Rachel was a long-time executive coaching client, who, for the purposes of research for her clients, took my Peak Resilience Accelerator (PRA) course. On this short and sharp programme, we improve psychological resilience, mental fitness and productivity for professionals via group and individual coaching for 5 people over 8 weeks.
Rachel was part of a cohort focused on women in STEM. In meeting up with her after the programme, she shared a recent difficult experience. She told me: ‘I used all the tools I learned with and couldn’t believe how well it went! Not just in the other person’s reaction, but in how I felt throughout. That was the game-changer for me.’
Putting Thoughts into Action
Rachel is a vendor who provides support to large multinationals. An external person had recommended her services to one that had just taken on the latest round of seed funding, and she fulfilled the contract.
However, as she kept a close eye from the outside, she heard there were issues. Within 3 months, the client asked for their money back. As she explained when taking the contract initially, her guarantee only lasted two months. She’d specifically not extended the guarantee period because of the CEO’s ‘difficult’ reputation. The CEO then threatened to sue her and darken Rachel’s name within the industry; a first for Rachel.
In relaying this story to me, Rachel explained: ‘This had never happened to me before and I suspect this would have sent me over the edge. However, I used the inner Sage we discussed in our Peak Resilience Accelerator (PRA) and quietened my inner saboteurs by getting curious and even empathetic towards the CEO. I didn’t like him, but reflecting on the strains he was likely now going through after their latest round of funding helped me see him with more empathy.’
Focusing On Others to Help Yourself
Rachel used this insight to slow down and think about what the other person wanted as a ‘gift’; a concept we talk about and a skill we grow in the programme. It helped her draft a detailed response to him. In it, Rachel evidenced all the steps she’d taken and all the permissions he’d given her over the months they worked together.
Rachel remarked how grounded she felt sending him that detailed response. Plus, she knew that even if he came back to her negatively, she could turn that around and make the most of even that. Months later Rachel still hasn’t heard from him – and I suspect she isn’t likely to.
Questions For Your Resilience:
- How would I like to respond when challenged?
- Do I have the mental fitness and resilience I need to get through my day to day challenges?
- How could I improve it further?
Curious about which of your saboteurs is the loudest? Take this free short assessment that all of my Peak Resilience Accelerator clients use. If you’re interested in hosting a group with me in your organisation, get in touch!
