What a Coaching Session Can Change

How a newly appointed division head learned through one-on-one coaching to stand up for himself – and to lead with a clear stance and genuine persuasive power.

The Starting Point:

Mr. Schmitt (name changed), 40 years old, married with three children, was promoted to the second leadership level of a DAX 40 corporation following a successful internal audit.

As a technically accomplished manager with clear values such as fairness, integrity, and humility, he brought many strengths to the table – yet his impact as a leader fell short of expectations. He came across as too matter-of-fact, too reserved, too focused on content. In conversations, he found it difficult to win others over to his ideas or to take a clear position.

His goal: to show up with greater confidence as a leader in his new area of responsibility – and to keep growing professionally.

My Mandate:

Through one-on-one coaching, Mr. Schmitt was to learn how to strengthen his impact deliberately – without bending his personality out of shape. The aim was to develop greater self-assurance and clarity in his leadership behavior, make his successes visible, and handle difficult conversations with composure.

The Approach:

The very first one-on-one coaching session revealed something telling: Mr. Schmitt found it hard to take pride in his own accomplishments.

In the sessions that followed, we worked hands-on with concrete professional situations: his inaugural address, high-stakes negotiations, internal conflicts. At the same time, we reflected on personal beliefs and thought patterns – examining which mindsets strengthened him and which held him back.

By applying psychological models, he learned to read the impact of other leaders more accurately – and to align his own behavior with greater intention. The coaching became a safe space for reflection, personal growth, and professional development.

The Outcome:

Within a few months, Mr. Schmitt was showing up with noticeably more confidence – with greater clarity, presence, and persuasive power.

✔ A stronger personal presence as a leader
✔ More confidence in conversations, conflicts, and decisions
✔ Positive feedback from both his professional and personal circles
✔ Inner clarity through continuous reflection and focused preparation

“Dad somehow seems stronger than he used to be.”
– Feedback from one of his sons

His growing self-confidence got noticed within the company – new responsibilities, recommendations, and further career steps followed.

When One-on-One Coaching Makes Sense:

✔ When taking on new or expanded leadership responsibilities
✔ To prepare for audits, presentations, or difficult negotiations
✔ For greater self-assurance, assertiveness, and leadership presence
✔ For professional reorientation or career development
✔ To reflect on and further develop your own leadership personality
✔ When you are looking for an experienced sparring partner – for relief and clarity

Do you see yourself in this?

Then let’s talk about one-on-one coaching – personal, discreet, and tailored to your situation.