Paula Meadows on attending Coaching for Greater Effectiveness

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.