CASE STUDY: Coaching for Results

The case studies outlined in the “Athena In Action” series are being shared as examples of the variety of solutions we have provided to our clients for over a decade.

 TOPIC: Executive Coaching

INDUSTRY:  Advertising

ASSESSMENT/SITUATION: I had met with the HR Director of this organization several months before I received a phone call requesting a coach for one of their managers. The HR Director was looking for someone to work with this very high-potential woman and help her develop her communication and leadership skills, as she was being considered for a promotion as part of their succession plan.  I knew immediately that the coach would be a perfect fit.

ATHENA PARTNER MATCHING:  I connect the HR Director to the Athena Alliance partner  who had extensive experience working with managers in this situation.

SOLUTION: The most important thing when selecting a coach is the fit. It is imperative that there is trust and that there is a connection.  I arranged for my partner to meet with the manager, and they had an instant connection.  My partner outlined a 1-year program that started with an assessment and included a combination of face-to-face meetings, Skype calls and books that needed to be read.  Everyone agreed that in order for the manager to make the necessary changes, it would take time and practice. The manager was grateful for the opportunity and expressed her commitment to do what needed to be done.

RESULTS:  This match was incredible! The manager embraced the coaching and did above and beyond what any of us expected.  She has now been promoted to a Director level, and there is even talk of her moving to a VP position in the next few years.  She still works with this coach on a less-frequent basis; in fact, she is now coaching some of her managers.

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