MY CHALLENGE

“Kate is a warm, understanding and supportive coach. She treats you as an equal. What I enjoyed most is she let me find out things by myself. This self-exploratory style of coaching really worked for me. ”

Arjan is a Head of HR in the energy sector. During the first year after joining the business, he began to realise the role demanded more of him than he was able to give. He had a conversation with his CEO about his ability to deliver what the business needed.

Arjan already knew Kate from a brief time working together. When he saw one of her LinkedIn posts talking about the strengths of someone with ADHD, he recognised some in himself. This made up his mind to try executive coaching with Kate.

THE COACHING

Arjan and Kate began with an exploratory conversation to discuss Arjan’s challenges at work. Kate confirmed he was displaying some tendencies of someone with an ADHD diagnosis.

Their first formal coaching session included Kate, Arjan and his CEO. Together they established some goals and outcomes. Arjan completed a StrengthScope and Neurodiversity assessment and the results came as no surprise. In subsequent sessions they discussed Arjan’s strengths, and explored the tools and solutions that might help him manage his challenges.

They talked in detail about how Arjan might organise his working week based on his energy levels, and also what tools he could use to align his working relationship with his line manager. Their styles were complete opposites (facts and lists versus creativity and brainstorming) and they needed to find a more effective way of working together.

By the end of their six coaching sessions together, Arjan came to the conclusion that his current role demanded more of him than he could give. With the support of his CEO, he has divided his responsibilities between himself and a new colleague who will take on the process, project, policy and compliance aspects of the role.

Arjan has become Head of Talent Development, a role which allows him to focus on his strengths and passion for developing people, employee wellbeing and managing people performance. He is able to deliver to his strengths and clear on his limitations, as are senior business leaders. All parties and the organisation are benefiting as a result.

WHAT THE CLIENT SAYS…

Kate is a warm, understanding and supportive coach. She treats you as an equal. Her personal experience in an executive role is really helpful. It’s reassuring to know you’re speaking to someone who has similar experience and practical advice to share. What I enjoyed most is she let me find out things by myself. This self-exploratory style of coaching really worked for me.

Through coaching, I began to realise and understand how I was compensating in life and work and we discussed ways I could manage this. I’ve done my best to find ways to work with my tendencies, not fight against them.

I had several a-ha moments during our conversations. The biggest was finding tools to make meetings with my line manager more successful. Kate showed me the hooks and tools I could use to adapt to reach a more positive outcome. Our meetings are now more successful, and I am more able to deliver and meet the expectations of the Board.

Thanks to Kate, I am clear and honest about my strengths and limitations and don’t try to push myself in a direction that doesn’t fit – and I am much happier as a result. I feel positive about the future and the potential to work together with my new colleague to improve the HR function.