Our Philosophy | Core Principles | Qualifications
Michael West & Associates is a small veteran-owned consulting company. As the Principal of the company, Michael West will work with you to provide the best solution for your business needs. When appropriate, Michael relies on an extensive network of skilled professionals to augment staffing for your project.
Our Philosophy
We believe that the quality of relationships are at the heart of the difficulties people experience or the satisfaction they feel whether it is at home, work or in the community. Real power and energy is generated through relationships. The patterns of your relationships and your capacities to form them are more important than tasks, functions, roles, and positions you fulfill. Your values and priorities directly impact how you, and those you are in relationship with, experience the quality of your relationships. Therefore, our work with you will focus primarily on your relationships to:
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Core Principles
The following principles define how we will work with you to ensure we stay true to our ethical responsibilities
to offer you a positive and productive experience:
to offer you a positive and productive experience:
We are client-centered.
Personal change is hard. You will be most successful in making the change you desire when you, not us, take full ownership for your part in the problem you are experiencing and the work you need to do to accomplish your goals. Therefore, we work with you to be sure it is you who sets the agenda, makes decisions and drives your outcomes. We will help you more clearly understand your own interests, motivations, and strengths as well as the costs and benefits related to your goals. We believe you are naturally creative and resourceful.
This is true of everyone at their core and why we believe you don’t need to be “fixed.” We believe you have an intrinsic drive for growth and development. We will support you in your exploration of the best solutions to resolve your own difficult challenges and encourage you to trust in your abilities. |
We are performance and results focused.
Unsuccessful change efforts are often a result of people trying to “check the boxes.” They may be experiencing pressure from others to change in some way and are looking for an easy, low cost (in time and effort) way to resolve a problem or to change someone else. We believe in helping you look at the tough stuff underlying your problem and taking action that will result in long-lasting, positive change. We commit to building and sustaining a powerful relationship with you.
We model our belief in the fundamental value of relationships. We do this by developing a non-judgmental relationship with you based on transparency, trust, respect, and confidentiality that allows honest, constructive, challenging communication and genuine support. We believe this is the best way to support you in achieving your difficult and worthwhile goals. |
Qualifications - Michael West, M.S. ACC
With over 24 years’ experience as an executive leadership coach, mediator, conflict prevention and resolution expert and trainer in the private and federal sectors, Michael assists individuals address and resolve conflict, challenges leaders to develop new strategies and behaviors through a process of self-awareness and experimental learning. He guides clients through a process resulting in enhanced relationships, interpersonal skills, performance, and organizational effectiveness.
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"In organizations, real power and energy is generated through relationships. The patterns of relationships and the capacities to form them are more important than tasks, functions, roles, and positions."
—Margaret Wheatly, Leadership and the New Science
—Margaret Wheatly, Leadership and the New Science
Executive Leadership Coaching / Conflict Coaching / Team Coaching
Michael is an executive and conflict coach certified through the International Coaching Federation. As a coach Michael helps leaders and teams develop new strategies and behaviors to enhance their performance and relationships.
Conflict Resolution / Mediation
Michael is a certified mediator for cases involving divorce/separation, equitable distribution, and custody and parenting arrangements. He trains and mentors aspiring mediators. He is an experienced mediator of organizational conflict serving for 18 years as a conflict resolution practitioner and mediator for a federal agency resolving union and management conflicts, workplace disputes between employees and managers, and team conflicts.
Employee Engagement
Successful organizations recognize the need to enhance employee engagement to impact performance. Michael has experience in conducting organizational assessments that follow a systems and relationship approach to analyze the variety of challenges that are interfering with reaching an organization's goals. The approach is to collect data and analyze both internal and external factors that are impacting performance and to identify areas of strength as well as opportunity. These interdependent factors include the levels of relationship and engagement, the organization's culture and leadership, and the skills and behavior of employees at all levels.
Training
Michael is an experienced educator, trainer and mentor who trains others on conflict resolution and other leadership skills. He has taught and presented in corporate and non-profit setting,s and at state and national conferences.
Experience
Michael has extensive expertise and experience working in corporate, government, military, law enforcement, and non-profits. He has worked with senior executives, directors, teams, other coaches, and dispute resolution practitioners including:
Michael is an executive and conflict coach certified through the International Coaching Federation. As a coach Michael helps leaders and teams develop new strategies and behaviors to enhance their performance and relationships.
Conflict Resolution / Mediation
Michael is a certified mediator for cases involving divorce/separation, equitable distribution, and custody and parenting arrangements. He trains and mentors aspiring mediators. He is an experienced mediator of organizational conflict serving for 18 years as a conflict resolution practitioner and mediator for a federal agency resolving union and management conflicts, workplace disputes between employees and managers, and team conflicts.
Employee Engagement
Successful organizations recognize the need to enhance employee engagement to impact performance. Michael has experience in conducting organizational assessments that follow a systems and relationship approach to analyze the variety of challenges that are interfering with reaching an organization's goals. The approach is to collect data and analyze both internal and external factors that are impacting performance and to identify areas of strength as well as opportunity. These interdependent factors include the levels of relationship and engagement, the organization's culture and leadership, and the skills and behavior of employees at all levels.
Training
Michael is an experienced educator, trainer and mentor who trains others on conflict resolution and other leadership skills. He has taught and presented in corporate and non-profit setting,s and at state and national conferences.
Experience
Michael has extensive expertise and experience working in corporate, government, military, law enforcement, and non-profits. He has worked with senior executives, directors, teams, other coaches, and dispute resolution practitioners including:
- U.S. Department of the Navy
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- U.S. Department of Education
- Transportation Security Agency
- Securities and Exchange Commission
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Fairfax County Public Schools
- Northern Virginia Mediation Service
- George Mason University
- Georgetown University’s Executive Coaching Program
- Fortune 500 Chemical Manufacturer
- Housing non-profit