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Coaching is defined by the international Coaching Federation (ICF) as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential".
The coaching process will help you uncover limiting beliefs, cognitive biases, blind spots, judgements, and inflexible perspectives which keep you stuck in conflict and can hold you back from reaching your true potential. Coaching will help you rely on your experience, knowledge, skills, and initiative to find your own solutions and produce the results you want.
Clients seek conflict coaching for assistance with a variety of situations such as:
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An anticipated or existing interpersonal conflict at the home or workplace
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Individuals or teams experiencing incivility or harassment in the workplace
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Managing the outcome of a high conflict workplace dispute
- Dealing with an abrasive leader who is rubbing people the wrong way
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Preparing for a difficult conversation with a colleague, manager, team member, or life partner
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Preparing for an upcoming mediation session
Conflict Coaching
As a professional coach, I work with individuals in-person and online to support and enhance their ability to engage in, manage, or productively resolve conflict in their personal and professional lives. Conflict can be an internal private struggle or it may escalate to a dispute which is known to others. Workplace conflicts can also affect relationships at home, and I help clients address all sources and impacts for a more effective and sustainable outcome. My coaching also extends to a variety of topics as they arise such as leadership, performance, career change/progression, well-being, and family/life matters.
Coaching Abrasive Leaders
Abrasive leaders are often unaware of the full impact of their conduct, and subordinates tend to keep their concerns quiet for fear of an adverse reaction. These leaders tend to rub their coworkers / staff the wrong way. They have often been described as disrespectful, condescending, belittling, intimidating, and/or micromanaging. Their interpersonal behavior causes emotional distress that can damage work relationships to the point of disrupting organizational functioning.
Many organizations do not take appropriate action when they receive complaints because they feel they do not have enough evidence to proceed or they believe it's just a personality conflict or a leadership 'style'. Sometimes the problem is attributed to 'difficult employees'. Often times the abrasive leader is a high performer who has a lot of technical knowledge/ability, and the company does not want to lose them. However, the effects of such inaction are attrition, chronic distress, low productivity, low morale, a perception of weak senior leadership for condoning the behavior, and/or a new cultural norm for what is considered acceptable behavior.
If a manager is perceived by others to be abrasive and they report to you, I can advise you on steps you can take to address the unacceptable behavior. I use my specialized training to help abrasive bosses change the negative perceptions of others so they can be a more effective leader. If the client is willing and motivated, the process will result in a demonstrable behavior change by the third coaching session.
When is Coaching Appropriate?
Coaching is appropriate when you are prepared to openly discuss and reflect upon thought provoking questions and work diligently towards the outcome you desire. Once you have sufficient clarity and insight about your situation, we will work together to develop an action plan. As your thought partner, I will encourage and challenge you to take the necessary steps and remain committed towards the goals and actions you have identified.
Coaching can help you solve an immediate short term problem or assist with longer term strategic priorities or values-based needs and goals. Some personal development goals may involve improving communication or management skills, or increasing confidence, resilience, stress-tolerance, impulse control, self-regard, self-awareness, independence, assertiveness, competence, focus, decision making ability and strategic thinking.
How is Coaching Different From Counselling?
Counselling/therapy focuses more on helping clients manage or resolve deep seated emotional and/or mental health concerns with more discussion about past events as far back as childhood. This type of service is often provided by a Registered Psychologist or Social Worker.
Coaching is more future focused, and the client sets the agenda for what needs to be discussed in each session.
Interview Coaching
In this type of coaching, I bring my 16 years of recruitment and selection experience to help you gain more confidence, insight, and communication skills so you can perform better in your job interview.
You will discover your blind spots and improve your verbal and non-verbal performance with mock interview sessions and receive immediate feedback. You will become more comfortable talking about yourself so you can confidently articulate your success stories to show your value and suitability for the position. You will learn tips and strategies for responding to behavioral and situational questions and how to "sell" yourself as a definite asset to the organization. Assistance with resume preparation is also available.
Success in your interview will ultimately depend on how prepared you are for it. That makes interview coaching a very valuable investment in your future. You are worth it!
How long are coaching sessions?
Sessions are typically 1 hour but can be shorter or longer depending on your schedule and the complexity of the topic. However, the session would not exceed 1.5 hours. Coaching sessions can be purchased individually or as a package of 5 or more.