Small Business Case Studies

STOPGAP LTD

'We now offer coaching to anyone in our company who is going through a career change or going into a management position' said Operations Director Pip Neville.

In Pip's view coaching has made a huge difference to the staff of Stopgap. 'The individuals who have greatly improved are those managing a team of people. They have certainly gained confidence, and tend to approach problems in a more considered way' she said.

'I joined the company a year ago as Operations Director and I've found coaching very useful for shaping my ideas in the new environment' she said. Pip's coaching has been predominantly business-focused. 'Before a coaching session I usually have 2 or 3 burning issues to discuss. Mostly I am concerned about people management - managing change and growth. My coach understands the business and is often able to put a different angle on things. She stretches me' said Pip.

'We offer our staff a 3month or 6month coaching programme dependant upon their needs. In addition The Lifecoaching Company provides a Coaching Surgery on site one day a month for people to drop in and speak to a coach'. For Pip coaching is a kind of business counselling, and in her view, its principles are now well understood 'Coaching is particularly valuable in dynamic companies which have younger, fast-track people in senior positions' she said.

INTERNET PLC

'Coaching has helped me become a better executive, a better manager and a better strategist' said Melvin Simpson, MD of Internet plc. 'Instead of throwing myself into a business situation, I am now able to take a step back and consider the implications before making a decision' he said.

Melvin has been coached for two years by the Lifecoaching Company and continues with regular sessions. 'I wasn't really familiar with the idea of coaching when I first started, but I knew I needed some help developing plans and strategies. I set up my own business, and I wanted someone to bounce business ideas off.'

As Melvin's coaching developed, he began to realise that his personal life, values and beliefs all played a part in the way he made decisions. 'I began to try to find some balance between my work and personal life and I started to look at things from a bigger perspective. I was always the kind of person who got very focused and channelled in business, but now I feel I have found the right balance' he said. Melvin's managerial skills also improved as a result of regular coaching 'I am more likely to discuss things with people now, and I'm more sensitive to the way others are feeling.'