Who's in the Hot Seat?
Coaching Client: Jessica, VP of Marketing for a mid-sized production company
Coaching Challenge:
Jessica is feeling distracted and overwhelmed with the uncertainty in her life. Personally, her mother recently fell ill and is awaiting test results. Professionally, her company just went through its second round of layoffs that reduced her team by 10%.
How She Navigated Her Uncertainties:
Jessica came to coaching focused on improving her ability to lead her team during the organizational changes. Coaching reveled that she was overwhelmed and stressed. As the well-known analogy goes, she needed to put her oxygen mask on first before focusing on helping other to put their masks on.
Jessica focused on:
Accepting that she cannot control everything. She focused on what she can control with her own reactions and mindset. She took small steps forward each day, even when they were uncomfortable or uncertain.
Leaning on her support system. Jessica connected with loved ones, friends, and mentors who offered her guidance and encouragement. She realized that she was not alone. Reaching out to people she trusts gave her a fresh perspective.
Bolstering her self-care practices. She made sure to take care of her physical and emotional needs. Jessica went back to taking spin classes, ran 5ks with friends, meditated in the mornings, and took a break from social media. She practiced self-compassion and was kinder to herself. Jessica gave herself permission to rest and recharge.
Viewing uncertainty as a catalyst for growth and change. Jessica worked on trusting herself and the journey ahead. She chose affirming thoughts that helped her embrace the unknown and improve her faith that everything will work out in the end. When she focused on more helpful thoughts, she began to believe that she is capable of overcoming any challenge that comes her way.
Jessica began feeling more capable of managing unexpected situations, had a deeper appreciation of herself, and showed up to her team as a helpful and empathetic leader.