A win–win: Gemma on the power of coaching
Gemma, a lead QHSE advisor at Ørsted, decided to join our coaching programme to share her experience while learning from a diverse community of coaches. What she didn’t expect was how rewarding the journey would be – for both her coachee’s growth and her own development as a communicator and leader.
I work for Ørsted in Barrow in Furness as a lead QHSE advisor. I support with the health and safety for the offshore wind farms. I found the Teach First coaching programme through Ørsted and when I saw the opportunity, I was really excited to get involved.
Once I did my research and found that Teach First is all about giving every child access to a great education, I thought it was really inspiring and rewarding. And it was an opportunity for me to join a community of coaches, share some of my knowledge and experience, and gain a bit of personal development.
Growing as a coach
One of the biggest challenges as a coach was resisting the instinct to jump in and offer solutions – it isn't always the most effective approach. Using the GROW (Goal, Reality, Options, and Way Forward) model and good questioning techniques, you can guide the coachee to uncover their own answers. It’s about truly listening and not problem solving on their behalf.
I’ve seen [my coachee] grow, develop and gain confidence – and I have as well.
I was a bit nervous to begin with and practiced with one of the other coaches. But I've seen the teacher I've been coaching grow, develop and gain confidence – and I have as well. So it's been fulfilling for both of us.
Seeing real impact
I remember one of the coaching sessions where my coachee had a bit of a light bulb moment and her face lit up. She said, ‘I didn't think about that’. And it was nothing I told her to do, it was just through the questioning technique. She found her own answer, and it made her feel worthwhile.
It's satisfying to see your coachee develop because you feel like you're making a difference. It's good investing that time because they're getting something out of it and it doesn't feel like you've just wasted your time. It’s important that you know they're getting value from the experience and then I feel like I'm getting value. I hope I've made a positive impact by asking the right questions, listening and providing that supportive environment.
It's satisfying to see your coachee develop because you feel like you're making a difference.
Skills beyond coaching
Coaching has really helped me to grow in how I communicate and lead. So active listening, asking better questions and giving people that space to explore their own ideas.
As you become a more experienced coach you relax, and then it’s magic.
One of the things I have taken away is the power of silence – sometimes it's better to say nothing and give someone that space and time to reflect, and then the answer’s there and it'll just come. When you don't know someone, I think you feel like you have to bridge that gap. But as you become a more experienced coach you relax, and then it's magic.
I don't think I approached conversations like that much in my professional role before coaching. I've been coaching people more at work as well and using empty chair techniques where we practice having a difficult conversation with someone. And I've really enjoyed it. So it's something that I'd like to continue. I really enjoy the coaching side of it.
A win-win relationship
I'd absolutely recommend the coaching programme. I’d say go for it, put in your application. When I applied for it, I didn't expect to be chosen. So I was absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity. I think you grow personally and the person you're coaching grows as well. It's a win–win.
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