What LifeTree can do for the Individual
Case background
Sandra works in the public sector. She is a very experienced and respected manager. She had been seconded into a project role. Even though she was confident and competent in her own discipline, she was concerned that this new role was slightly beyond her competence and ability.
Her manager, George, had been recently promoted and had little time to give her support. Sandra had a number of key business projects to deliver.
This created a number of issues and opportunities. Firstly, there was a key skills gap to address, along with developing confidence in a new field. Delivery was critical and time was of the essence. There was no suitable ‘off the shelf’ course that could address all of the learning needs. This meant that learning had to be ‘on the job’.
Issue, Challenge, or Opportunity
This scenario was ideal for a coaching approach. Given the ‘technical’ needs, it also needed some mentoring input, so the coach chosen to work with Sandra had relevant experience to give some input augmenting the LifeTree sound coaching approach. The LifeTree coach met with Sandra and her line manager to establish needs and outcomes. LifeTree then carried out a focused six month coaching contract with the client.
AREAS OF FOCUS WERE:
- Audit of strengths and development areas – focus: project delivery and personal learning for career development within the organisation.
- Project management skills
- Leadership
- Understanding self and others
- Strategic Thinking
- Influencing: how to influence staff not under Sandra’s direct control. How to influence peers and more senior staff to achieve project objectives.
Outcome of engaging LifeTree:
SOME OF THE OUTCOMES WERE:
- Delivery, projects achieved successfully
- Manager improved skills in process of delivery
- Manager developed key leadership competencies (in line with organisational development processes), enhancing delivery and also developed ‘soft’ skills for ongoing improved delivery in current and potential future role.
- Sandra supported during process of delivery and learning
- Sandra’s manager free to focus on other key organisational priorities.
Since completing the project role, Sandra now has a different role in the organisation where she is able to use her developed influencing skills.
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