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Richard's Story
My Situation (before coaching)
I was a Partner and the Head of Business Education for a business and management development company, when I began coaching and mentoring. I was enjoying a successful career but felt the twin pressures of an increased workload and family responsibilities.
The Challenges I Faced (at that time)
I felt very driven by the need to meet client expectations - to always say “Yes”. This meant that I had little time for myself, for my wife or for holidays. With the best of intentions, these were sometimes the last priorities I got around to. I did not think this was sustainable.
Why or How Did You Think Coaching Would Help You?
I approached Francis with the goal to balance the competing demands of work and family. I wanted to be able to enjoy both! I expected coaching to help me develop my time management skills.
What Actually Happened and How Did This Help?
What followed was a series of short, challenging meetings with Francis. It gave me time to think and reflect on what I was doing. He proved to be a past master at helping me understand my reactions to certain situations and people. He also helped me articulate my real hopes and aspirations.
The focus throughout has been on how to turn this understanding of myself into strategies to increase my personal effectiveness.
What Were the Results? (for you and for your organisation)
What did I discover? I have a reluctance to risk causing conflict and a fear of confronting strong-minded individuals, especially when I see them as more senior to me. In short, so much more than a ‘time management’ issue!
Francis’ coaching has already increased my confidence in dealing with Board-level clients and my effectiveness at work – something that has been recognised by both my wife and my colleagues. What does this mean in concrete terms…?- I now have regular, successful business dealings with senior clients, including the Chairmen and Chief Executives of Public Limited Companies (PLC);
- I no longer need my business partner to support me in these meetings;
- We are winning larger, more profitable business contracts; and
- I am dealing with an increased workload, whilst working about 10 hours less per week.
How Are You Taking This Forward?
I have worked through these issues to establish personal goals for each area of my life. Then, turn these goals into strategies and actions that implement the approaches that work for me.
What Was Francis Like to Work With?
Francis has helped me to understand what I want from a situation and work this through with others. He is willing to challenge but mostly encourages me to reflect on my reactions and develop my own answers. Our sessions are disciplined and focused but also friendly, relaxed and fun!
What Happened Next?
Copyright 2009 Francis Christie © |
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