Learning in Organisational Coaching: One Conversation at a Time
Isn’t it fascinating how life’s unexpected twists can lead us down entirely new paths?
Take last summer, for instance. I found myself facing unexpected redundancy, and suddenly I was plunged into the unpredictable seas of job hunting. Do you know that feeling? The mix of uncertainty and opportunity, the endless questions about what’s next and how to navigate a new industry?
But then, Lucy reached out to me about the Business Coordinator role at the Harrison Network. Stepping into a whole new industry and a role filled with unfamiliar responsibilities was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Yet, the moment I walked into the Whitehaven office, I felt that surge of change, growth, and self-discovery. It was like a breath of fresh air (and a sigh of relief), a chance to reinvent myself professionally.
Building strong connections, inspiring change
Through it all, I’ve come to realise that organisational coaching and development is fundamentally about people – their stories, aspirations, and potential. It’s about embracing those moments of connection and collaboration that lead to groundbreaking projects.
Reflecting on my own tendencies, I realise I’ve always been a bit of a risk assessor, even from a young age. My mum often recalls watching me at preschool as I carefully observed other children playing before deciding whether or not to join their games.
This memory resurfaced in a recent meeting with the Harrison Network team, where we were brainstorming our company values. Instead of jumping in with my ideas, I took a step back and really listened to my colleague’s conversations. That decision sparked arguably one of our most successful projects to date, reminding me of the power of building strong connections, fostering empathy, and driving positive change through meaningful interactions.
Care enough to bite your tongue
I’ve also learned the importance of humility and active listening in navigating the complexities of the workplace. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own agendas and assumptions… perhaps even easier to give in to the temptation of pushing our agendas onto others.
But I’ve found that curiosity and patience can lead to incredibly innovative solutions. A strategic planning conversation between the Harrison Network team springs to mind. Tensions were high, and it would have been easy to bulldoze through with my own ideas. But choosing curiosity over defensiveness allowed us to uncover innovative solutions that none of us had previously considered.
It’s moments like these that reinforce the importance of our value as people in the workplace. By setting aside our egos and being willing to learn from others, we not only foster better relationships but also unlock new possibilities for growth and success.
Hope Haines and Lucy Harrison
Walk the talk, every step of the way
Leading with authenticity has been a guiding principle for me. It’s not always easy, but staying true to my values and navigating the challenges with transparency have proven to be so impactful. Recently, I had to deliver some tough feedback. It was a challenging – and apprehensive – moment, but we addressed the issue at hand and were able to strengthen our relationship, moving forward together.
I’ve learned that authenticity isn’t always easy. It requires courage to speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable, and to stay true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. But the rewards are immense. When we embrace authenticity, we invite others to do the same, creating a culture of openness and collaboration that drives positive change.
Keep stuff relevant, memorable, and simple
As a self-confessed stress-head, I find it easy to get overwhelmed and overcomplicate things, especially when it comes to my job. But if there’s one thing the Harrison Network team has taught me, it’s the importance of self-reflection. When that wave of overwhelm is looming, I’m able to pause and ask myself, ‘What truly matters here?’
That’s why I appreciate simplicity within my workplace. I’ve learned that staying wrapped up in my comfort zone won’t get me far. Instead, I’m embracing challenges head-on, striving to turn complex thoughts into actionable tasks, communicating with clarity and purpose, and staying true to our values and vision. I believe in making stuff relevant, memorable, and simple, focusing on what truly matters and making a meaningful impact every step of the way.
After all, ‘the comfort zone is not your friend’.
Set change in motion
Effectiveness in organisational coaching and development isn’t about grand gestures or sweeping changes – it’s about taking small, deliberate steps towards meaningful progress. Celebrating those ripples of excellence that extend beyond myself and my team.
Even something like working towards the Harrison Network ISO certification – breaking it down into manageable milestones with the support of the team made a huge impact. The journey wasn’t smooth. In fact, it was rough and consuming at times. There were moments of doubt, questions like ‘What the hell am I doing?’ and ‘This project is way too big for me.’ However, with the incredible support of everyone in the team, the weight lifted, and I began to see positive changes. We became more engaged, challenges were resolved more effectively and, as of May 2024, we’ve officially been recommended for certification!
All that blood, sweat, and tears serve as a reminder that setting change in motion doesn’t always require big moves. It’s about taking consistent, intentional steps and celebrating every small victory along the way.
Choosing curiosity
The journey with the Harrison Network so far has been an eye-opener, and it’s reshaped not just my career but also how I approach each day. Instead of fixating on potential obstacles, I’m choosing curiosity and celebrating every step forward. Every day at the Harrison Network brings new insights and growth opportunities. My role isn’t just about adapting to change; it’s about embracing it, pushing boundaries, fostering relationships, and championing positive change one conversation at a time.
So I want to know: How have you navigated the challenges of a new industry and what was your biggest take away from it all?
Author: Hope Haines, Business Coordinator
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