Reshaping A Leadership Approach
The Leadership Coaches were approached by an organisation seeking coaching for one of their employees, Ash*. Ash was a leader within the company and it was recommended that they undertake coaching to help enhance their work life.
As leaders, we often encounter challenges in the workplace that leave us feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. These challenges can stem from a rapidly changing environment or conflicts with ourselves and our colleagues. This is where we knew coaching could offer real benefits.
Matching the Coach
Every coaching session is unique. Until we’ve established the overall business objectives and the challenges that the executive is facing, we can’t build the right coaching programme. So the first step we always take is to find out what the requirements are.
We established that Ash felt unheard, faced recurring issues, and believed that the organisation didn’t value professional expertise. Understanding this, we then worked to find the right coach that could offer, not just professional expertise, but also real life awareness. Our coaches have walked in the shoes of leaders, and this first hand experience is vital.
We paired Ash with executive coach Simone.
Coaching Journey
When Ash began the coaching journey, they felt frazzled and conflicted, particularly torn between their personal values and those of the organisation. They also wanted to find calm at work and build confidence in giving and receiving feedback.
During their coaching journey, Ash began to experience breakthroughs. With Simone's guidance, Ash became more self-aware and identified their preferred way of receiving feedback. Understanding that everyone has different preferences, Ash began asking their team and colleagues how they liked to receive feedback, fostering effective communication and mutual understanding.
As Ash progressed, they recognised a need for change. Based on feedback and their own goals, Ash initiated efforts to streamline processes and prioritise tasks more effectively. This ensured efficient resource allocation for both them and their team, driving productivity and growth.
Results
With Simone's guidance, Ash embarked on a coaching journey that completely reshaped how they led.
One of the most notable transformations for Ash was their newfound confidence in stepping outside of their comfort zone. Encouraged by their coaching journey, they embraced challenges with a sense of purpose, recognising that growth often occurs beyond familiarity.
Despite the hurdles, armed with self-awareness and a commitment to continuous improvement, Ash navigated the complexities of leadership with grace and determination.
One of the biggest game-changers for Ash was finding the courage to explore new paths and embrace innovative ideas. Coaching gave them the push they needed to step out of their comfort zone and try out fresh approaches with confidence.
When it came to conflict, Ash felt more confident towards the end of their coaching journey. They learned how to navigate tricky situations, both within themselves and among their team members. Through reflective exercises and personalised guidance, they worked on their communication skills, fostering a more harmonious work environment.
But that’s not all.
Ash also shared that they had come to accept that not everything is within their control. Through coaching, they had realised that instead of focusing on what they couldn’t control, they would put their efforts where they could make the most difference at work.
Working with Simone also helped Ash understand their values, priorities, and what truly motivated them more. Through introspection and open dialogue, they aligned their actions with their core beliefs, guiding their leadership approach with purpose.
Although Ash had identified their preference for receiving feedback earlier in their coaching journey, the end of coaching saw them being much more proactive. They actively asked for feedback, using this to help them develop as a leader and understand areas for improvement.
As time went on, Ash used their new knowledge and skills outside of their coaching sessions. They began to feel a boost in their confidence, and they felt a deeper understanding of themselves and their surroundings. Not only did this help Ash navigate the common challenges of leadership, but it supported them in development their resilience too.
Coaching Programme
Ash’s experience with coaching was based off our coaching with a sponsor programme, meaning it also included their sponsor, Megan*. In addition to having one-to-one coaching sessions with Simone, Ash also had three triad meetings with Megan and Simone.
Triad meetings offer a valuable chance for the coach, sponsor, and coachee to review the changes resulting from the coaching process. They also provide a platform for the sponsor to give feedback to both the coach and the coaches.
During the coaching programme, Megan shared her observations. She acknowledged Ash’s improved resilience, creativity, and perseverance. Since beginning coaching, Megan also noticed that Ash was more inclined to delegate tasks and rely on their team when needed. Furthermore, Megan believed Ash was making a deliberate effort to connect with colleagues in new ways.
*Ash and Megan: names have been changed for confidentiality purposes.
