Coaching is aimed at thinking about topics and issues in a neutral framework with professional support and developing alternative perspectives and options for action. The practical change work is the responsibility of the clients themselves. The coach gives impulses, asks questions and helps with structuring and finding a sustainable solution.

A coaching process usually includes 3-5 sessions for a clearly defined concern. For more complex topics, further sessions are usually needed. For example, a process can take a few weeks or even a few months. Some clients also come back sporadically and some I have been accompanying and supporting for many years.

Everything we discuss remains confidential. I commit myself to data protection in accordance with the GDPR.

The coaching takes place either in my coaching space at Brüsseler Platz 10, 50672 in Cologne or online via Zoom / MS Teams, by phone or during a walk in one of Cologne's parks or on the Rhine.

We will discuss the fee in the first, free phone call. On request, I will also be happy to send this information in advance by email. Coaching and advice on professional topics is tax-deductible for private individuals in Germany.

Coaching for Scientists in Cologne or online

Q: Length of the coaching session

A coaching session usually lasts 1.5 - 3 hours. We discuss the timeframe at the beginning of the process, based on the topics and needs of the client.

Q: Time interval between sessions

The time interval is determined by the clients, I follow the respective pace. A 2-week interval is common, but you can also start with weekly appointments or choose a longer interval.

Role strenghthening and clarity: Resilient and high-performing

Empowering international scientists in their respective roles is particularly important to me. For me, this target group is the backbone of a sustainable and future-proof society.

Unfortunately, working conditions for scientists (not only) in Germany are often less than ideal and sometimes even extremely challenging.

In order to be able to conduct research and teach at the highest level, drive innovation and remain healthy in the long term, it is important to me to provide scientists with a safe space. In this space, I invite them to reflect on their individual situation, become aware of their needs, values and resources, and make decisions that will serve them well in the long term. This may mean consciously refocusing on what you are passionate about (or once were) and finding ways to fight for your convictions, take good care of yourself (and your team), or recognise that the time has come to put the skills and experience you have gained through research, teaching and, where applicable, leadership to good use in a different context.

If you, as an HR manager or people development specialist, are looking for coaches for your university coach pool, I would be delighted to hear from you. I also offer online group formats on topics such as dealing with change, stress management, feedback culture, peer coaching and other topics on request.

An exemplary selection of questions with which international clients come to me for coaching:

How can I manage to conduct research, teach, write proposals, publish, serve on committees, lead, and stay healthy all at the same time?

How can I do justice to myself and others with such a full workload?

As a leader, how can I promote self-organisation in my team while still maintaining an overview?

How do I stay true to my beliefs?

How do I take advantage of the freedoms I have as a scientist while still fulfilling my obligations?

How do I balance science with family or care work?

How do I find a healthy way of dealing with constant uncertainty when I don't yet have a permanent position?

How can I ensure that I take regular breaks and time off so that I don't burn out and stay healthy?

How do I deal with competitive pressure, envy or a toxic working environment?

How can I organise my everyday life autonomously and set my own goals if I am constantly being evaluated?

Should I take on another project/contract/postdoc – or is it time to leave?

How do I plan my exit from academia early and in a targeted manner?

How can I find out whether self-employment or founding a start-up is right for me?

How do I deal with discrimination or discriminatory experiences?

How can I decipher the unspoken rules of conduct and cultural codes of my team or institute?

How can I manage to learn German alongside my everyday university life?

FAQ's on Coaching and Consulting

Goal

Length of the coaching session

Number of sessions

Time interval between sessions

Confidentiality

Coaching location

Fee per session

Interested in a free introductory call at short notice?

You can reach me on Mondays between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays
between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. on +49 178 8498304, also via Signal. If I'm in a
conversation, I'll call back.

Contact

Process

What does that mean in concrete terms?

Step 1: Get to know each other without any obligation

We get to know each other in a 30-minute phone call and discuss what expectations you have for the coaching and what our cooperation could look like in concrete terms. You ask all the questions that are on your mind. I am also happy to explain in more detail how I work and we discuss the conditions.

Afterwards, you will take your time to consider whether I am the right person to help you to handle your topics.

Step 2: Get started

Once you have decided, we will arrange a first coaching appointment, either in my coaching space at Brüsseler Platz in Cologne or online via Zoom or MS Teams. For the first appointment, I estimate at least 90 minutes, so that we have enough time to clarify expectations and can already get into your topic.

We discuss the length and frequency of the follow-up appointments together. My aim is to help you effectively in a solution-oriented manner. Of course, you are free to opt out of the process at any time.

Step 3: Implement

In the coaching sessions, we analyze your issues, activate your resources and get you into action. Outside of the sessions with me, there is always a lot going on, both unconsciously in your head and in your behavior.

By deciding to seek support for an issue, you have already taken the first and most difficult step.

What my clients say:

I learned so much through coaching! I was at a real low point, full of (self-)doubt, loss of confidence and role uncertainty. The sessions with Nikola Heidrich were an insightful learning process and taught me methods and possibilities for professionalisation, strengthening and clarifying my position that feel just right for me personally and have strengthened me in my role as a leader and scientist.

Manager and scientist at the University of Cologne

Nikola draws on scientifically based methods and techniques and gives pragmatic, valuable tips and recommendations that can be easily and immediately implemented in everyday (professional) life. I have come to appreciate Nikola not only as a coach and a good listener, but also as a person. I would work with her again anytime.

Professor at the University of Cologne

I found the coaching with Nikola to be very pleasant and beneficial. She addressed my specific situation and worked with me to develop courses of action that I can easily apply in my everyday life. I came out of the coaching feeling stronger and more confident, and I would definitely use her services again.

Postdoc at the University of Cologne

Nikola's empathetic and competent coaching left a lasting impression on me. Every session was characterised by support and encouragement, which enabled me to reorient myself in a difficult professional situation. Thank you very much, dear Nikola – I would come back anytime.

Female professor at the University of Cologne

I would like to thank Nikola very much for her support. In our three sessions, she helped me with time and stress management. Thanks to her consistent motivation, I have actively started taking German lessons. She helped me to further improve my CV and my application profile. Above all, I really enjoyed our conversations and appreciated that she listened to all my professional problems and showed me how to deal with them and with myself. Although we only had a few sessions, she helped me develop a positive attitude to start the next chapter of my professional life :).