Synchronizing the C-Suite
A CEO needed to improve his relationship with his CFO. They had been struggling for a while to manage their relationship effectively. With major changes taking place in the organization, they were stressed and found themselves arguing too much, being unproductive in meetings, wasting time and reducing productivity with the excessive tension and lack of clarity in their communication. They were both put off by this and came to me for support.
We developed a coaching plan with two objectives: (1) to reduce the amount of time spent arguing in meetings, and (2) to improve decision-making between the two parties. Our approach focused on building self-awareness; identifying personality differences and blind spots – pointing out how these show up in interactions and how to manage them effectively; relationship management; effective communication; enhancing executive presence and change management.
Over a six-month period, the CEO and his CFO saw a reduction in time spent arguing by approximately 55% and reported they experienced a significant improvement in decision-making. Both reported that they manage their relationship more effectively and have seen additional results in enhanced partnership, less stress, improved productivity and a burgeoning friendship.
Getting Culture Back On Track
A Senior Law Partner faced a challenging situation with her partners, which threatened her desire to continue practicing law, as well as the very existence of the firm. Through coaching, she realized that her sense of self had been challenged by the dynamics in the firm – thereby challenging her worth. She discovered that she and her partners were not exercising effective relationship management skills and the mission of the firm had been hijacked by a culture of personal survival.
Through challenge and support she regained her sense of self. She then challenged and supported her partners to take the steps necessary to examine and redefine their vision, mission, and the culture of the firm.
Not only has business improved significantly in terms of new clients and billable hours, her personal life has also benefitted from a more careful attention to nurturing important relationships.
Building Balanced Leaders
A Director of a Healthcare Facility, who is a smart, driven and ambitious individual, faced a challenging situation because she was not incorporating effective “people skills” into her leadership style. 360 interviews revealed that her colleagues saw her as extremely talented director. By some she was “super friendly,” and to others, she was a “bully.”
She also felt that she was, at times, quite the “bully”, and felt it was appropriate due to the nature of her job and the personalities she was working with. Through a transparent process of coaching which included stakeholders, she learned the impact both her verbal and nonverbal behaviors had on others. She was also able to calculate the financial impact on the organization.
She worked very hard to revamp her leadership style by improving her people skills and enhancing her social and emotional competencies. One primary proof point of her improvement is the reduction in reports to the Director of Human Resources. She is now regarded as a trusted leader to her employees and a major asset to her organization.
What are you looking for in a coach?
This is my passion and what I love to do. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and we can chat through whether or not coaching is a good fit for you. I know life is hectic, and give you my word that I’ll be respectful of your time!
Lisa brings over 25 years of experience to inform her work as an executive coach and consultant. Schedule a free one-on-one assessment today to find out if she can help you reach your full professional potential.
