When is coaching useful? Below are a number of real case studies in which I have coached people with questions or issues, both professional and personal. Names have been changed to protect confidentiality. I follow the Ethical Guidelines of NOBCO; confidentiality is an essential element.

• Jan works like a dog, he feels responsible for everything, his family life is suffering and he notices that his colleagues seem much less busy and stressed-out.

 

• Peter wants to move on in his career but finds it difficult to make the right choice. Several opportunities come his way but, when push comes to shove, he cannot decide.

 

• Petra delays complex activities continuously and only takes on activities where she fully trusts herself. She knows that she does this but doesn't understand why. When she completes complex tasks, they do give her satisfaction.

 

• Thomas has difficulty delegating tasks, he needs to be in control constantly, yet is overloaded with work. But if he lets go, he is afraid there'll be nobody to take care of them, or that they will not be done properly.

 

• Jannie has been sacked as part of a staff reduction. Since her dismissal, she has sent out at least 50 applications, she has had a couple of job interviews. But in spite of all her efforts, she hasn’t found a job yet.

 

• There are often situations where Wim's manager does not follow Wim's advice. But then things goes wrong and after a few months Wim says “You see, I was right all the time”.

 

• Iris is constantly interrupted and as a result she hardly has enough time for her usual work. Her manager has already raised this issue a couple of times, but Iris finds it difficult not to help these other people too.

 

• Mariska has been working in the same job and company for 15 years. Over time, the content of her job has changed and still there are enough challenges. But she is wondering whether it is time to change to another company or function.

 

• Ronald's effectiveness depends upon input from other people but no matter what he does, he rarely gets what he needs by the agreed time. His manager holds him responsible for this and says that Ronald isn't taking ownership of the problem.