Alongsider - finding your place and taking your place - S01 / E44

44 - Dr Iain McCormick, Author, Clinical Psychologist, Executive Coach, Consultant, Psychotherapist

Navigating challenging conversations - from hard sciences to prisons, Antarctic, HR management consulting and supporting 'angry' bosses,

#Alongisider meets Dr. Iain McCormick, a New Zealand-based coach and therapist, who transitioned from hard sciences to a lifelong exploration of human psychology and its workplace applications. His research highlights a compelling insight: successful psychotherapy outcomes correlate primarily with relationship quality rather than professional expertise. This finding raises a profound question: Does this principle extend beyond therapy to all professional—or even personal—relationships?

As an accomplished author of coaching books that integrate therapeutic approaches, Dr. McCormick specializes in working with "angry bosses." His guiding principle is striking: "Don't say anything until the client is ready to listen." This deceptively simple approach prioritizes presence over intervention.

When asked which clients he finds most challenging, Dr. McCormick candidly admits it's angry individuals. His solution? "Deliberate practice"—a methodical approach to developing comfort with discomfort.

For anyone seeking to transform challenging conversations from dreaded encounters into welcome opportunities for growth, Dr. McCormick's insights offer a practical pathway forward.

https://iainmccormick.net/

https://philipcrocker.com/the-alongsider


About Alongsider - finding your place and taking your place

We all arrive at a time when someone alongside is key to moving on and letting go. Alongsider shares some great stories from those in many different contexts who have found their place and taken it. All in many different seasons. Many of the stories are about the third stage of life and all inspirational and motivating.

https://philipcrocker.com/podcast