CM: Why did you enter TCE? And/or, what did you want to get out of it?
VT: I’ve always been drawn to coaching. It’s a natural extension of the employee training and conflict resolution work I already did. I was drawn to the idea of helping people find their own answers, instead of giving them my answers. Having been coached by Cami and attended several of her programs, I knew TCE would be outstanding, and that I would learn a lot.
CM: What is the most valuable thing you got out of TCE?
VT: Can I offer two things? The first is greater self-awareness. I learned so much about myself, what drives me, what scares me, and what I want to be. The second is a coaching community I can rely on. Throughout my adulthood I became used to relying on myself – in fact, it was a badge of honor. A year of TCE taught me that it is ok to ask for and accept help, and that doing so makes me more successful!
CM: Did your reasons for entering the program change through the program?
VT: No. My reasons remained the same.
CM: What are you doing now with your coaching education?
VT: I use the skills I learned in TCE every day. As managing partner of my law firm, using a coaching leadership style has been far more successful than the top-down management style I grew up with. By approaching personnel issues with curiosity instead of judgment, doing more reflective listening than talking, and helping employees find their own answers rather than dictating expectations, has helped me lead our team to better results and happier employees.
Once I receive my certification, I will continue to coach employees and other individuals while I practice law.
