Mike Gellman

About Mike

Brief description of years of experience in coaching/organizational development and types of clients/industries with whom you have worked: 

I have 15+ years of Organizational Development and Coaching experience within nonprofits, energy/utilities, healthcare/pharma, education, recreation and leisure organizations. My experience in the field is relatively broad including team development, high potential leadership development programs, conflict mediation, succession planning, culture change, organizational design and process improvement. My clients have included all levels from field employees, individual contributors, supervisors, managers, directors, VPs, and C-suite executives. I have significant experience working with both represented (union) and non-represented workforces in multiple locations. 

I have a M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. In addition, I am an ICF certified Coach and certified Conflict Mediator. I have specialized training, certification, and experience in using an array of diagnostic assessment tools to facilitate individual and team development including DISC, Birkman Method, MBTI, Conflict Dynamics Profile, and 360 Feedback. I am also a certified Jack Canfield Success Principles trainer and VitalSmarts trainer for delivering Crucial Conversations, Crucial Accountability and Influencer workshops.

What do you think makes a coaching relationship great?

The best coaching relationships I have with clients are ones where both of us have established a deep level of trust and engagement in order to tackle the client’s issues at hand. The client is highly receptive to coaching, motivated to examine his or her blind spots, and committed to taking necessary action to better themselves and advance towards their goals. I appreciate coaching relationships that include a high degree of candor and laughter as well. I find that a little levity can go a long way when addressing difficult challenges.

What characteristics do you admire (in self or others)?

I truly am inspired by individuals who work to overcome life challenges to succeed and have a positive impact on others. Courage, grit, wisdom, persistence, and vision are all characteristics that I greatly admire and aspire to integrate in my approach to life as well.

Describe your perfect day off

My perfect day off includes connecting with myself and others. I enjoy starting my day with some meditation and running and then spending time either by myself or with my son at the beach or somewhere in nature. I enjoy a mix of solitude such as taking time for personal reflection as well as togetherness time with my son and close friends for hiking, playing catch or a board game, and going to the theater to watch a movie or a Broadway play. There’s also usually some ice cream eating involved somewhere in my perfect day off!