Month: July 2019
Annalisa Tombelli on Better Conversations Every Day
Of any class I’ve taken at Notre Dame, this is in the top two most challenging, easiest to implement immediately, and valuable for almost everyone I interact with in my life, and myself included.
Particularly in the powerful questions area, I’ve seen positive changes and differences in myself, my friendship, and my family. My building blocks are to the right of my keyboard.
Thank you for organizing such a life-changing session.
Annalisa Tombelli
Mendoza College of Business
Paula Meadows on attending Coaching for Greater Effectiveness
Hello,
My name is Paula Meadows and I was blessed to attend the Coaching for Greater Effectiveness! I have worked with Notre Dame for about 5 years, but have been in management for over 25 years in other businesses. I felt I had a pretty good grasp on how I handled crew and co-workers. During my time in the class, I was finding out how much more I could grow as not just a manager, but a better leader.
The biggest thunderbolt for me was how much I was not listening. Even though I was doing my job as a manager, I realized I was making quick fixes by commanding and worrying about how it may affect the crew, later. After going through the class, I started to relate differently. I took the time to listen. This is a challenge in its own because my line of work is very fast paced. I noticed the crew was enjoying the fact that I was being mindful of their concerns and ideas. Some come up with some great ideas.
I wish I could say that it has been smooth sailing. When you are trying to change the direction of a ship, it takes time and patience. Again, because of the class, I learned to ask myself open-ended questions about my challenges. I kept finding that my approach was the key. Soon, my coaching techniques were becoming more and more beneficial. The crew is more responsive in a positive way. Including with each other. One of my toughest situations was trying to bring together the day and night shift. During the summer they work together and sometimes there can be a bit of a civil war. Using the tools that were given to us from the class, I put them to work. It is working! As I was typing this up, I heard a crew member wish everyone a good evening. This person normally just walks out without a word. Victory!!
For those of you about to take the class, I will say don’t expect overnight results. It starts with changing your methods. This is by no means a fairy wand that will magically make your work life perfect. What it will do is make you a more successful leader. Start to set off a more positive vibe. When you take advantage of this class, you will learn to communicate better, stop micromanaging, lead with a nurturing manner, yet with a vision and most importantly, you will grow.
Remember, leadership is not magical, it’s sets of skills that you must learn and practice.
How coaching has helped me be better at my job (by Ruth Pajor)
How can I be better at my job? This is a question I have asked myself many times. One area I have always wanted to be better at was coaching and helping people to better themselves.
I have had several great coaches over the years. I have always wanted to be like them. Help people. Inspire them to do better. Give them hope for the future. Help them solve their own problems. Not solve problems for them but help them. I found a great tool.
I was enrolled in the class Coaching for Greater Effectiveness. I never dreamed that one class could give me one of the keys I was missing to be a better mentor or coach. I thought “oh good, another class to waste my time on.”
I was having a problem with a co-worker at work. I used this problem in the class as an example. I practiced my SBII in class and at home. When I returned to work I sat down with my co-worker and used the SBII. We talked for over and hour. We cleared the air and now have a line of communication. Our relationship has changed for the better and I believe it will continue to grow.
On the occasions I have to give corrective action to an employee, I now use the SBII. I have restructured my thinking and what I want to accomplish with the corrective action. It is now more positive and has opened communication between myself and the employee.
This is a great class for any person who wants to improve. It gives you the confidence to have difficult conversations. It gave me one of the keys I was missing to be a better coach and mentor.
Ruth Pajor