Finding Confidence and Clarity Through Coaching: Marija Hajduković’s Reflection
For Marija Hajduković, General Director of the Directorate for Strategic Planning in Public Administration, International Cooperation and IPA Funds at the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro, coaching became an opportunity to step back from the demands of her daily work, reflect on challenging situations, and discover new ways of approaching them. As a participant in the coaching component of the 24 PAR Strategy and PFM Reform Program Coaching Montenegro, implemented by the CEF under the EU-funded Action “Support to Coordination, Monitoring and Reporting on PAR Strategy and PFM Reform Programme 2022–2026”, Ms. Hajduković describes the experience as transformative for both her professional development and personal growth.
Reflecting on what coaching has brought to her professional life, Ms. Hajduković highlights the opportunity to approach familiar challenges from a new perspective and gain practical tools that she can apply in her daily work:
“Coaching has been a transformative experience for my professional development. It introduced me to a new perspective and approach that I had not previously explored. Through the detailed and personalized sessions with my coach, I gained practical tools to navigate the challenging situations I face daily at work. As a result, my internal confidence and external communication skills have significantly improved. This coaching has also helped me anticipate and prepare for potential communication crises, enabling me to respond more effectively and with greater composure. Overall, coaching has empowered me to handle my responsibilities with increased clarity and resilience.”
For Ms. Hajduković, the coaching process was not only about finding solutions to individual challenges, but also about taking a closer look at recurring situations, recognizing patterns, and identifying areas for further growth. She describes her learning and self-discovery process as follows:
“My learning process was very thorough and reflective. The coach guided me through an in-depth exploration of my typical challenges, helping me identify patterns and areas for growth. We worked together to dissect real-life scenarios, which allowed me to develop tailored strategies for improvement. The proactive anticipation of difficult communication events was particularly valuable, as it fostered a mindset of preparedness and adaptability. Throughout the process, I gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and limitations, which has been crucial for my ongoing personal and professional growth.”
The reflection and practical work undertaken during the coaching process also helped Ms. Hajduković develop capabilities that she can directly apply in her work, particularly when communicating and supporting her team in challenging situations:
“The coaching has equipped me with stronger communication skills, both in how I express myself and how I listen and respond to others. I have developed a greater awareness of the dynamics involved in challenging conversations and learned techniques to manage them more effectively. Additionally, the foresight and preparation skills I built through the coaching process have enhanced my ability to lead and support my team during difficult situations. These insights have directly contributed to a more confident and strategic approach in my daily work.”