HDA

Executive Coaching – Mining & Distribution

Business Context

The client was referred to us by a French business partner. He had recently left a major manufacturing company and was under offer from a global mining and distribution company to head up their strategic marketing division. Unusually, HDA coached the client for an extended period (nine months) in his new role without his employer having any knowledge of the support being given. An additional factor that affected the coaching support was that the client developed an acute medical condition which was treated during the programme but had an adverse effect on his progress in the new role.

The main goal for the client was to establish himself rapidly and effectively in his new role and make an impact that would be remembered.

Business Issues

• The company had suffered in the past from having a mix of silo-based and global reporting lines which slowed decision making

• The company also had a new MD for the group and a CEO for the division in which the client was appointed. This was already creating tension and some disruption before the client joined

• Other incumbents had been appointed to the role of strategic marketing in the past and all had failed to crack the job; so an interesting challenge for the client to meet!

Business Value Obtained from Coaching

• The global nature of the role required much international travel by the client and complex reporting structures to adhere to across all time zones. This created much pressure and the early stage of coaching was to help the client organise and prioritise his schedule and focus on only key stakeholder engagement

• As the client became more established it became clear that his natural sponsor (the CEO) was not sufficiently supportive to guarantee success for the client. The difficult decision was taken to leapfrog the CEO and establish a firm base with the Group MD. This was the area where greatest value was gained for the client.

• At the end of the assignment coaching on ‘desired outcomes’ for a specific major project that the client had been given by the MD was the focus. This involved recognising and building on the client’s unique strengths and influencing styles.

Business Outcomes

It would be presumptuous to say that the client was firmly established in his new role and that the company had fully embraced his contribution as strategic marketing expert. However, he has a clear strategy to deliver and is clear on the role and support of all stakeholders he needs to manage and influence.

For more information on any of the above or to understand how HDA can add value to your organisation through coaching,

Please contact Melissa Nealon, Client Partner & Project Manager – man@hda.co.uk / 0207 484 5065