In a new role, I faced a disoriented and disgruntled operations team, extensive service delivery issues, and a newly formed but not yet cohesive management team whose roles were about to change significantly. Lack of trust, dysfunction, and fatigue were high at every level. Working more hours wasn’t the answer. Accepting I needed expert help was tough but was the right answer.
Beth was recommended as an expert in organizational and executive coaching/consultancy. Previous experience and disappointments with consultants did not prepare me for the frank and effective approach that Beth took in our initial discussions. The conversation was instantly safe and confidential, her questions compelling not judgmental. She went beyond the obvious and gave me the space and structure and push to articulate the underlying issues and more importantly to be specific in defining the outcome I wanted and needed to achieve. The outcome required a shift in my style of management and a shift in the management team dynamics.
First up was management team building, which started out with the MBTI as a vehicle to establish a shared vocabulary and begin to explore differences. The team refused to participate! Beth effortlessly listened to and explored the team’s resistance with them and they responded by agreeing to participate but not share results. Within an hour they were discussing their results and began to appreciate the different management styles and strengths within the team. Following that day, team members readily agreed to one-2-one coaching with Beth.
Once the team dynamics became effective, I renegotiated Beth’s contract to working with me as my executive coach. Through our work together, I became increasingly aware of my strengths, my potential and my personal blocks. Beth’s laser focus and support allowed me to step up and into the success I wanted to achieve.
I would recommend Beth in a heartbeat.