I had some underlying confidence issues when communicating on a professional and personal level. So the trigger was a combination of things.
At work, I knew my contract was finishing, so I was looking for a new job and going into an interview process. Which put the whole communication problem under the magnifying glass.
I realised, to do an interview I needed to communicate effectively and be more at ease. Otherwise I wouldn’t get anywhere.
On a professional level my challenge was to be at ease communicating. I was feeling under pressure. I had things to say, but was unclear on how to say them, and was unstructured in my approach.
I wanted more control, for my communication to be clearer and have more gravitas. I wanted to stop with my self doubt, to be more impactful and more respected in the organisation.
On a personal level, my self confidence issues manifested as being uncomfortable when expressing myself or communicating emotions.
It felt like too much of a challenge to try.
So I would just let it go, or be the person who listens in the background.
This created frustration and I felt disconnected. I wanted to get better connections with people. To feel more at ease with who I am and how I interact with others.
I thought to myself, ‘ok, lets focus on communication and see if this makes an impact on both my self confidence and my career.’
So having something urgent, my job search, with my confidence going down, was the trigger to work with Matt.
I was reading books and listening to podcasts.
But it stayed very theoretical.
As the book closed I’d just go back to my old habits.
I didn’t have the practical implementation, just wandering around without a clear direction.
I needed to make that step between books and podcasts, to working with someone. Having someone to give me more direction, feedback, and a process.
Which was why I contacted Matt.
I was not 100% sure how much impact it would make.
My questions were . . .
Is Matt really going to make a difference?
Is the relationship going to work?
It’s a gamble, you never know at the beginning, but you get a first call, so you can sense if the connection is there.
Doing this is an investment. So it’s a risk.
But in the end a wise investment, it’s an investment in yourself.
Spending money on getting better in your communication and confidence.
That’s the most important investment you can make for your future.
I talked to other coaches, and I looked at different angles and approaches.
Matt offered what I was looking for.
Something that helped me grow self confidence, not just techniques.
I work in a professional environment but I didn’t want ‘corporate’ techniques and training.
This would be too rigid, too technique focussed, and I would be like a robot, trying to mimic something.
The other extreme was an approach with too much self discovery.
Matt had the right balance.
Practical and concrete, a good combination of both professional aspects and the self discovery aspect.
Also I liked Matt’s perspective on communication. It’s about being yourself and discovering yourself, communicating authentically, more than trying to fit a mould.
I had an initial call, a good feeling, and decided Matt was the right person to go with.
A new job!
Working with Matt definitely helped me with the interview process.
Fundamentally, it gave me the self confidence that I could do it.
Saying . . .
’I can communicate and have the right foundations’.
With that confidence built in, things flow naturally.
My thoughts and communication are clearer.
In terms of face to face, I feel more relaxed with who I am and express myself confidently.
That’s what this program really gave me.
Starting my new role, it made the whole intro phase of joining and talking to new people a lot easier.
I felt able to ask the right questions in a structured, efficient way, and with more confidence.
I was able to create connections more easily, clarify my thoughts and therefore the direction for my team.
From my seniors, the feedback has been good.
I also got good feedback from the other stakeholders, even from a couple who are usually very critical.
I’m still new in this role, but I’m definitely more at ease with my higher ups.
Before, I could feel underlying anxiety, trying to figure out what would please them. Questioning myself all the time.
Now I’m able to really focus on what they’re saying and understand their point of view. Rather than focussing on what they think of me!
So better listening, less self doubt, and more equal discussions.
It was great, and importantly, a relaxed experience.
I’ve been able to open up which is not easy for me. So that was very good.
I could feel Matt really listening and paying attention, I felt heard.
This gave space for me to talk, and deep dive more on my struggles.
His approach is very gentle and understanding.
So this gives a safe space if you really want to do this.
It’s a vulnerability exercise right? It’s opening up.
I knew even if it’s messy, that’s fine.
To know I’m in a safe environment so I can express things and speak free without worry of what another person’s going to think.
That really helped me and the whole process a lot.
In terms of coaching, Matt knows how to ask the right questions to challenge my assumptions and find answers.
He drives in the right direction without being directive.
To choose the right direction myself, rather than making me do XYZ.
That was empowering.
One of the exercises and how I handled it was unexpected!
It pointed the finger where it hurt most, but was very valuable.
Because it moved from theory in my head, to putting what we worked on into real life context.
Communication is not just books. You need to practice to get better.
It’s improving your mindset through practical exercise, doing things differently.
For me it was about figuring out who I am through communication.
Getting a better idea of my identity and expressing it.
And for my communication growth, the process of coaching to explore identity and deeper questions, was much more valuable than techniques you get in a book or training course.
Definitely.
It unstuck me.
I would not have got to this point on my own.
If you’re in your head, stuck in a loop, you need external help.
Matt is a really great coach to help you.
It’s a safe space with the right approach that makes an impact.
He helps without just giving technique, but by finding deeper answers.
And you’re not going to get this on your own!
You can be authentically yourself and better at communicating.
It’s worth the investment, so talk to Matt.
