I discovered coaching about ten years ago after my wife (who works in H.R.) started using Executive Coaches for their Team of Directors. Sharon had worked with one of the Directors at my wife’s company, so when I said I was looking for a new Coach, my wife suggested I book a consultation. Sharon is by far one of the best Executive Coaches I have engaged so far in my career. Working in sales is a constant pressure, and one mistake could severely impact your quarterly revenue. Because of the pressure of sales targets, I found it challenging to effectively coach my Team because it always seemed to end up with me telling them what to do. I had done Executive Coaching previously, so I knew what to do, but I always reverted to the same behaviour. Through coaching with Sharon, I realised I had become so focused on results that I had neglected to understand the person behind the job. I was creating solutions for them or leading them to the solutions I wanted rather than letting them figure things out for themselves. I had believed I was doing this to save time, but I was wasting more time by having the same conversations week after week. I realised that by making them accountable and challenging them positively to come up with solutions (and, most importantly, being consistent with it), they started to feel empowered, and it showed in the quality of their work. I realised I had treated them like children rather than grown adults who wanted to progress in their careers. The new approach made a huge difference to how the team perceived itself and how I felt as a leader. It was definitely a milestone for me as a leader and I am grateful to have made the shift.
I’ve been working with Sharon for two years now and find her to be warm and engaging, and she always brings positive energy to our sessions, which I value. Her questions constantly (and positively!) challenge me and lead me to solutions and aha moments, which translate to tangible improvements.