THE CONTEXT

M is a Senior Program Manager for a nonprofit foundation working to improve educational outcomes across India through literacy, technology, and government advocacy.

Jennifer had a previous coaching relationship with Z, who had recently joined M’s team. Z is highly creative and desired to be treated more as a peer than as a subordinate. Z felt boxed in by M, who values structure and had strong opinions about how things should be done. With competing priorities and clashing communication styles, the relationship was tense, but Jennifer could tell there was a foundation of mutual respect to build on. She suggested a combination of individual and joint sessions to help the two improve their working relationship.

“Before working with Jennifer, I was tough on myself and tough on others. I was authoritative and judgmental. Now I’m more open and collaborative.”
- M, Senior Program Manager

CLARIFYING THE VISION

Before M and Z could be open with each other, they needed to get clear on their own styles and internal struggles. Jennifer began with three individual discovery sessions to set development goals, followed by alternating joint and individual sessions. Even though their video calls spanned many time zones—early in the morning for Jennifer and late at night for M and Z in India—they quickly established a strong rapport. Jennifer helped the pair articulate clear goals and come up with an action plan.

“Jennifer read our non-verbal cues so well. She’s very experienced at noticing facial expressions, picking up on passion and concern, and following up with the right questions.”

PERSONALIZING THE PATH

Jennifer did an Integrative Enneagram assessment, which evaluates core motivations, for both M and Z. Z resonated most with Enneagram Style 4 – Intense Creative, driven by a strong need to express individualism and authentic self. M resonates with Enneagram Style 1 – Strict Perfectionist, focused on things being done “the right way.” The tool gave M and Z a shared understanding and vocabulary to build on.

“I had done Myers Briggs before, but the Enneagram was richer and more helpful. It gave me a good understanding about myself—the way I interact, my relationship style, my shortcomings. It allowed me to be much more open and reflective in our joint coaching sessions.”

Jennifer recommended Crucial Conversations, a book that proved to be particularly useful to M due to its highly relevant examples and tools for being more intentional about relationships.

CATALYZING GROWTH

M had always prided herself on her excellence at completing tasks, but she now sees that she doesn’t always have to be the doer. She consciously carves out space for collaboration and discussion in meetings, which she finds leads to greater ownership and buy-in.

“It’s been a big shift. I understand that it’s not up to me to figure out what’s right and make others do it. Now I think: How do I allow for discussions where we can benefit from everyone’s pool of knowledge?”

The coaching has helped M shift from only being results-oriented to being relationship-oriented as well. She now understands that being good with people doesn’t mean being a pushover, but rather valuing their points of view, giving clear guidance, and ensuring they feel that they are contributing and growing. M’s work with Jennifer has helped her focus on inspiring her team to work together to solve the complex problems they face each day. M’s family and friends have also noticed that she is more patient, open, and accepting as a result of the coaching.

“My conversations with Jennifer enabled me to become a better people person. She pointed out that your communication style is not set in stone. You learn and you grow.”