Interview… Managing conflict, building trust: coaching as a lever for transformation
Daniela Spataro
Sales and Merchandising Manager @DFS Italia | LVMH Group
1. What desire, challenge, or insight led you to begin this journey?
I began this journey following a role change within the company, which helped me better manage relationships with colleagues and the teams under my responsibility.
2. What tangible benefits have you observed in your work and/or within your team or context?
I learned to approach work contexts with less emotional involvement and attachment. I started to give things the right weight and to understand others by looking at them from a more detached, objective perspective. I was able to manage conflicts by turning them into opportunities, and I successfully brought key projects to completion by leveraging stronger negotiation skills, even when they had a significant impact.
3. What has been the most impactful insight you’ve gained?
During a project focused on redefining spaces, being able to speak up—even in front of top management in my company (CEO, Managing Director)—based on concrete, tangible facts and clearly demonstrating the value of my idea, gave me the strength to say to myself: “Well done, Dani!”
4. What would you say today to someone about to begin a coaching journey?
To experience it without bias, to let oneself be carried by the journey, and to learn to analyse contexts.
5. What obstacle once felt insurmountable at the beginning, and how did you overcome it?
A conflict with a colleague that, unfortunately, also had repercussions on my private life. I learned, not without difficulty, to see the challenge from my counterpart’s perspective and to understand how to derive “value” and solutions in order to avoid conflict and prevent the professional relationship from deteriorating, even in situations where I did not have a direct interest in doing so.
6. What made this experience different from other training, mentoring, or coaching you’ve had?
With its simplicity, it manages to transport you into a context where everything feels easier and more attainable.
7. If you had to summarize your experience in one sentence, what would it be?
Put yourself out there!