The Ripple Effect: Coaching's Impact on HR and Effective Leadership

My Journey with Human Resources began in 1994 when HR's primary focus was on supporting employees to perform at their best in alignment with the company's vision and mission. Initially, I specialized in Rewards & Recognition, but as time went on, I started feeling disconnected from my values and purpose.

The Challenges: Juggling Parenthood and Career Without a Degree

As a single mother of two young kids and without a bachelor's degree, navigating the HR field proved to be a challenging journey, especially during job transitions. I found myself having to prove my worth in interviews, which sometimes felt like I had to "perform" to secure a job. Eventually, I reached a turning point where I realized that I needed to find a more empowering and meaningful path for myself. After exploring different options, I stumbled upon coaching and instantly fell in love with our profession. Coaching allowed me to focus on honoring the human being rather than just the human doing, which I had always believed was essential in HR.

The Value of Coaching Skills

Coaching skills, I discovered, are life skills that cultivate deep listening, curiosity, wonder, and empathy. As one may know, the International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as a partnership “with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential”.

My Experience at CTI: Transformation and Alignment

Enrolling in CTI’s Co-active Certification coaching program, despite having a full-time job, meant making sacrifices, but it was so worth it. Not only did I find myself fully aligned with my life purpose, but I also continued to experience, learn, and embody the essence of coaching at CTI. Coaching became a transformative journey and force in my life, rejuvenating my vitality and igniting my passion for servant leadership. The coaching program taught me to embrace relationships in a unique way, building a place of trust through a myriad of skills. This trust enables us to co-create strong rapport and meaningful conversations that efficiently manage conflicts and misalignments, preventing disconnection both at home and at work.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence and Values in Leadership

Leaders grow leaders! Some of my most powerful learnings have been that we first uplift our own empowerment by looking within (our emotional intelligence; knowing ourselves in a more intimate way), being fully aligned with our values and purpose, and then by engaging with our team members with empathy and interpersonal skills to grow connection and collaboration. As we come from a place of confidence, focus, and clarity, we get to experience ourselves more fully and influence and invite others on that same path of empowerment, focus, creativity, and performance. I firmly believe that coaching skills are vital for effective leadership.

Coaching Skills in Modern HR

Nowadays, HR professionals play a crucial role in developing leadership and coaching cultures within companies, guided by the principle that leadership is “authentic influence that creates value,” as defined by Kevin Cashman. This authentic influence stems from developing emotional intelligence, understanding ourselves intimately, and aligning with our values and purpose. When leaders grow other leaders, a powerful ripple effect within organizations, enabling a culture of growth and empowerment through confident, focused, and clear leadership.

Reflecting on the Journey: Lessons and Legacy

Looking back on my journey, I've learned invaluable lessons. I've embraced the idea that our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate but that we are powerful beyond measure – as Marianne Williamson would say. This insight has fueled my path toward becoming a Conscious Relationship and Leadership Coach, and I carry with me the mantra, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," as mentioned by Gandhi.

Your Leadership Journey Awaits

As I share my story, I hope it serves as a reflection for others on their leadership journey. Remember to listen to your heart and soul's desires and ask yourself what legacy you want to leave on this earth. Embrace your power, find your path, and make a transformative impact on the world.

Here are questions to ask yourself:

• “What would have your heart sing and your soul dance?”
• “What is the legacy you want to leave this earth with?”

Wishing you all the best on your journey of self-discovery and empowerment and trust that you can and will find your way!