*Name changed to protect identity
MY CHALLENGE
“The personal and professional results Kate has helped me achieve after just six sessions are truly impressive. The difference is night and day.”
Steven is an employee relations manager in the construction and engineering sector. While he has no formal diagnosis, he recognises neurodivergent traits in himself and has found it difficult to understand and regulate his emotions since childhood.
In the workplace he found some interpersonal situations, such as navigating challenging conversations, difficult. This was backed up by a round of 360 colleague feedback. Steven decided to discuss his challenges with his line manager. As a result, his manager suggested it might be helpful to speak to Kate with a view to developing through coaching.
THE COACHING
Following a conversation to figure out whether they were a good fit, Kate and Steven began working together in a targeted approach. They started by setting coaching goals aligned to both business need and Steven’s personal expectations. They also talked around how to build on the 360 feedback he had already received.
Their six online coaching sessions were based around colleague feedback and the results of a StrengthScope and Neurodiversity assessment which Steven took on day one. Some of the findings came as a surprise, highlighting areas of development he wasn’t previously aware of. After reflecting on this new information and being open to learning about himself, Steven decided to pay attention to these new development areas as well as those he had intended to work on.
Over the course of the coaching sessions, Steven explored various tools and techniques he would go on to use to help him manage different situations. During this time, he received positive feedback on his handling of a sensitive change management project from a Regional Director. Steven’s line manager and their line manager were invited to the final coaching session to provide constructive feedback and establish whether their shared goals had been achieved. Feedback from all parties was positive.
WHAT THE CLIENT SAYS…
I really like Kate’s holistic approach to coaching. Her style is relaxed, flexible and empowering with a nice balance of structure and freedom. Psychological safety is very important in a coaching relationship. Kate puts you at ease and is a great listener and communicator. You can be yourself and talk freely with her. The personal and professional results she’s helped me achieve after just six sessions are truly impressive. The difference is night and day.
At work I used to struggle with acknowledging other people’s feelings and expressing empathy. Since working with Kate I have become a better listener, learnt to see things from others’ perspective, and I understand myself better. At the start I was not in touch with my empathetic or sympathetic self. I now have the tools to put myself in someone else’s shoes, understand their feelings, and listen to their point of view. I am more mindful of personalities and priorities, and able to tailor my communication style to different situations.
Kate tracked my progress closely. We started each session by reviewing how things had gone. I have received really positive feedback from colleagues at different levels and I’m pleased with what I’ve accomplished, but I will always be a work in progress. I’ve loved learning about the psychology behind coaching and I’m intrigued to learn more.
Working with Kate has made a huge difference to my work and personal life. I’m still learning every day and intend to build on the tools and understanding she has given me.
