Reflect, Explore, Focus.
Case Studies and Testimonials
Client A was offered coaching as part of a development programme being implemented for the senior leadership team (SLT). A teacher for 14 years and member of the SLT for 5 she knew her role inside out and was feeling ‘fine’ about work. She came with an open mind but wondered what coaching could offer her.
Completing a pre-coaching questionnaire gave her a framework to reflect on her personal and professional life and in the first session we developed this work to consciously connect her with her here and now.
Although preforming well at work, she realised she had been muddling through on autopilot. By ignoring her needs and aspirations she was limiting herself and feigning contentment, drifting rather than developing in her role. We uncovered what she wanted and what was standing in her way, working with confidence and self-value so she could regain an active and intentional approach to work. Working with her values and beliefs reframed how she viewed herself and unlocked a renewed sense of ownership of the school wide impact she had and wanted to make.
"I had not considered coaching but the shift to the way I now view myself and my ability to organise my work and have impact has been invaluable. The thinking Kathy guides you through and the activities we did were eye opening. Kathy provided an environment where I felt at ease immediately."
Client B sought out coaching at a transition point in her career. She had been appointed head of a bigger school and was eager to make a start. Despite feeling confident about her knowledge and experience and aware of her determination and bullet proof plan, she couldn’t shake feeling unsettled and overwhelmed.
Setting her plan aside we considered what was going on, checking in with her values, beliefs, and emotional experience to gain a 360 understanding.
She recognised she had been ignoring and willing to sacrifice her own needs in a bid to ensure success for the school. As a result, she decided:
1. Giving 100% to the school and to her family left no time for herself and this was having an impact on what she was actually able to give
2. Aiming to please everyone overloaded her which was affecting her decision making and confidence
3. By ignoring her own needs she had unconsciously set an unrealistic expectation to seamlessly transition to a new role and school
4. Flex in the plan did not indicate failure. There was room for manoeuvre and this was often at greater benefit to the school.
"If I hadn't found Kath I think I'd still be spinning on a lonely loop of indecision and worry. Doing the deeper thinking helped me to rebalance and add myself back into the mix which has enabled me to take on my new role and enjoy, rather than endure, the process."