The Challenge

My client’s C-level leader suggested she needed help to dissolve communication barriers between her, a non-digital native, and a team of technology experts. As a seasoned Vice President, my client was known to be ‘intense’ in certain situations. She also had objectives to improve brevity, patience, and make certain that her behaviors reflected her level of engagement during conversations.

WHAT WE DID

Initial 360 Reviews

I started by performing a 360 review with my client’s leader, peers, and direct reports to establish a baseline of her strengths and weaknesses as a communicator. This input is extremely helpful for underscoring known areas of improvement but also identifying blind spots. An in-depth interview with my client is also part of the review. This front-end research, as well as familiarity with the organization and its dynamics allowed me to triangulate the information and make an accurate assessment of my client’s behavior and the drivers behind it. This process allowed me to make recommendations to positively change the impact of her communication habits in a way that remained authentic to her and her values.

Tools, Understanding, & Research

To help my client address her areas of growth, I shared strategies and tools to help her develop stronger communication habits. These included developing body language practices to ease tensions, implementing the concept of 'Kairos,” and practicing tactical empathy.

We also worked on developing her active listening skills - which takes time, effort, and patience - when managing her team. This helped her team come to better conclusions on their own and become more autonomous leaders.

Follow up 360 Reviews

I conducted a final follow up 360 review with the same leaders, peers, and direct reports to see if they perceived changes or improvements in my clients communication, behavior, and perceived engagement level. This final 360 report not only served as a powerful acknowledgement of her progress, but also as a motivator for my client to continue with her development efforts.

THE RESULT

My client’s “success rate” of being heard and speed of decisions being made increased significantly.  Our work together made an impact, people noticed and she was improving relationships!

She went on to report:

“I’ve had several opportunities where communications coaches have helped me with content, content structure, presence and polish – all critical components of effective communication and presentation.  Christine is capable and helped me in those ways too, but took it a level deeper.

Christine has turned into the “angel on my shoulder” when I feel old habits rear their ugly head. I know I have improved professionally from her guidance and am getting more satisfaction out of my job.”