A Challenging Approach to COACHING

Hi, I'm Morris Mann!  I have a combination of business and psychology experience that puts me in a unique position to help professionals, executives, and small business people to succeed.  I have a Ph.D. in Psychology and over 21 years of hands-on business experience as a VP, managing partner, and startup entrepreneur.

I am driven by a core value belief that everyone is unique, and everyone should fulfill his or her unique potential.  That is why one of my favorite quotes is this:

"Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is.  Treat a man as he can and should be, and he will become as he can and should be."  -- Goethe

I believe that quote is applicable to personal life and work.  I have been driven from a young age to challenge and encourage people to do their best.  I eagerly took on leadership positions.  I was a head advisor at youth seminar programs for hundreds of students. 

During graduate school, I coached my high school basketball team to four straight championships.  I brought out the best in each of the boys, and helped them learn how to get more by focusing on team rather than individual accomplishments.  To this day, I have close relationships with some of those same basketball players who are now successful businessmen.

In my coaching practice I make use of that drive to challenge people, as well as educate them due to my love of learning and teaching. I choose to work with people who are committed to make changes in their lives.  People who are looking to improve their professional/business lives and want goal oriented accountability from a professional coaching partner.

I approach the coaching process by first working to set extraordinary goals and by creating a vision for the future together with you.  We move toward that vision in concrete steps which constantly require a balance of self-reflection, action and accountability.  I may encourage you to use the successful applied business psychology strategies of Appreciative Inquiry. 

That may entail steps of: Discovering and identifying core values and strengths; Dreaming and envisioning the future while using them; Designing a realistic workable plan; and going ahead and Doing it. Thereafter it often becomes a serious collaborative effort of reviewing, reflecting and adapting effective strategies for success.

Applied Positive Psychology Training

I have dedicated hundreds of hours to in-depth psychology training and learning in the area of Positive Psychology and Leadership with a Harvard professor.  I often make use of those concepts in coaching work. Some of the examples include:  Emotional intelligence; Authentic Leadership and self discovery; Reframing for positive change; Expectations of self and others on success; Focusing on what works; Exit your comfort zone; Practical optimism; and Effective communication and rapport.

Business Experience

My business experience contributes to a laser focus on goal achievement and hands on work. Coaching means helping you get things done.  I use my 21 years of business experience to understand your business and professional challenges, as well as offer options that have been successful for others that may work for you. 

My business skills and experience include strengths in:

• Strategic planning
• Business plan development
• Branding and unique market positioning
• Operational efficiency
• Executive management
• Hiring and motivating the Best people

Personal Background

On a personal note, I have a great family of five kids and even two grandkids.  Ten years ago we successfully made the move to live in Israel.  It has been a wonderfully challenging and enriching experience.  While I continue to travel between NY and Israel for business and professional purposes, my kids have succeeded in leadership positions in architecture, NGO services, design & merchandising, and the Air Force.   (I do have a USA telephone number that follows me around, so you will be indifferent to whether I am in Israel or the USA).

Business, Academic and Training Experience

Ph.D. – Clinical Psychology ? presented research at national Child Dev symposium about parent child relationships.

Little People Child Program – opened early childhood program specializing in teaching parenting skills

Mentor Coach Training – ICF accredited program. Completed foundations training and led accredited workshops at national convention.

ICF Member – member of International Coaching Federation

Family Business Consultant - certificate program at Family Firm Institute, Boston.

Positive Psychology Leadership Training – intensive coursework, and personal review with the Harvard professor who taught the most popular course at Harvard.

Lecturer for Leadership Workshops – based on a collaboration with the Harvard professor, I taught Leadership workshops at pre-Army training programs in Israel, and at one day business workshops.

Vice-President - Imperial – Held an Executive position in third-generation clothing company that designed branded men's accessories to national U.S. retail chains.
Responsibilities included :  Expanding product line through new designer brand partnerships; overseas product development and production; supply chain efficiency; and Strategic Planning.

Managing Partner – Quick Quality Foods - Managing partner with large New York food service and real estate company in project to establish multiple food service branches in Israel. 
Responsibilities included:  Creating new marketing and branding concepts; Design and develop construction of store outlets; Create and manage policies for customer service,  cleanliness and quality control; and Manage daily cash flow and bank guarantees and loans.

President – Ein Gedi Cosmetics - Created a start up consumer goods company which launched new spa bath and body products in US national chain stores ? Rite Aid & JC Penney.
Responsibilities included :  New product merchandising and development; Strategic marketing; Supply chain management; Operational supervision: and Finances.