Case Studies

Case Study 1

Empowering a Team


JR is a hospital leader who found success and satisfaction in taking charge of problem solving. While a command and control mindset had served him well for many years, in his new position his lack of delegating capability left his staff underused and frustrated. The client described that he’d come by his style early in life. Usually being the smartest in the room, people counted on him to solve problems. In coaching he focused on broadening his leadership identity to one that shared responsibly, incorporated others' input, and delegated issues he’d previously solved himself. At first, it was difficult for him to slow down as he usually saw an answer quickly. With practice he began to appreciate how others' contributions expanded possibilities and solved many problems he originally took on.  This led to greater team satisfaction, creativity and effectiveness. It also freed his time to focus on his areas of greatest interest.

Case Study 2

Developing Effective Communication


KB is a scientific leader who had plateaued at her institution. While recognized for her scientific expertise, peer reviews showed she tended to dominate meetings in a way that felt harsh and alienated stakeholders. This limited her effectiveness.  She was surprised to learn this. She believed she was just offering the institution her best by speaking out. Once she gained the new awareness of how she was perceived, she incorporated active listen skills that showed a new level of curiosity for others' ideas.  This was quickly noted at her work and led to greater collaboration as well as heightened appreciation and respect for her. These changes led to her promotion.

Case Study 3

Establishing a Leadership Identity


AF is a new attending who wanted to increase her leadership identity by expanding her assertiveness. She noticed her hesitancy to challenge conflicting opinions.  She worked to broaden her mindset to seeing the leader she wanted to be. This involved establishing a core understanding of her leadership values and goals and identifying how she wanted to express them. She selected situations to begin communicating assertively. This led to confidence in advocating for her interests and opened up new professional opportunities.

Case Study 4

Resolving Burnout


JD is a cardiologist who noticed he was becoming more frustrated with the demands of work. Since his group’s hospital coverage changed, he became more annoyed by overnight call requests. One night he was very blunt with a nurse resulting in a complaint that he was rude, abrupt and devaluing. In coaching he stepped back to see the big picture. He realized his outburst was related to growing burnout from a schedule that was too exhausting. He used coaching to assess what he wanted for his current stage of life and set up a practice without hospital call and decreased office hours. This led to more satisfaction and joy in his life.

Case Study 1

Empowering a Team


JR is a hospital leader who found success and satisfaction in taking charge of problem solving. While a command and control mindset had served him well for many years, in his new position his lack of delegating capability left his staff underused and frustrated. The client described that he’d come by his style early in life. Usually being the smartest in the room, people counted on him to solve problems. In coaching he focused on broadening his leadership identity to one that shared responsibly, incorporated other’s input, and delegated issues he’d previously solved himself. At first, it was difficult to slow down as he usually saw an answer before others. With practice he began to appreciate that others input could solve many problems he originally took on.  This led to greater team satisfaction, creativity and effectiveness. It also expanded his time to focus on areas he enjoyed most. 

Case Study 2

Developing Effective Communication


KB is a scientific leader who had plateaued at her institution. While recognized for her scientific expertise, peer reviews showed she tended to dominate meetings in a way that felt harsh and alienated stakeholders. This limited her effectiveness.  She was surprised to learn this. She believed she was just offering the institution her best by speaking out. Once she gained the new awareness of how she was perceived, she incorporated active listen skills that showed a new level of curiosity for other’s ideas.  This was quickly noted at her work and led to greater collaboration as well as heightened appreciation and respect for her. These changes led to her promotion.

Case Study 3

Establishing a Leadership Identity


AF is a new attending who wanted to increase her leadership identity by expanding her assertiveness. She noticed her hesitancy to challenge conflicting opinions.  She worked to change her mindset from that of  a student to a team member. This involved establishing a core understanding of her leadership values and goals and identifying how she wanted to express them. She selected situations to begin communicating assertively. This led to confidence in advocating for her interests and opened up new professional opportunities.

Case Study 4

Resolving Burnout


JD is a cardiologist who noticed he was becoming more frustrated with the demands of work. Since his group’s hospital coverage changed, he became more annoyed by overnight call requests. One night he was very blunt with a nurse resulting in a complaint that he was rude, abrupt and devaluing. In coaching he stepped back to see the big picture. He realized his outburst was related to growing burnout from a schedule that was too exhausting. He used coaching to assess what he wanted for his current stage of life and set up a practice without hospital call and decreased office hours. This led to more satisfaction and joy in his life.

What Clients Say About Cathy

“Through coaching I’ve learned to give more constructive feedback in the moment, instead of putting it off. That has made me more effective in supporting staff growth.”




Medical Director, Illinois

“ Going through the coaching has vastly improved the way I communicate in all professional interactions. I’m much more effective. I think my relationships are stronger because I’m more sensitive to conversations and I’ve developed strategies to cope when I get frustrated.”


Surgeon,
Massachusetts

“Six months may be short but it’s made a big difference in my life. I think what has been most valuable is developing curiosity. I’ve learned to look at things from other peoples’ perspective.  What I've gained from coaching will  make different ending for my life.”

Neurologist, Massachusetts
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