How finding alignment makes you a better communicator and can lead to a job offer that’s a much better fit

Amanda was having communication issues with one of her colleagues at work. Misunderstandings and strained collaboration with this colleague was causing high anxiety and stress that was affecting Amanda’s work and bleeding over into her personal life.

“What was very difficult for me was getting triggered due to communication styles that came off as rude and aggravating and not acknowledging my expertise. I was having a lot of communication problems.”

“Then the high anxiety and stress of the whole situation didn't help at all. It was just overall a very difficult time of my life both professional and personal and it was bleeding into each other. I was not able to manage the stress. It was slowly burning me out and I was in survival mode.”

"My manager pointed out that I had a very different communication style from one of my colleagues and that didn't help with the interaction. We absolutely had to work together and because there was that mismatch of communication style, I took it on myself to try and find communication-type coaches.”

Resonating alignment

“I met Mariella 6 years ago on LinkedIn. I related to her posts about being an introvert and different communication styles. I also related to how she used to be a scientist, especially because I was also going through academia at the time.”

“When I looked at Mariella’s website, I saw that the program wasn’t overly structured and I liked that. I expected the program to be more specialized and malleable to the situation, more relatable to my needs. It was about finding your natural advantage and being able to align better with it.”

“The program resonated alignment and that made me believe that this program was a better option than any of the other coaches that were talking specifically about talking to stakeholders or presenting science to laypeople or things like that.”

“I also preferred it because it was an individual program. With my communication style, I end up talking a lot and I wanted to have a one-on-one where I could feel more comfortable to actually say a lot of things than I would in a group seminar or a course.”

Becoming a better communicator

In an individual program, we discovered Amanda’s natural advantage. We discovered that Amanda excels at pinpointing what the best option is to reach a goal and, in doing so, helps move along complex R&D projects. To do this, she does thorough research about goals, stakeholders, and resources and forms clear, actionable plans.

This didn’t come through in collaborations with her colleague, though, mainly because of a mismatch in their communication styles. We looked at this mismatch and how Amanda could communicate so that she is heard and important projects kept moving.

“While we were going through the program, my manager mentioned that my communication was improving and things were getting better in that sense with my colleague as well. I was more tolerant and understanding of where she was coming from and I didn't get triggered as much. Another colleague also noticed how I was able to present myself with more confidence.”

A job offer that's a much better fit

“A few months after starting the program, I was offered a business analyst position on another team. That position is a much better fit for me and includes benefits that I’ve wanted for a while - like working remotely, which will allow me to move in with my partner in another city later this year!”

Lasting changes

“As much as I expected alignment, I think I was surprised at how much knowing my natural advantage helped everything about how my mind works to click.”

“Bringing my natural advantage to light really helped with being able to understand where I was coming from and that's something that I still use.”

“Comparing back then to now: the biggest change is really being able to handle stress and anxiety. Acknowledging that I'm gonna have ups and downs, and I need to work with that.”

“Thought work - analyzing and working through different thoughts - that I was doing before wasn't really sticking. Going through Mariella’s program and being able to brainstorm thoughts together with the foundation of my natural advantage really helped. Other programs that I’m doing and using AI tools, everything that I’m doing now for myself, is sticking better. The program opened the gateway for my progressive work during and after.”

Neutral as a positive sign from Natural Advantage^®

“I had mixed feelings about the word “neutral”. For me, as an introvert, neutral was considered not good: if you were neutral, then you were not happy, and you needed to be happy.”

“Mariella showed me that neutral is actually a positive sign coming from my natural advantage. I feel neutral when I’m in flow and it’s a satisfying neutral. I don't need to be smiling, or happy, or always pretending. Now, I love the word neutral.”

Green Anchor Habits to stay centered while on a business trip

“I also participated in Mariella’s group habit training. That helped me to become aware of small habits that help me work through things when I’m in a high-energy demanding situation.”

“When I was in Quebec for 2 weeks on a business trip I used my Green Anchor Habit of having a slow cup of tea with a manga or podcast at the start of the day (and sometimes also at the end of the day) to mentally process and stay centered.”

“Even at times when I put in a lot of time into work (both in my previous and current position) and I haven't been keeping up with the cleaning as much, I can be more forgiving of myself. I know I'll be able to catch up. I am slowly catching up and it'll be fine.”

Continuing with an expansion program

“The one-on-one program helped me lay down the foundation and ground work necessary to build my communication skills and confidence. We did an incredible amount of revelation and work with only 4 calls. And yet, I knew I was only starting my journey. I wanted more time and practice to work with the tools so I decided to extend the one-on-one program. That expansion program helped me to solidify the foundation and further build my confidence. “

“Overall, this coaching experience provided not just self-awareness, but also practical strategies for navigating challenges, building strong relationships, and reaching goals with more ease and authenticity. I think I’m doing better work now, and able to handle the constant changes that are always going to happen in and out of the lab and office.”

“How was it to work with Mariella? It was a pleasure. She’s easy to talk with and she’s insightful, understanding, and knowledgeable. She’s really able to connect pieces together. I really wouldn't be where I am right now if I hadn't done my coaching with Mariella.”