Coaching: in-depth insights for outplacement and career development

The Talent Solutions division focuses on organisational and HR matters, assessment and development centres, and on training and coaching for a large number of candidates and clients in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Three-day MyDrives certification

Tom: ‘ITZU has a total of 1,200 employees, 60 of whom are active within Talent Solutions. Together with 9 colleagues, I successfully took part in the three-day MyDrives certification. As a result, we may now call ourselves MyDrives consultants and can apply the MyDrives tool ourselves in practice. One of the elements of the certification was the MyDrives application for coaching: in-depth insights for outplacement and career development. Both our ITZU and Hura coaches are highly skilled and experienced in guiding people across a wide range of areas: from career orientation and competence building through to leadership coaching. With the MyDrives training, we wanted to give our coaches even more tools to delve more deeply, during the guidance process, into the heart of what drives people. Or: why do they do the things they do in a way that is so characteristic of them?’

With the MyDrives training, we wanted to give our coaches even more tools to delve more deeply into the heart of what drives people.

The iceberg model and seven-colour theory

Tom: ‘To explore that intriguing question, MyDrives uses what is known as the iceberg model. It shows how each person’s personality is built up. In the upper part, the tip of the iceberg, your behaviour is visible. In the part below the waterline lie your hidden drives. Those drives steer the behaviour above the water.’

Marc Stijfs, founder of the MyDrives MyHabits MyMatch total methodology, adds: ‘We also “immersed” the certification participants in the seven-colour theory that underpins MyDrives. That, too, teaches them what it is essentially all about: getting to know yourself and others better in order to achieve better performance together. For example, someone with a predominantly red drive is decisive by nature, while someone with a mainly blue drive values structure. And so on.’

Who looks through which coloured lens?

Marc: ‘The explanation of the iceberg model and the seven-colour theory is part of the theoretical side of MyDrives. But it is always followed by practical exercises.’ Tom: ‘What I remember with pleasure was the practical exercise with the different coloured glasses. In a playful way, you learn through which coloured lens you yourself look as an individual and through which personally coloured lens someone else does so. You then also gain an immediate, clear view of the behaviour that flows from this.’ Marc: ‘For a certified MyDrives consultant in particular, it is important to have a clear insight into all the colour profiles and to be able to explain them positively, regardless of your own profile. Based on the seven-colour theory, you can also predict, among other things, which person has which leadership qualities and how to conduct a successful coaching conversation.’

High-quality application of the MyDrives tool

Marc: ‘The MyDrives certification always ends with an exam. This guarantees that our consultants apply the MyDrives tool to a high standard. In addition, our consultants receive a standard feedback form on which they can indicate how the MyDrives team might further sharpen the certification.’ Tom: ‘Overall, I would say that MyDrives has clearly proven its added value for our organisation. Both in terms of theory and practice, it was a highly successful experience. What is also wonderful: even before the three-day certification had finished, a client of ITZU came forward asking for additional personal substantiation around the hiring of a candidate. We were able to respond to that straight away! Two further, not unimportant details: the accompanying texts of the MyDrives tool are as accessible as they are clear. The same goes for the illustrations and other design that make MyDrives what it is.’