Case Studies
Real Success Stories from Leadership Coaching with Collective Energy
Case Study 1: Turning Around a Firm’s Largest Team by Coaching the Manager
Client: Senior Manager of a Large Team
Challenge:
After 15 years with the organization, including nearly a decade in leadership, this manager faced high turnover, low morale, and inconsistent results from their predominantly Gen Z team. Overwork and burnout resulted from a lack of delegation and poor work-life balance, leading the manager to be placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP).
Intervention:
Weekly 1:1 coaching sessions
Personality assessments for the manager and team members
1:1 in-person 360-degree feedback interviews with thematic analysis
Implementation of new meeting structures and cadences, including regular 1:1s with mgr and team members
Tailored delegation and feedback approaches considering Gen Z preferences
Professional development initiatives for both the manager and the team
Outcomes:
60% reduction in turnover, as Gen Z team members felt more valued and understood
Improved team dynamics through better understanding of Gen Z communication preferences
Enhanced internal and external client relationships due to improved team performance
Increased innovation and efficiency, as Gen Z employees were empowered to contribute ideas without micromanagement
Better work-life balance for the manager, leading to less burnout and a more balanced team
Improved communication and productivity within the team and across the firm
Key Insight:
"I was leading the way I had always perceived having been led, and it wasn’t working with this team. As my presence and relationships with the team improved, not only did our whole team improve, but my life outside of work benefited greatly."
Organizational Impact:
As the largest team in the firm, the improvements in retention, morale, and productivity were immediately noticeable. The success of this team reinforced the firm’s commitment to nurturing its younger Gen Z talent.
Case Study 2: Unleashing Potential Through Role Alignment at a Mid
Client: Experienced Manager at a Mid-Sized CPA Firm
Challenge:
While the manager was well-respected for their mentorship, especially by Gen Z staff, they struggled with project management, causing frustration among firm leadership.
Intervention:
Personality and skills assessments
Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions
Restructuring work habits and communication styles
Reframing career goals and aligning current role expectations
Breakthroughs:
Identified that the manager’s strengths aligned better with business development and training due to their ability to leverage their rapport with Gen Z staff
Implemented structured communication strategies, including email templates and regular check-ins to fulfill the expectations of firm leadership. Integrated different communications plans, more in person, to meet Gen Z’s need for frequent feedback
Shifted focus from long-term future goals to immediate project performance, addressing Gen Z's desire for clear, transparent guidance
Outcomes:
30% improvement in project budget realization within a quarter
Enhanced communication and transparency across projects, meeting Gen Z preferences for frequent updates
Increased trust and engagement between the manager, Gen Z staff, and leadership
Improved morale and mindset within the team, transforming the manager’s leadership style to better suit Gen Z work preferences
Key Insight:
"I felt more confident and less like a failure each time a new insight was discovered about how I function in this role. I know I am better suited for the future and that I have the skillset and practices to get there now, I wasn’t sure before. The response from my leadership on the incremental changes I made were a huge motivator as well as the way in which the staff responded to me."
Organizational Impact:
Balancing the manager’s long-term career development with immediate performance needs was essential for maintaining both manager and Gen Z staff engagement and success.