CyberData Corporation | Case Study
BACKGROUND
CyberData Corporation, based in Monterey, California, since its founding over 40 years ago, is a leader in designing, developing and manufacturing innovative SIP Endpoints for the SMB, healthcare, education and public/private sector and POS (Point of Sale) connectivity solutions. Allyn Donigian is the Director of Marketing and Channel Management at CyberData Corporation, and she is an Executive Coaching Client.
THE PROBLEM
Allyn says, “Sometimes at work, we get stuck. Maybe we lose a little passion, or we get bogged down with tasks that feel like drudgery, or events in our personal lives take over momentarily. It helps to have someone to strategize with who has worked with other organizations and their leadership teams to address these same issues.”
Allyn asked Jonathan for help in these areas in order to improve her business relationships and resolve issues within her team.
THE SOLUTION
As Allyn began working closely with Jonathan, the feedback she got from her team focused on some behaviors and certain things that she could be doing better. Jonathan provided a safe setting to share this feedback, allowing her to think about what she could be doing to improve this experience for her co-workers and herself:
“When someone asks you in a job interview ‘what are your weaknesses?’ – well, I heard them directly from my co-workers. And I addressed them (and greatly improved) by doing two things: throwing myself completely into Jonathan’s process and maintaining my monthly regular sessions with Jonathan and doing breathing exercises (I was told I’m impatient, and breathing has really helped!). My colleagues would now attest that I have learned well in this process with Jonathan, and that I don’t exhibit those weaknesses anymore. And it’s also made my relationships stronger with my colleagues.”
THE IMPACT
Working with Jonathan has not only helped Allyn in her work environment and with her team, but also in her personal life:
“It’s been a great experience to get feedback and insights and have the opportunity to share ideas with Jonathan before I bring up these subjects with my manager or the rest of my team. Part coach, part therapist, and always professional, Jonathan helps me navigate the choppy waters we may all experience and I always feel invigorated after our sessions together. Jonathan asks some hard questions and forces me to change my perspective or my assumptions. That’s a gift, and I’m grateful for it. It’s been a great experience for me, one that has improved my focus at work and sparked a renewed passion in all aspects of my life.”