Another Barrier Overcome by Stephen

Regular followers of our blog will know of the outstanding progress being made by Stephen, a 17 year old who is coming into KDS for mentoring sessions with Stevie and work experience on a day release basis from school. 

Stephen has spent just 7 days with us and so far he has had the opportunity to not only spend time shadowing Stevie but also to shadow 2 other company Directors. He has thrived on the responsibility and has been a great ambassador for our organisation.

On Friday, Stephen’s Mum (Elaine) called and had a conversation with Stevie regarding his progress. During the conversation she mentioned that there was an issue that she required some assistance with. Stephen is fiercely private about and his personal possessions and his Mum had never seen his homework or his folder from KDS which he collates all of his work in. Elaine even mentioned that she finds out more about what Stephen’s been up to on the KDS website than she does from Stephen!

Although Elaine has complete faith in Stevie and the work he does she really had doubts that Stevie would be able to change this behaviour.

This triggered Stevie to ensure that the next mentoring session was about this issue and communication in general. At KDS we have a unique culture and our communication strategy is at the heart of this.

Stevie challenged Stephen to go home that night and share the contents of his bag with his Mum, he gave him the techniques for dealing with any anxiety that might be attached to this. He also said that he should document the moment as it was a really important day.

And of course Stephen rose to the challenge! That night he went home and he let his Mum look through his bag and they went through his KDS folder together – WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!!

Elaine said: “I was totally surprised that Stephen let me see his folder! This is just something that I didn’t think would happen. I feel honoured and privileged that Stephen felt that he could share this with me. I see such big changes in Stephens’ confidence and just in his attitude in general since he has been working with Stevie. I am so thankful that he has been given the opportunity and I’m so proud of Stephen”
 

1 Comment

Posted by Joe Wilson on 07 February 2011

Stephen - you just continue to amaze. Every single challenge is faced and overcome. Great photo too, I can''t imagine how you and your mum must be feeling when this was taken. Can''t wait to see what''s next - truly inspirational.

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