THE CONTEXT

R is a pediatrician and public health professional who has dedicated his career to diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses and improving health care delivery for children around the world. After several years focusing on child health research at a global non-profit, he was tapped to lead a 20-person team.

R had established working relationships with everyone on the team, but he wanted to step into this new leadership role with clarity and intention. He had participated indirectly in executive coaching for a peer and thought the process would help him start off on the right foot.

“I sought out coaching as part of the preparation for my new role so I could gain a better understanding of my own expectations and assumptions going in. I thought it would be a helpful part of the transition.”
- R, Director

CLARIFYING THE VISION

As R prepared to set a vision statement for his new team, Jennifer helped him think through which course of action to take, the possible consequences of each option, and how he would communicate the plan to his team. R wanted to make sure he was leading and speaking as his best self rather than his default self.

“It has been so helpful to have a sounding board; someone to sketch out possible challenges and situations. The process has helped me understand and articulate my goals as a leader, figure out what direction I want to take my team in, better organize my time, and make the transition as smooth as possible.”

PERSONALIZING THE PATH

Jennifer suggested an Integrative Enneagram assessment, which revealed that R resonated most with Style 2. These Considerate Helpers particularly value relationships and generosity, themes that mesh powerfully with R’s dedication to improving health care for children worldwide.

“I had done other personality assessments, but I found the Enneagram by far the most helpful. It provides a framework for discussion. It’s more of a living document that we reference again and again. I’ve learned what my strengths and weaknesses are, and how they can impact or hinder the way I lead.”

Jennifer tailored the results by incorporating specific examples and sharing relevant articles and resources between sessions, which made the tool even more powerful for R. As he set goals with his new team, he began to tune into how elements of his personality were showing up and where he might have a tendency to over function.

CATALYZING GROWTH

For R, one of the most significant impacts of the coaching has been helping him bring his leadership team together. In addition to clarifying his vision, his work with Jennifer has helped determine the ideal team structure, pave the way for important discussions, and facilitate more impactful collaboration.

“The process has helped me solidify how I want to lead. It’s been valuable for focusing on the issues I’m working on now and anticipating issues that might arise down the road. Without it I might be leading more reactively, dealing with things as they come up. But the coaching helps me to be proactive.”

Ultimately, R feels that working with Jennifer has made him a better leader by helping him carve out space to think ahead and prepare for the known and the unknown. Coaching has accelerated his growth at a critical career juncture—and his team’s growth and impact as a result.

“I really value and cherish how the coaching sessions helped me reflect and start thinking about relationships in general. I learned to reprioritize and shift my mindset.”