Strengthening Credo Bank HR Team Through Team Coaching
Team coaching workshop with Credo Bank HR team in Georgia, focusing on negotiation skills and conflict resolution. Led by Berlin-based coach Natia Mikhanashvili, the session enhanced the HR team’s ability to handle workplace dynamics in a 5,000+ employee organization.
In September, I traveled from Berlin to Georgia to facilitate a two-day team coaching workshop with the HR team at Credo Bank. This was not just another assignment for me—Credo Bank’s HR department holds a special place in my heart. Having spent over a decade building this team from scratch, it was deeply emotional to return and coach a group of 20 senior HR professionals who now oversee the people agenda for an organization of more than 5,000 employees.
A Deeply Personal Engagement
Coming back to work with the HR team I helped establish felt like a homecoming. Now, as a coach, it was my privilege to guide them through a workshop that focused on two core competencies: Negotiation Skills and Conflict Resolution.
Both of these skills are essential for HR professionals who need to balance the needs of employees with the strategic goals of the business. In a fast-growing organization like Credo Bank, mastering these areas can make the difference between simply managing processes and driving true organizational impact.
A Focus on Practical Skills
At Persona Coaching, my approach to team development is rooted in real-world application. For the Credo HR team, we focused on practical tools, not just theory. Through role plays, real-life case studies, and interactive exercises, the team was able to sharpen their skills in both negotiation and conflict resolution.
For the Negotiation Skills segment, I introduced methods from Chris Voss’s book, Never Split the Difference. Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, presents highly effective, psychology-driven techniques for negotiation. His approach is centered around understanding human behavior and using tactical empathy to build rapport, gain trust, and find solutions that go beyond compromise. This book has been transformative in how I approach negotiations, and it was rewarding to see the team at Credo Bank quickly adopt and apply these techniques in their role-playing scenarios.
Key Workshop Takeaways
Negotiation Skills:
Negotiation in HR goes beyond simple agreements—it’s about reaching outcomes that align with both the business and employee needs. Using Voss’s methods, the team practiced tactics like mirroring, labeling emotions, and asking calibrated questions to diffuse tension and steer conversations toward positive outcomes. This hands-on approach was a game-changer, allowing the team to feel more equipped to handle real-world negotiation scenarios.Conflict Resolution:
Conflict is a natural part of any organization, especially in a company of Credo Bank's size. The HR team learned how to handle conflicts with empathy, using tools that promote understanding and foster constructive conversations. We practiced active listening, managing difficult conversations, and creating environments where employees feel heard and valued. By the end of the workshop, the team had developed the confidence and strategies to approach conflict with a mindset of resolution and growth.
A Personal Reflection
This team coaching experience was one of the most meaningful of my career. Having been a part of Credo Bank’s HR team from its inception, watching it grow and then having the chance to coach this incredible group was emotional and deeply rewarding. The team’s journey from a single-person function to a robust, professional HR department is a testament to the power of dedication and continuous development.
The two days spent in Georgia left me feeling both proud and inspired. The team’s commitment to learning and growth was palpable, and I’m excited to see how they continue to implement the strategies we explored together.
A Path Forward
This workshop was more than just a training—it was a stepping stone toward even greater success for the Credo Bank HR team. They now possess advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills, which will undoubtedly strengthen their ability to support the organization’s goals while fostering a healthy, engaged workforce.
At Persona Coaching, I’m passionate about helping teams like this one unlock their potential through practical, results-driven coaching. If you’re ready to take your team to the next level, let’s connect.
