Tom Norris
Areas of Expertise
- Employee Engagement
- Leadership Development
- Leadership Assessments
- Situational Leadership
- Performance Management
- Leadership Coaching Essentials
- Empowered Listening
- Responsive Coaching
- Accountability through Agreements
- Conflict Resolution
- Coaching and Targeted Feedback
- Self-Management
- Leading & Managing Change
- Organizational Development
- Building High-Performing Teams
- Strategic & Consultative Selling
- Negotiation Skills
- Presentation & Facilitation Skills
- Interviewing & Selection
- Delegation
- Time Management
- Project Management for Non-IT & Engineering Professionals
About Tom
Tom Norris combines extensive corporate leadership experience with professional coaching expertise and academic credentials in organizational development and psychology. As founder of True North Coaching Solutions LLC, he has provided over 2,500 hours of executive coaching to leaders across diverse industries.
What do you think makes a coaching relationship great?
What makes a coaching relationship great is when the client identifies, asks, and answers their most important questions about leadership, career, and life; then, takes action to close the gap between where they are and the future they desire. The underpinnings of a great coaching relationship are trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
What characteristics do you admire (in self or others)?
The characteristics I admire most include leading by example, building collective purpose, challenging the status quo, empowering their teams, recognizing and motivating others, and treating others with respect and dignity. I believe the foundation for these characteristics is being willing and able to "seek first to understand, then to be understood."
Describe your perfect day off
When my nine-year-old grandson was around four years old, he and I walked outside into his backyard. An admirer of Mother Nature, he paused, looked up at the beautiful blue sky, and, with a smile, said, "Grandpa, it's a blue day." He coined the phrase "blue day" for a beautiful day. He went on that day to discover a "Leaf Bug" and carefully examine the little creature (without harming it) and experience the joy of discovering the uniqueness of a "Leaf Bug."
Joy and gratitude are two keywords describing what makes a perfect day off for me. For the last twenty years, I am grateful to have enjoyed many "blue days off", engaged with my seven grandchildren, watching them grow, learn, have fun, talk, and experience joy. Perfect days off!
Education
- Master of Science: Organizational Development, Loyola University
- Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino
Professional Certifications
- ACC Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- Certified Professional Life Coach, Professional Christian Coaching Institute (PCCI)
- Mental Health Coach, American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
- The Personal DiSCernment Inventory
- The Caliper Profile
Coaching Experience
Experienced in coaching leaders at all levels, from frontline managers to executives in corporate, non-profit, and government agencies.
Corporate Experience
Over 30 years as an executive in organizational development and training, and education in the retail and insurance industries.
Fortune 500 experience including Corporate University Dean at American Auto Association (AAA), Assistant Vice President of Education and Development at L'Oreal USA, Director of Organizational Development at Transamerica Distribution Finance, and leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson Health Care.
Teaching Experience
Adjunct faculty since 2010 at UMass Global for the School of Business and Professional Studies and the School of Extended Education; The University of La Verne's Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership; Keller Graduate School of Management MBA; American Management Association.
Volunteer Experience
Executive Coach for The Honor Foundation (career transition program for U.S. Special Operations Forces), Bible Study Fellowship Small Group Discussion Leader, Lay Counselor for Cornerstone Church Care Ministry.
Education
- Master of Science: Organizational Development, Loyola University
- Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino
Professional Certifications
- ACC Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- Certified Professional Life Coach, Professional Christian Coaching Institute (PCCI)
- Mental Health Coach, American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
- The Personal DiSCernment Inventory
- The Caliper Profile
Coaching Experience
Experienced in coaching leaders at all levels, from frontline managers to executives in corporate, non-profit, and government agencies.
Corporate Experience
Over 30 years as an executive in organizational development and training, and education in the retail and insurance industries.
Fortune 500 experience including Corporate University Dean at American Auto Association (AAA), Assistant Vice President of Education and Development at L'Oreal USA, Director of Organizational Development at Transamerica Distribution Finance, and leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson Health Care.
Teaching Experience
Adjunct faculty since 2010 at UMass Global for the School of Business and Professional Studies and the School of Extended Education; The University of La Verne's Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership; Keller Graduate School of Management MBA; American Management Association.
Volunteer Experience
Executive Coach for The Honor Foundation (career transition program for U.S. Special Operations Forces), Bible Study Fellowship Small Group Discussion Leader, Lay Counselor for Cornerstone Church Care Ministry.