Life coaching

Jacky Rodwell

The situation

Jacky Rodwell is Managing Director of Central Learning Solutions. She received life coaching from Heather Waring of Waring Well.

The process

Most of the contact between Jacky and Heather was on the telephone. Jacky was given the opportunity to discuss changes in her situation and/or thinking. Her coach set tasks for her to complete between sessions; the tasks usually focused on getting Jacky to explore her thoughts on a subject and what she might see as solutions or other insights. These were then discussed during the next telephone conversation.

Positive aspects of this approach

For Jacky, it was beneficial to have someone who was distanced from her and her situation to talk to and who could offer her thought-provoking questions and suggestions. She was amazed that by having this relationship, she was able to see answers to her issues “ she describes it as ˜someone [turning] the light on .

Although only halfway through the coaching programme at the time of writing the case study, Jacky could already see that she had most of the answers she needed, she just needed to learn how to search for them within. It is this that Heather helped her with.

Difficulties with this approach

The biggest challenge for Jacky was dealing with her own negative feelings and dealing with past hurts that inform her behaviour now.

Top tips for coachees

Be as open and honest as you can with your coach.

Advice for the coach

• Listen.

• Listen again.

• Ask questions.

• Do not offer solutions.

Overall thoughts

Coaching is an important, valuable process that can assist most people and most situations.