Coaching Case Study: A Room to Fill the Gap in Confidence

Coaching Case Study By Jimena Durán 
(Life Coach, UNITED STATES)

1. Who are the main players in this case study

Mary – a Senior Executive at an NGO.

2. What is the core problem or challenge you applied your coaching skills to?

After 13 years with the organization, Mary was no longer feeling satisfaction or happiness (and she had been feeling this way for quite some time). The company’s culture had shifted for the worse, and her energy levels were extremely low when thinking about staying. However, even though her role was no longer exciting or challenging, it was a safe space for Mary. She was afraid of failing, afraid to make the wrong decision and possibly find herself in a lower position. She was very indecisive when talking about this option and she even said, “I can’t think straight when trying to figure out this.”She still hasn’t been able to solve this situation. There are too many thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and possibilities going through her mind.

2. What specific coaching skills or approach did you use in this case?

3. Explain your process in detail

I initially focused on digging deeper into Mary’s feelings to under what was stopping her. I could see that Mary was adding a lot of weight to the situation, and her lack of confidence was playing an interesting role. My approach was to give her room to reflect on all the learnings and growth that she had experienced since she joined her company 13 years ago. Then we spent time reflecting on all the tools that helped her gain her current role. This exercise helped Mary realize that she had stock on her previous success and thereby on her future success as well.

My role was mainly to listen to Mary and give her room to fill the gap in confidence. Through this session Mary gained a greater level of awareness around the skills and tools that she already has.

4. What were the results of your process? Was your coaching/program effective? Why? Why not?

Mary was happy with the results of this session.I believe my coaching was effective in the sense that it helped her to move to a place of self-confidence.She ultimately realized that she already has many tools and strategies in place to support her decision. She felt positive and convinced,which will lead her to establish an action plan to find the job she really wants.

5. If you could approach this problem again, what would you do differently?

I didn’t invite her to create an accountability plan. I think my process would have been more solid and stronger if I had done so.

6. What are the top 3 things you learnt from this experience?