Today, Steve Whearty is the Assistant Professor and Program Manager for the Organizational Leadership Coaching program at UVA's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, but he began his career as a Naval Officer. Along the way, Whearty completed both an MBA and a master’s degree in adult education before returning to work in Federal Government Civil Service. Over the next 13 years, he worked in the learning and development organizations of the Department of State, the Office of Personnel Management and the Internal Revenue Service, where one-on-one coaching and facilitating leader development courses for leaders at all levels were significant to his roles.
To UVA Organizational Leadership Coaching students, Whearty not only brings his experience in the government sector, but he also brings a wealth of experience as an independent learning and development consultant and executive coach for organizations in the public, private and higher education sectors.
Whearty shared some insight on what coaching means to him, and how he hopes to impact his students.
Question: Are there particular aspects of your career or life experience you draw on when you are teaching?
I draw upon the experience of the leaders I have worked with, both good and bad, to illustrate leadership development concepts. I find that these real-life examples are very relatable for adult learners and coaching clients, and that they are great at making theories about leadership and coaching more real.
Question: How have you seen your classes impact students’ lives or careers?
Over the years, I’ve worked with small groups of executives in creating peer coaching cohorts as part of various leader learning programs. By sharing experiences, core values, challenges and successes with one another in these cohorts, participants become deeply invested in one another. Long after the official program concludes, I have seen them remain as one another’s sounding boards and support structures to navigate professional and personal decisions. It’s a genuine privilege to have been a part of cultivating that kind of enduring connection.
Question: Why do you think the Organizational Leadership Coaching program is relevant to society or the industry right now?
I think as a society, we are increasingly isolated from one another; I believe that in some ways, pervasive use of technology has driven disconnection and increased the “noise” and anxiety in our lives (read: social media!). Encouraging people to listen to others more deeply and with empathy for their circumstances, their professional and/or personal challenges is an antidote!
Question: What do you hope Organizational Leadership Coaching students will walk away from your program with?
I want students to feel a greater desire to employ the coaching skills of curiosity and empathy in their professional and personal relationships.
Question: What top tips would you give to a student in this field?
It is often easy to be distracted and not fully listen, or to listen with judgment rather than a genuine desire to understand and respect the other person. Listening and empathy are the coach’s core skills that we continue to practice; we never fully master. It’s important to give ourselves grace in the practicing and not become discouraged!