Each case study includes a brief description of the topic brought to coaching by the individual, along with some sample strategies designed to address one of the client’s intended outcomes. Each also includes a brief description of some of the results of our work together.
Situation
Yvonne was known by her peers as “the energizer bunny.” As the top sales leader in her organization, she had “beaten her own numbers” year after year, but at a high price. She sought out coaching to address a growing feeling that she was losing her edge, and letting others down in the process. It would take more than a new set of batteries to refuel this leader’s passion.
Sample outcome (one of three)
- You establish and maintain a rigorous program of self care for your body, mind, heart and spirit.
Sample Program Elements
- Establish time blocking strategies to maintain clear boundaries between work and recovery, work and play, work and home
- Read about the Enneagram Type Three Leader
- Observe your habit of saying yes to requests, and the patterns, people and situations that trigger this habit
- Establish a series of renewal rituals that you practice every 90 minutes at work
- Engage in an ongoing exploration: what is more important as a leader and a human being than metrics?
Results
Yvonne made significant lifestyle changes (eating, sleeping, exercising, meditating, journaling, going “off the grid”) that resulted in a fresh surge of clarity, confidence and enthusiasm at work, as well as a new understanding about what it was that she most wanted from her work. More passionate about her relationships and connections to people than about simply making the numbers, she recently accepted a new executive sales leader role in another organization where her priority is on developing and empowering others.
Situation
Dave is a successful consultant who facilitates international projects for a consortium of national enterprises, all of whom have competing interests as well as some shared goals. With the company’s history of hidden agendas and unspoken conflicts, Dave knew he needed to find a way to take risks and speak up, but he didn’t like to make waves. Things were “ok” as they were… and things might not work out if he spoke up. Was it a risk worth taking?
Sample Outcome (one of four)
- Develop a grounded, strong, alive presence and the increased capacity to withstand turbulence from within and without.
Sample Program Strategies
- Observe patterns and habits of feeling strong and grounded, and situations that bring feelings of weakness and lack of energy.
- Experiment with body stances that contribute to feelings of strength and stability.
- Explore the thoughts, feelings and sensations that arise when you take the above stand.
- In meetings, practice bringing your voice into conversations early and often.
- Identify and practice a core set of actions to prepare for confrontational conversations.
Results
Dave is learning the true meaning of confrontation: “to stand in front of…” He still occasionally experiences a moment of anxiety as he moves to inquire, assert or challenge. But he is gaining capacity, enjoying his ability to stand apart, and has wondered what it was that he thought was really at risk. He’s received feedback from others who appreciate his willingness to challenge and advocate for more complete understanding.