There have been increasingly demands, partly driven by legislation and partly linked to working at an international level for individuals, managers and organisations to ensure that staff and customers feel included, valued and that their needs are taken into consideration. When cultural differences are understood and used constructively acknowledging these differences provide a remarkable source of richness for effective interactions, learning and growth.

Blue Tulip Training has participated in providing one to one (and group) coaching and mentoring for Black and Asian staff members who wish to explore professional and personal development. Some staff have specifically requested for and valued the input from an Asian female coach who has a good professional understanding of the cultural differences. As one Asian client eloquently stated, not only do I not want my emotions to get ‘lost in translations’, I appreciated that Snéha could understand some of my family pressures, particularly in relation to attending to the needs of the extended family’ Since Snéha’s input, I do feel that I am more assertive at work and have just recently had a promotion!’

In addition to this, Blue Tulip Training has supported managers in establishing boundaries in managing a team effectively, especially if there are concerns around issues of cultural differences, which could have the potential to lead into discrimination and bad practice within a team setting.

One manager sought support on a one to one basis and with his team to explore ways of effectively dealing with customers’ stereotypical sexist comments made towards particular staff members. This was having a detrimental effect on staff morale and productivity.

The coaching process included discussing in detail the consequences (short term and long term) of not taking action, appropriate action that could be taken and incorporating support for the staff. The outcome for the team included: working together, setting boundaries and dealing effectively with inappropriate comments. Other customers have valued this input resulting in word of mouth recommendation – more customers.

Coaching promotes personal and professional development by 'unlocking a person's or team’s potential to maximise their own potential’.  The coaching process aims to improve performance, whether in a work or personal context, enhancing effectiveness, achieving and securing personal satisfaction by exploring:

• generating possibilities
• making choices
• setting expectations
• communicating clearly
• managing time
• learning from experience
• solving problems
• improving relationships
• balancing personal and professional life

Professional coaches are trained to listen and observe, to customize their approach to the individual client's needs, and to elicit solutions and strategies from the client.  They believe that the client is naturally creative and resourceful and that the coach's job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the client already has.  While the coach provides feedback and an objective perspective, the client is responsible for taking the steps to produce the results he or she desires.  (International Coaching Federation definition)

The coaching process is an ongoing relationship and dialogue, focusing on the participant’s goal setting and supporting action toward the realisation of their visions and goal(s).  The format adopted is that of personal discovery, with challenging inquiry from the coach to help build a level of awareness thereby encouraging participants to take responsibility.  The coaching process includes structure, support and feedback.   The programme can include:

• setting an agreement
• exploring the Life Balance Wheel - Sections in life that measure satisfaction
• values - what is important to you? Priorities?
• unique abilities
• goal setting and assessing ambitions
• In taking action: exploring ‘what is safe’, what is risky and going beyond the comfort zone
• Acceptability spectrum

Depending on time available, additional areas to meet individual needs can be explored including:

• dealing with self limiting beliefs
• using empowering / assertive language
• changing unwanted behaviour