“Hi, I’m Terrible at This…”

Dear Subscriber First Name

If you’ve been reading this newsletter for a while, you’ll know I like to keep things real.

And here’s one of those moments of honesty: for a long time, I wasn’t very good at answering that inevitable question we all get asked…

“So.. what do you do?”

Here’s how it used to go for me:

Me: “I run a workplace coaching program called Schema Coaching for the Workplace.”

Them: (looking confused, albeit politely) “Oh right, great… schema what?”

Me: “Schema Coaching, a schema is a Greek word meaning “shape.” Schemas are beliefs, and our schemas “shape” who we become”

Them: “Right… so how does that work?”

Me: “Well, people are often really talented and specialised in their roles, but something holds them back - their schemas, for example fear of failure, unrelenting standards, approval-seeking, or self-sacrifice.”

<insert polite nod, slight glaze-over, and an unrelated segway to the unseasonal weather we’re having>

And fair enough!

Schema Coaching is a niche, one-of-a-kind approach to workplace coaching - and that’s exactly what makes it work.

But I knew I could do a better job selling it’s relatability, impactfulness and benefits.

So let’s try that again…

Them: “What do you do, Tim?”
Me: “I help people who are having problems with their staff.”

Them: “Oh really? Golly, that’s a lot of people. What sort of problems?”

Me: “The sort we all face, really - things like mental wellbeing, confidence struggles, trying too hard when they don’t have to, or feeling like they’re not good enough when really they are…”

“When people overcome their personal challenges they’re able to do their job really well. Often this has a positive impact on the people they work with too. Everyone seems to win…”

(Cue: genuine interest, curiosity, and a chance to explain more. Then maybe an unrelated segway to the unseasonal weather we’re having!)

And with that, here’s a few scenarios I tossed around to get you thinking…

Project Management Company CEO

I could’ve offered: “We address overfunctioning, fear of failure, and inability to switch off through a structured schema coaching program.”

but even better…

“Your high performers learn to switch off, stop overfunctioning, and let go of the fear that drives them to ‘try too hard’ - which means sustained performance, less burnout, and a healthier, more productive team.”

Mechanic

I once said: “Together we’ll identify where team members are clashing, run an assessment to work out their schemas, and then coach them to collaborate better.”

Now though….

“Team members understanding their personal differences means they ‘get’ one another more and can be more considerate of one another - which means leaders stop walking on eggshells, the workshop runs smoother, is more organised, timely, and with far less conflict.”

Landscape Gardener

I could suggest: “We run six to eight sessions where we explore your apprentice’s perfectionist schemas, where they come from, and how they impact their work.”

Better still i might now say…

…“We help an apprentice recognise when they’re stuck in that ‘not good enough’ loop, be kinder to themselves, and accept their standard of work which leads to projects being delivered on time and a more relaxed team member.

Digital Marketing Agency

I might’ve told them: “We help your team understand the expectations and feedback dynamics that cause friction, and teach them healthier communication patterns.”

But instead, I tell them…

…“team members start to see how their expectations impact others, respond better to feedback resulting in a team that genuinely gels and contributes to one anothers success”

CFO

Something like: “We coach staff who procrastinate, over-involve themselves, or lack confidence by helping them explore the schemas driving those behaviours.”

has now become…

…“That highly skilled accountant learns to spot the patterns holding them back, stop seeking constant reassurance, and deliver work with confidence and clarity leading to timely achievements, without burning out.”

Recruitment Team

The ‘old me’: “We explore harsh self-beliefs and develop strategies to challenge them after tough client negotiations.”

:) Me today says…

…“You start recognising those harsh, critical self-beliefs - challenge them with your healthy adult in charge, walk away from tough conversations with a clear head and without the lingering doubt or ‘I should have done better’ narrative.”

Why the Change?

It took me a little while, but what I’ve learned is this: when explaining what I do, people don’t want a theory first.

What’s that old saying: features tell, benefits sell!

They want to hear about real problems they recognise and relate to, and real ways to fix them.

Which I believe is what Schema Coaching does - starts with the end in mind.

What end can you see?…

If you or someone in your team underwent such a powerful transformation.

What would it mean for them?

What would it mean for you?

What would it lead to?

Til next week!

Want to See This in Action?

I work with leaders, managers, and high performers across industries – from finance to landscaping to digital marketing – to turn these patterns around.

You can reach me below, or simply hit reply and I’ll reach out to you:

Visit the website / Book a call 📱
tim@schemacoaching.com.au 📧

Looking forward to connecting!

And as always, if you know someone who could benefit from this information, please forward this email. I’d love to connect and help them, and hopefully they’ll subscribe too.

Sincerely

Tim

0409 547 872

Deeper dive into deep-seated challenges anyone?

Dr. Iain McCormick’s book, Schema Coaching: Overcoming Deep-Seated Challenges is available now.

You can grab a copy here:

Schema Coaching: Overcoming Deep-Seated Challenges

Iain at LinkedIn

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