Coaching for recurring patterns at work

Is coaching right for me if I keep running into the same patterns?

Coaching is for you if you notice situations at work that repeat themselves. Maybe you find it hard to say no and end up with too much on your plate, or similar conflicts come up with colleagues or managers, even in different jobs. Perhaps you hold back in meetings, or take responsibility for things that aren’t yours. Noticing a pattern is already an important first step, and coaching helps you take the next one.

Where do patterns at work come from?

Patterns usually make sense once you look at where they come from. Many of us take on familiar roles, such as the reliable one, the peacemaker or the one who never complains, and bring them into every new team. Team dynamics and expectations in an organisation can reinforce these roles. A pattern that once helped you may now cost you energy. In coaching, we don’t look for blame; we look at how the pattern works and what it’s trying to achieve.

How does systemic coaching look at patterns?

Systemic coaching sees patterns as part of a system rather than a personal flaw. A conflict with a manager, for example, is shaped by both people, the team around them and the expectations in the organisation. Together we look at the roles involved, what keeps the pattern going and where small changes could make a difference. When one part of a system changes, the rest often changes too.

What do we work on?

In our sessions we work on questions such as:

• How do I set boundaries without damaging relationships?
• How do I say no, or ask for what I need?
• How do I handle recurring conflicts with colleagues or managers?
• How do I stop taking on more than I can carry?

We focus on concrete situations from your working life and try out new ways of responding, step by step, at your own pace.

Why work with a psychologist?

João Jardim brings a psychologist’s understanding of how people think, feel and react under pressure. At ATENA, he worked on conflict management and mediation, and ran workshops on stress management and collaboration. His background also means he can recognise when a topic goes beyond coaching, and he will tell you openly if a different kind of support would help you more.

Questions