Listed below are some of ClearWorth’s coaching work as case studies, with full permission of the participants:
To find out more about any of the development programmes listed on our site, or to discuss your organisational needs, contact ClearWorth.
Coaching case study: Managing expectations
Maarje is a senior manager in a media company in The Netherlands.
Maarje had been promoted into her role as Director of Publishing based on her technical abilities and track record of successful projects. Her concerns were that she would be unable to fulfil the company’s expectations of her managerial post.
Our work with her helped to clarify what the role entailed, where her acknowledged strengths would serve her well, and where she needed to give attention to development.
We explored her concerns about meeting others’ expectations and helped her identify and separate her concepts from the realities of the role. This allowed her to operate despite her doubts rather than be stuck and unable to function.
We worked directly with Maarje on some people issues – specifically addressing poor performance – and helped her to become more direct in her requests and requirements of others. This led to some specific work on initiating and managing change in the workplace and we helped her prepare for announcing and implementing new roles and responsibilities.
Coaching case study: Developing strategic thinking
Sheila is a director in the IT division of a major publishing organisation.
Sheila was aware that she would be required to describe her strategy for ensuring IT moved with the business and, at the same time, creating IT as a strategic initiator rather than an afterthought.
In a series of one-to-one sessions we taught Sheila the fundamentals of strategy and strategic thinking. Over a six week period she built her strategic plan and presentation and we helped her with her persuasion and influence skills, including drawing and re-thinking her network map to identify her stakeholders and focus her new found political skills.
Sheila was also able to practise and receive feedback and coaching on her key presentation to the managing board – resulting in fewer slides, more impact and a clearer message.
Coaching case study: Managing relationships
Michael is a high-flyer in a very competitive organisation.
Michael was very visible and well regarded for his ability to get things done. However, he was also building a reputation for results at the expense of relationships and was aware of lost support in some vital areas.
Everything about Michael exuded a sense of urgency and action and we had to work hard for him to accept that there was something to learn from slowing down, planning and thinking through options and outcomes. In a number of sessions we reviewed where things had not gone his way and how he had dealt with them. We helped to identify alternative ways to engage and involve others and, finally, how humility and listening fitted into even the most senior leader’s role.
We worked with Michael to examine his personal brand, voice and image and consider how his appearance, behaviour and relationships need to reflect his more senior role. We also helped him to expand his network of social and professional contacts in the wider business world.
Read all of our resources, feedback and case studies in About Us.
