I’ve recently finished coaching two totally delightful third sector leaders. Liz is Head of Policy and Advocacy at Traidcraft. Claire is Head of Brand and Creative at Diabetes UK. Both are sparky, dynamic, thoughtful women who have responded to coaching with real commitment and energy. Both say it has changed their life.
I will miss my regular check-ins with each of them.
Their journeys have, of course, been different, but there are a few things they have both appreciated about their experience of coaching.
Neutral space
Claire and Liz say how much they valued the neutral space that coaching provides. It allowed reflection on themselves and their work which would be hard to find otherwise. Getting out of the office environment and taking a step away from the day-to-day challenges was really helpful, they say. It shone a new light on what was going on, helping them to see things differently and to return to work refreshed and re-motivated.
I witness this over and over again with my coaching clients and am honoured to be able to provide what I think is actually quite rare: a non-judgmental space for leaders in the sector.
Accountability
Both clients also appreciated the accountability of having a coach. Knowing they would be having a session every month or two weeks kept them moving along with plans which otherwise might have fallen by the wayside. Of course, there were ups and downs and times when things didn’t go quite according to plan, but these regular check-ins were hugely motivating. Again, I hear this a lot from my clients.
Know yourself
And thirdly, Claire and Liz feel that they know themselves so much better now. Through our conversations and exercises they were able to pinpoint the unique set of ‘signature strengths’ which only they could bring to the world. They uncovered their ‘core values’ (non-tangible beliefs running through each of us which, when honoured, make us happy and fulfilled) and identified their preferred ways of working. Such self-knowledge is hugely valuable and a strong defence against self-doubt, unhelpful comparison and the inevitable setbacks which creep in occasionally.
“I have come out of coaching knowing myself better and feeling more happy, confident and ready to take on new challenges.” – Liz May
I know I’m just a little bit biased, but I am so incredibly proud of what both these talented women have achieved – and I know they are too.
Over to you
Could you benefit from a neutral space to share your challenges? Is accountability the missing piece that’s holding you back? Perhaps it might be helpful to sit down and think about your own signature strengths and core beliefs? Take a moment to reflect on what you might need to move you towards your vision for yourself and your organisation in 2019. I’d love to hear what you come up with so please do share in the comments below.
What next?
If you’d like to explore the possibility of coaching with me, call 0208 772 7808 or 07958 501 427 or drop me an email at Katie@be-the-change.org.uk. We can have a no-obligation phone chat to see how I can help you take those important next steps. I’ve still got room for a few pre-Christmas conversations.