DIALOG DESIGN - Full Case Study

Summary

Dialog Design engaged my firm to address a gap in their professional development efforts. While they had structured executive coaching for their Partners, their Associates weren't making the most of their professional development allowance due to the absence of a tailored program. Kenneth Cappie created a custom learning program that included one-on-one and group coaching, designed to meet the specific needs of the Associates while staying within their allocated budget.

This intensive 5-week program yielded exceptional results, with the Associates gaining clarity on various subjects from leadership to personal development, generating new ideas, strengthening camaraderie, and experiencing improved connection, confidence, and self-awareness. This journey fostered personal growth and the realization of the transformative potential of authentic interactions with colleagues. In addition to the coaching program itself, participants were encouraged, and have taken it upon themselves to further engage in peer coaching and regular discussion with one another to continue fostering a greater sense of engagement and mutual support.

The program followed a thoughtful structure including:

• Lunch n' learn discovery session initiated the program

• Pre-coaching surveys and in-depth issue identification

• Three 90-minute Coach-led Group Coaching Sessions

• A 90-minute participant-driven discussion forum

• Each Associate received 2 hours of personalized 1:1 coaching

• Option of Belbin Team Roles or Clifton Strengths assessment for deeper self-awareness

• Comprehensive follow-up for every participant

• Accessible modules via an interactive Coaching Portal platform HERE

• Resources included audiovisual materials, articles, podcasts, reflective activities, and session recordings (see appendix)

• High-level summaries for reinforced learning

• Open enrollment design for easy participation by future associates
  

  Review a walkthrough of the Coaching Portal HERE

Intentionally high impact, the program was also recognized as somewhat brief in fully exploring all potential topics of interest, particularly in terms of maintaining the positive influence and momentum of the 1-1 Coaching sessions for several associates. The coaching program also highlighted the absence of a tailored professional development program for Associates and non-partner employees at Dialog, emphasizing the importance of continuing support for personal and professional growth within the organization.

Key Take-Aways

Following the final group session designed to consolidate and integrate insights and learning from the program, participants determined the following to be the top 10 takeaways:

1. Action Plan Creation: Participants “appreciated assistance in formulating actionable plans” for personal and professional development.

2. Strategic Time Allocation: Emphasis was placed on “considering how time is allocated and making strategic decisions on what to say, ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to.”

3. Capacity for Reflection: The program encouraged the “development of a capacity to reflect, both on work and personal matters.”

4. Authenticity and Vulnerability: Individuals were prompted to “be more authentic and vulnerable in their professional identity, bringing their true selves to their work.”

5. Awareness of Internal Struggles: Recognition of the prevalence of internal struggles, e.g., “we’re all going through similar stresses and challenges” highlighting the importance of open communication about psychological states.

6. Connecting with Colleagues: The program's highlight was the “development of a sense of connection with colleagues”, fostering an environment where participants “felt comfortable being themselves and sharing goals.”

7. Focus on Personal Goals: Exploration of “methods to maintain focus on personal and professional goals” within the context of the firm.

8. Life-Work Balance Exploration: Participants “found value in exploring issues and brainstorming” related to life-work balance, questioning the possibility of “having it all,” and considering personal motivations for their work.

9. Reframing Personal Development: The coaching was helpful in “reframing participants' relationships with personal development and taking a fresh approach to things.”

10. Preference for Coach Ken's Sessions: Participants “expressed a significant preference for Coach Ken's meetings over regular Associates Meetings that didn’t provide the time to really explore underlying issues and were often viewed as political,” realizing the absence of a professional development program for Associates and non-partner employees at Dialog. I.e., Associates didn’t realize the lack until they experienced the benefits of the coaching program.

For more information, please contact Ken Cappie.