Leading with Clarity: Applying the Seven Golden Rules of Simplicity in Local Government Coaching
- truthaboutlocalgov
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
In the fast-paced, often complex world of local government, simplicity can be a radical act. Leaders are expected to juggle competing priorities, navigate bureaucracy, and support diverse teams—all while delivering high-quality public services. In such an environment, coaching can be a powerful tool for empowering staff and fostering resilience. But coaching itself must be accessible, practical, and sustainable.
That’s where Eric Parsloe and Monika Wray’s Seven Golden Rules of Simplicity come in. These principles, drawn from their work in coaching and mentoring, offer a refreshingly straightforward approach to developing people. They remind us that effective coaching doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be consistent, human, and purposeful.
Who Are Parsloe and Wray?
Eric Parsloe was a pioneer in the field of coaching and mentoring, co-founder of The Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring, and a passionate advocate for practical, people-centred development. Monika Wray, a leadership coach and author, has worked extensively in organisational development and learning. Together, they authored Coaching and Mentoring: Practical Methods to Improve Learning, a widely respected guide that distils decades of experience into accessible tools and models.
Their Seven Golden Rules of Simplicity are designed to help managers and coaches focus on what truly matters in a coaching relationship—clarity, connection, and consistency.
The Seven Golden Rules of Simplicity
Let’s explore each rule and how it can be applied by a local government officer who manages people and wants to develop as a coach.
1. Success Comes from Doing Simple Things Consistently
“Don’t make the coaching programme too elaborate or dictated to by rules or unrealistic expectations.” – Parsloe & Wray
This rule is a call to avoid over-engineering the coaching process. In local government, where time and resources are often stretched, simplicity is not just efficient—it’s essential. Rather than designing complex frameworks, focus on regular, meaningful conversations that build trust and support growth.
Application Tip: Schedule short, consistent coaching check-ins with team members. Even 20 minutes every fortnight can make a significant difference.
2. Make Time to Meet
“Busy coaches or managers don’t always find the time to meet the people they are coaching. The converse can also be true.” – Parsloe & Wray
Time is one of the most valuable gifts a leader can offer. In the public sector, where diaries are often packed, it’s easy for coaching to fall by the wayside. But without regular interaction, coaching loses its impact.
Application Tip: Block out recurring time in your calendar for coaching conversations—and treat it as non-negotiable. Encourage your team to do the same.
3. Keep It Human
This rule reminds us that coaching is a relationship, not a transaction. It’s about empathy, curiosity, and connection. In local government, where staff may be dealing with emotionally charged issues—from housing crises to community conflict—human-centred leadership is vital.
Application Tip: Start coaching sessions by checking in on how the person is feeling, not just what they’re doing. Use active listening and show genuine interest in their wellbeing.
4. Focus on the Person, Not Just the Problem
Too often, coaching becomes problem-solving. While addressing challenges is important, the real value lies in helping people grow. Parsloe and Wray encourage coaches to look beyond the immediate issue and support the whole person.
Application Tip: Ask questions like:
“What’s important to you in this situation?”
“What strengths can you bring to this challenge?”
“How does this align with your long-term goals?”
This approach fosters self-awareness and long-term development.
5. Use Simple Language
“Avoid jargon and technical terms that may confuse or alienate.” – Parsloe & Wray
In local government, where policy and procedure often dominate, it’s easy to slip into bureaucratic language. But coaching should be clear, accessible, and inclusive.
Application Tip: Use plain English in coaching conversations. Replace “strategic alignment” with “what matters most” or “stakeholder engagement” with “talking to the right people.”
6. Be Present and Listen Well
This rule is about quality of attention. In a world of constant distraction, being fully present is a rare and powerful gift. Listening deeply builds trust and helps people feel seen and heard.
Application Tip: Turn off notifications, close your laptop, and give your full attention during coaching sessions. Use silence as a tool—don’t rush to fill the gaps.
7. Keep the End in Mind
Coaching should always be purposeful. Parsloe and Wray emphasise the importance of having a clear sense of direction—what the coachee wants to achieve, and how progress will be measured.
Application Tip: At the start of each session, ask:
“What would you like to walk away with today?”
“How will you know this conversation has been useful?”
At the end, review what’s been agreed and what the next steps are.
Why Simplicity Matters in Local Government Coaching
The Seven Golden Rules of Simplicity are especially relevant in the public sector, where complexity is often the norm. Here’s why:
1. They Save Time
Simple, focused coaching conversations are easier to schedule and sustain—making them more likely to happen.
2. They Build Trust
By keeping things human and jargon-free, these rules foster psychological safety and openness.
3. They Empower Staff
Focusing on the person, not just the problem, helps team members build confidence and take ownership of their development.
4. They Support Resilience
In times of change or pressure, simple, consistent coaching can provide a vital anchor for staff.
Becoming a Simplicity-Focused Coach
If you’re a local government officer looking to develop as a coach, here are some steps to bring the Seven Golden Rules into your practice:
Start Small: Begin with one or two team members and schedule regular coaching conversations.
Use a Coaching Journal: Reflect on what’s working and what could be simpler.
Ask for Feedback: Invite your coachees to share how the coaching feels and what they find most helpful.
Model Simplicity: In your language, your presence, and your actions—show that simplicity is a strength, not a shortcut.
Conclusion: Coaching That Cuts Through the Noise
Eric Parsloe and Monika Wray’s Seven Golden Rules of Simplicity offer a powerful reminder: coaching doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. In fact, the most impactful coaching often comes from doing the basics well—consistently, compassionately, and with clarity.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci
In local government, where the stakes are high and the pressures are real, simplicity is not just a coaching principle—it’s a leadership imperative.
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