The Situation:
Jack was a successful Logistics Manager, yet didn’t seem to command the respect he felt he deserved. He recognised his peers were losing respect for his opinions and felt awash with uncertainty and unease. He knew he had to do something, his manager had given him an appraisal which clearly stated, change your ways or go elsewhere.

The Coaching:
Jack engaged in coaching sessions over a period of 3 months. He recognised some unhelpful interpersonal habits for example, talking too quick and ‘bumbling along without structure’, interrupting continuously and apologising for everything. We focussed on developing Jack’s levels of influence. Through coaching and practising in a safe environment, he perfected his style. He experienced an instant difference in the response of other people. People listened to him, and he listened well to others. He began to demand the respect he wanted and was recognised for his increased level of performance.

What does he say?
"Coaching has made me far more confident. It has put me in a position where I know I can do my job and I am inspired to carry on and deal with the harder times. My department has performed beyond my expectations and I know that I am performing a great deal better at my Senior Management Level with my peers and my team. I know I can do it!"
March 2008

The Situation
Sarah was committed to her job and enjoyed working with her colleagues, yet she often felt overwhelmed and angry. This feeling manifested itself through curt behaviour and this grew into a constant sense of guilt. Sarah felt that the only way to solve the problem was to leave the job, but this saddened her even more.

The Coaching
The coaching sessions lasted on and off over a six month period. We explored why Sarah felt so angry and overwhelmed and uncovered that she lacked skills in saying what she wanted. Sarah was so busy being ‘nice’ to everyone that she neglected her own needs. We worked on and practised developing her assertive skills. Over time Sarah, was able to calmly and ‘nicely’ state what she thought, people responded well and Sarah felt more in control. She stayed in the job!

What does she say?
"Before coaching I could not see that it was my response to situations which made them feel so huge. I have learnt to slow my response and to think what I want to say more thoroughly before I speak. This coaching has quite simply changed my life. I feel more in control, I feel comfortable expressing my opinion, and I feel like I belong here."

The Situation
John was a long standing figure within his company. He had worked there for 26 years and enjoyed a reputation of being the most knowledgeable. John though reacted negatively to imperfect situations, of which there were many. He reacted with anger, with inappropriate comments and would become stubborn. This side of John seriously damaged his otherwise excellent reputation. John was given one more chance after a second disciplinary hearing, this chance was through coaching.

The Coaching
Through exploring each situation, John recognised that his reaction was through an adverse reaction to pressure. He got stressed, and showed this through pretending he couldn’t care less. He was also highly disorganised, a habit which had developed over the years. We worked on handling pressure, breaking it down and manging each part. He identified himself as a ‘perfectionist’ and could see the problems this can bring. We worked on time management, and devised a method which enabled John to identify his priorities. He visibly became calmer and regained a sense of control.

What does he say?
“I wasn’t too sure about this coaching lark, but I was in no position to argue. After the first session, I actually began to see things differently. Admitting to my unhelpful habits was easier than I thought, and giving new ways a go, actually became quite fun. Coaching is no quick fix, although it is really good to get things off your chest, I have had to really work hard and changing how I work with people. The benefits now out weigh the work. Claire was extremely supportive, and gave me the confidence to give things a go.”

...What does his boss say?
"I have noticed a change in John and it is good to see.
There are occasions where he reverts to a somewhat aggressive approach, but I do attribute that to the job pressure, and this is only occasionally. Thanks very much for your work and support of John, it is doing him the world of good."