As Managing Director, Adam directs a team four. A new team, in a global corporation. He reached out for help in engaging the team in their personal development, improving communication, and facilitating the team to work together more effectively and supportively. I have been working with Adam on a 121 basis, and the team, for 12 months now - both in-person and online. Here is their coaching story…
Coaching is definitely a long term thing for us. Personal development is very important for our organisation, it drives it. Once the managers engage with the personal development concept, we can cascade it down through the corporation, and our business will see more continuous improvements.
What led you to take your team, and yourself, down a coaching route?
The last couple of years with Covid and Brexit was not a good environment for team and management development. Lots of big changes, coupled with working from home. It was quite a tough time for the company. I wanted to put something in place to help our team come together.
What were your expectations of coaching?
I wanted to get help from someone who understood relationships and people but not from a HR point of view. We needed support on the interactions, on how we did rather than what we did.
Why Gemma?
Gemma came across as someone who could help me with the team in developing emotional and interpersonal relationships to build stronger communication and listening skills. I could easily find someone who could implement models and methods, but I needed someone who could understand the nuances of what makes a good team from a personality and interpersonal skills point of view.
What were /are the objectives of working together?
We are still working on that path now. The key thing is for people to understand that, as a team, how you interact impacts other people’s performance and behaviours. Quite often I notice people in business have silo mentalities. I want to try to bring to the forefront that we are one team and how we react, how we integrate, and our relationships with each other, is important. We have four very different people in the management team. Working with Gemma has been so valuable in developing my own awareness.
How do you work together? Online? In-person?
Mainly in person, and some online communication in-between sessions. To start off with we needed to give Gemma time to understand the team and the dynamics behind them. We have had one to one conversations, group sessions, and she has had full access to the team throughout.
What do your sessions involve?
Our one to ones and group sessions include some reflection, discussions around engagement and personal development, and a focus on how we go forward. In-between sessions Gemma provides exercises, prompts and activities for us to do, which is very useful.
Reflecting on your coaching journey so far, what difference has it made to you and the team?
With the help of Gemma I have developed my reflective approach to leadership. Developing more understanding of the team’s capabilities and relaxing into the knowledge that it may be a slower process. I have adjusted my leadership style now that I have a better understanding of the team. I have realised I have to be open and share more of the vision of the business, the strategy, and slow down on pace.
For the team, I am seeing better interaction and appreciation of each other’s roles. They’re moving out of a silo mentality and they are starting to think as team when appropriate. We’re taking small steps forward with incremental improvements which often are not recognised, then you get that big bang when it all comes together. These things take time, and when you’re on the journey the changes are so subtle you don’t see them.
What is Gemma like as a coach?
Gemma is calm, patient, a strong listener, highly observant of people, and very experienced. She is good to work with.
Is coaching a long term thing for you?
Coaching is definitely a long term thing for us. Personal development is very important for our organisation, it drives it. Once the managers engage with the personal development concept, we can cascade it down through the corporation, and our business will see more continuous improvements.
Would you recommend coaching with Gemma to others?
I would, yes. I think too much focus in training is on hard skills. One of the things we miss is how we interact with each other and work together and influence each other. Gemma has the skills to do that. Not many coaches do.
Has Adam's story resonated or inspired you to find out more about coaching? If so, I'd love to talk further. You can book a call with me, here to discuss your needs or the needs of your team.
Or you can read more client stories, here.
Gemma Brown is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited with the International Coach Federation (ICF). She works with individuals and teams thrive by helping them to elevate their authenticity, purpose and direction. Her belief is that when we confidently bring our whole selves to all areas of life, anything is possible. Transitions exist in both our personal and business life, and so often, the two fiercely overlap. Coaching with Gemma focuses on you as a whole, enabling you to identify your strengths, build confidence and to live a life with increased purpose and direction. Gemma works face to face with clients in the Cambridge area as well as via Zoom. For more about Gemma, visit her 'About' page or contact her directly.