I was interested in executive coaching because my work was and is challenging. That doesn’t mean you don’t get something done, but it does mean digging deep to find the energy to get it done.

Sharon has really learned the art of coaching, which is listening and probing and listening again, and then follow-up. She’s good working with people like me who have strong personalities! We’re driven people, and you have to find out what’s eating at us. It’s an art form, to be able to tip-toe into my life and listen and help.

I’ve had coaches or people I’ve talked to over the years who, you know, either they’re in awe, and that does not help you one bit, or they think, what the hell are you doing? Well, you’re doing what you’re doing! And Sharon doesn’t pass judgment – I never get the feeling that she’s asking, “Why are you doing this?” And that’s important, that she’s accepting of me – that’s high on my list.
Sharon doesn’t just follow a textbook, she evaluates what you need. She can see what you need, what’s good for you, what’s going to be helpful to you.

I look forward to talking with her. The conversation doesn’t feel like work, but it really is work, meaning personal work, emotional work. That’s good. There’s ease and comfort, and that’s what I like about working with her. And it really helps that Sharon knows about the culture/government/art world, from the business side and from the consumer side, so I didn’t have to explain those things.

You need that unbiased voice. And Sharon won’t let you off the hook. She’s not going to let you not do what you have to do, avoid grappling with your issues, not face up to something. She’s going to listen to you, and she’s going to help you shake that view or take that step, without making you feel like you’re a bad person. And to me, that’s what trust is all about.

Terrie S. Rouse

President

Rouse Consulting, Inc.

Washington, D. C. Metro Area

www.terrierouse.com