The following blog follows Taylor Clarke's event on Let's Talk Team Coaching which featured Bonnie Clarke, CEO at Taylor Clarke, Fiona Ogg, CPO at Had Fab and Mark McDonald, Manufacturing Manager at Had Fab. If you would like to more about our approach to Team Coaching please get in touch.
Building Teams, Breaking Silos: How Team Coaching Sparked Change at Had Fab
At Had Fab, embracing a team coaching approach has set the stage for the beginnings of a cultural change journey. Guided by Bonnie Clarke from Taylor Clarke, the initiative has served as a catalyst, demonstrating that culture change is not only possible but achievable. While this is just the beginning, the changes already made, highlight the power of team coaching as the foundation for further development.
The Catalyst for Change
Had Fab recognised that its greatest asset was its people. However, silos and disconnection were hindering growth. Taylor Clarke’s team coaching programme sought to foster alignment, collaboration, and a "one team" culture—planting the seeds for a long-term cultural shift. "Team coaching is about unlocking a team's full potential, not just the individuals," Bonnie CEO at Taylor Clarke explained. By focusing on shared goals, ambitions, and relationships, the initiative provided a spark for the organisation to reimagine what could be achieved together.
A Transformational Journey
Mark, Had Fab’s Manufacturing Manager, described how coaching reshaped the team’s dynamics: "We had members of staff, but we didn’t have a team. Now, the supervisors and chargehands operate as one unit. The culture of blame is being replaced by curiosity and collaboration."
One poignant moment during an apprentice team coaching session, demonstrated this initial transformation. A young apprentice openly shared his feelings of sadness about a family member's illness, showcasing a new level of vulnerability and trust. Mark reflected: "The trust built in these sessions was extraordinary. They’ve become more than colleagues—they’re like brothers."
Recognising the Difference
The cultural transition extended beyond operational teams. Supervisors from production, design, and detailing now communicate more openly, addressing challenges proactively. "Now, if something goes wrong, someone will pick up the phone and call saying, 'Here’s a heads-up,' rather than pointing fingers," Mark noted. The impact gently bubbled throughout the organisation, making shifts that continue to make an impact. Fiona, Had Fab’s Chief People Officer, highlighted the cultural evolution: "This initiative wasn’t just about team coaching—it embedded a coaching mindset into the DNA of the organisation. Over 90% of our people now express care for each other and the business, which is extraordinary."
The Beginning of a Journey
While the initial results have been remarkable, this is just the start. The team coaching programme has laid a strong foundation, demonstrating that cultural change is possible and providing the tools for ongoing development. Fiona added: "It’s given us a platform for sustainable growth. Coaching has moved beyond sessions into how we operate."
Moving Forward – The Journey Continues
Had Fab’s journey so far is a powerful testament to the transformative power of coaching. By fostering collaboration and trust, the initiative has sparked a cultural shift and set the stage for long-term success. Yet, this is only the beginning. There is always more to be done, but recognising the progress made is crucial. "To truly lead is to unlock the potential of others," Bonnie remarked. At Had Fab, this philosophy is becoming a reality, creating a workplace where every voice matters and every team thrives.
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