In supporting our customers, Spinnaker deploys a number of development mechanisms to help them reach their objectives. Here we case-study the power and effectiveness of 1-to-1 coaching and the impact it made for Matthew Rhodes at Salzgitter Mannesmann UK Limited.
"During Q4 of 2015 it was announced internally that the previous Finance Director was to retire from the company at the end of Q1 2016 and I was to be his replacement as Financial Controller. Technically I was up to the job but needed help on my interpersonal and people management skills. Jon was well known to the company having previously worked with colleagues on sales training and presentation techniques - he would be the man to help.
The first session I really didn’t know what to expect and was quite nervous, Jon instantly put me at ease with his easy going manner and understanding of my situation. At the end of that first session I could see what this process could do for me professionally and in fact personally. Jon mentioned the book ‘How to win friends and influence people’, I bought it immediately after the session and combining that with Jon’s help has transformed my life.
I used to dread the idea of being the sole representative of the company at any functions, seminars, etc., but after some of the stuff Jon has taught me including an ingenious ‘conversation stack’, it holds no fear for me at all now.
It is hard to explain what Jon does, he worked out pretty quickly that my main problem was that I used to get frustrated easily which manifested itself in aggressive responses to people. He sounds like a shrink but he isn’t. He doesn’t bombard you with technical, theoretical stuff such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs that other personality and management coaches I have worked with in the past have. I liked the informal approach and using real life situations to apply Jon’s advice to. The MD of our company asked me ‘so what did you do with Jon yesterday?’, to which I more often than not replied, ‘well we had a general chat and at points in time Jon would step in and say, ‘hold that thought, how did you deal with that situation?’’ and off we would go from there.
After 6 or so regular sessions we are now at a situation where Jon is always available to me for help, we have had further ad-hoc sessions and I would consider Jon a friend.
My advice to anybody looking to use Jon’s services is to buy into it completely, immerse yourself in it and actually use what he tells you - it works, it has changed my life!"
Want to know more about how Spinnaker can support you in reaching your objectives? Then drop us a line at info@spinnaker918.co.uk or call Jon on 07761 608598