From going round in circles with a question to knowing clearly what you want to do

Sometimes you don’t get any further by thinking about it even longer

You are facing a difficult decision. You are dealing with a leadership question. You want to explore how you could approach something differently. Or you want to stay sharp in your own development and that of your team. Meanwhile, the work continues: production has to keep running and the targets still have to be met.

You can discuss it with colleagues, but they are in the middle of it themselves. Sparring with your own manager does not always feel completely open. And a full coaching programme may be more than you need for this particular question.

It is not about what you know or what you are capable of. Precisely because you are in the middle of it, you do not see every possibility. That is when it helps to put your question to a professional sparring partner from outside the organisation who understands your working environment. A different perspective can help you see options you had not seen before.

Sparring in a way that fits your question

You bring a specific question, decision or situation. In a practical sparring session, we look together at what is going on, what you want and what is needed. This gives you insight into other options and possible actions, and helps you determine more clearly what step you want to take.

Not every question requires the same approach. That is why you can choose from three options:

Kickstart Session

For one specific question you want to look at with fresh eyes. You gain insight into other options and possible actions, and after two to three weeks we evaluate how things are going.

Coaching Session Card

For when you occasionally want to discuss a work-related question or give a focused boost to your development. You choose 3, 5, 7 or 10 one-hour sessions, valid for twelve months.

Coaching on the Go

For when you want to be able to spar regularly, for example because a number of difficult decisions are coming up or because you want to stay sharp on how things could be improved, for yourself or your team. You choose  2 or 4 hours per month.

Sparring is an entry point, not an end point. Sometimes one session turns out to be enough. Sometimes it becomes clear that there is more underneath your question and that a more extensive coaching programme would be a better fit. That is a valuable outcome too.

Why sparring with me works

I know your working environment. Through my years in manufacturing, you do not have to explain the context. We can go straight to the substance of your question.

I am outside your organisation. I have no stake in the outcome and I do not judge you. You can say openly what you think.

Your question is central, not my method. No standard conversation, but looking at what is needed right now. What you want and what is needed determine the form and the next step.

I know what it is like myself. I have also been stuck as a manager and know what it takes to get moving again.

What it gives you

You want to be able to look at your question from a different perspective and see what possibilities you have. You want to be able to determine clearly what you are going to do, why you are doing it and stand behind that decision.

No more going over the same question again and again. No more weighing up all the scenarios repeatedly. Instead, you have peace of mind because you know: this is the direction I am choosing.

And ultimately, you want to be able to trust your own judgement. To know when you need to act, when it is better to wait and when it helps to have someone from outside take a look with you.

"Eefke helped me gain a new perspective into my thinking and actions.”

Eefke gets my highest recommendation as a mentor and a coach. My recommendation comes from the fact that her inputs have been extremely and uniquely valuable to me. Her ability to understand, recognise and provide insightful yet practical suggestions have proved extremely beneficial and have helped me gain a new perspective into my thinking and actions. Eefke showed expertise, emotional intelligence, cheerful connection oriented approach and honesty in sharing her views. Thank you, Eefke! Noa

How it works

Kickstart Session
You book and pay for the session directly. You then choose a time in my calendar and briefly indicate beforehand which question you would like to discuss. That way, we can go straight into depth during the online session. Two to three weeks later, we have an evaluation conversation: what have you done, what is working and is anything else needed?

Coaching Session Card
You choose 3, 5, 7 or 10 hours and pay for them directly. You then schedule a conversation whenever you have a question you would like to discuss. You use the hours whenever it suits you, within twelve months.

Coaching on the Go
You choose 2 or 4 hours per month. During the agreed period, you can then quickly schedule a conversation whenever something comes up.

In the short term, you create movement in the question that is playing now. In the longer term, you have a regular opportunity to spar whenever you need it.

Moving forward again with a different perspective

The question you had been carrying around no longer takes up so much space in your head. You have made a decision, had a conversation or consciously chosen not to do anything just yet.

You have a clearer sense of what you can influence yourself and what you can leave where it belongs. This creates space again for other matters that need your attention.

And when another difficult question arises later, you recognise more quickly when you are going round in circles on your own and when it helps to bring in someone from outside.

Is sparring right for you?

Sparring is right for you if you lead in a manufacturing or logistics environment, have a specific question and are willing to look at it honestly.

Sparring is not right for you if you are looking for someone to make the decision for you.

Investment

Kickstart Session: [price, duration of the session]

Coaching Session Card: [price per option: 3, 5, 7 or 10 sessions]

Coaching on the Go: [price per month per option, duration/cancellation period]

Sessions take place online. [Optional: on location by arrangement.]

How to take the first step

Choose the option that suits you: a Kickstart Session, a Coaching Session Card or Coaching on the Go.

You pay directly and then schedule your first conversation. Beforehand, you briefly indicate what you would like to spar about, so we can get straight to the point during the session.

What if you keep going round in circles with it on your own?

A question that is playing now does not automatically become clearer simply because you keep looking at it on your own for longer. Decisions that remain unresolved are often eventually made for you, by circumstances or by other people. In the meantime, it costs you attention and energy that you would rather put into your team and your work.

A sparring conversation helps you add a different perspective and determine what you want to do.