision-making.
- Developing skills: Whether it’s leadership, communication, problem-solving, or any other skill, a mentor or coach can offer tailored guidance and resources to help you improve and reach your potential.
- Motivation and inspiration: When facing obstacles or feeling stuck, a coach or mentor can inspire you to keep going and remain motivated, even during difficult times.
- Accelerated growth: Having a mentor or coach accelerates your learning and development. Their insights and advice can help you avoid common pitfalls and progress faster in your chosen field.
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A coach or mentor can be a valuable asset in your personal and professional life. They provide support, guidance, and knowledge to help you grow, overcome challenges and reach your full potential. With the current challenges that local government faces, having a ‘safe space’ to talk through these challenges openly and honestly with support to you personally could make all the difference.
I have always believed that organisational culture is one of the biggest differences between organisation success and failure. Councils with a positive culture place a clear priority on investing in support of their greatest asset, their people, as a consequence these councils can navigate the choppy waters that local government continues to sail in. While other councils find themselves on the section 114 rocks.
I have worked with numerous clients over the last few years and have witnessed first-hand the huge and positive impact coaching and mentoring can have, both for them personally but also the benefits for the councils they work within. By reading this article you have already taken the first step…..take a deep breath, go on, now jump in!
Nathan Elvery FCPFA, MAAT is the founder, managing director, executive coach and mentor at Imagine Public Services Ltd. He is also the past president of the Society of London Treasurers and the past president of the Association of Local Authority Treasurers.
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