BACKGROUND
SGS & Co is a global print, packaging, and design company – the brand behind some of the most iconic household brands you might see and use every day, from pharmaceuticals to food, retail, and beverages.
THE BRIEF
In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarah Hughes, Senior VP of HR contacted us to discuss some of the challenges UK managers and their teams were facing. Since the pandemic struck, there had been no face-to-face training and all learning had moved online for managers.
Leaders were finding it challenging to manage teams in the new world of remote working and wanted to build confidence in their own leaderships skills as well as explore their own personal impact and other aspects of their personal development, whilst engaging and motivating their teams.
The client asked us to provide a safe space for people to explore all aspects of their learning journey in a confidential and comfortable environment. Through external coaching they wanted to equip their people to be the best they could possibly be.
“Kate is a true
expert in her field who gets things done. She’s had a
huge impact on
our people and
our UK business.”
Our solution
We took an initial group of three UK managers and established a formal coaching contract between Next Step HR, the individual coachee and their manager.
Our first step was a chemistry test to check that coach and client were a good match. The test also helped Kate, the coach, to learn more about their personality and preferences so she could structure the sessions in a way that would benefit each individual. Kate discussed the desired outcomes with the individual and with Sarah and their direct manager, which formed the basis of the planned return on investment.
From here, Kate created bespoke coaching solutions to meet the specific needs of each coachee. Every individual benefited from between 3-6 online coaching sessions with a midway review and a feedback session with Sarah and their manager. These reviews generated further actions and feedback that would inform future conversations.
OUTCOMES
The company began to see some initial changes in the behaviours and leadership performance of those being coached. Outcomes included growth in confidence and leadership ability, improved planning and organisational skills, and increased awareness and understanding of self-care. Coachees said they felt better equipped and more focused on doing the right things. They all gave great feedback on how the coaching sessions had responded to their individual needs and helped them to focus and reflect. As a result, employee communications and engagement both improved.
Colleagues commented on how some managers’ style of leadership has changed for the better. Our sessions transformed perceptions of one manager and helped them to make huge strides towards improving their relationships with colleagues.
Since these initial coaching relationships, we have worked with a further four managers and have started coaching another two. The client also asked us to run some remote team development activities on their behalf.
“With her background in HR and skills as a professional coach, Kate was the ideal external coach for our team. She has been there as a manager and understands the wider impact coaching can have from a people, organisational and strategic perspective.
Kate is a multi-skilled, inclusive coach with great ideas and a range of business tools and techniques at her disposal. With her thorough approach she’s able to get right to the heart of the issue. She uses her strategic experience to set specific coaching deliverables and generates clear return on investment. Kate is very good at articulating outcomes and keeps everyone on track to achieve them. A true expert in her field who gets things done. She’s had a huge impact on our people and our UK business.”
Sarah Hughes, Senior Vice President | Human Resources | UK, Europe & International
MANAGER FEEDBACK
“X has definitely demonstrated a change in her approach. Coaching has given her more confidence and she is more proactive.”
“I have spoken to Y this afternoon – she is like another person! So pleased it is making a difference to her. Definitely seen an improvement in her confidence and personal impact on calls and in meetings.”
