Here are eight case studies of assignments Elaine has worked on.
Corporate Enterpreneur
Coached a technology executive working in a commodities trading company who felt financially undercompensated and saw little hope for leadership advancement beyond his current position. An entrepreneur at heart, he had a business idea related to the commodities markets in which he worked. Instead of seeking outside start-up funding, Elaine suggested that he take his business concept in house to Senior Management for the initial capital. He persuaded Management to fund the effort in its entirety and was promoted from founder to CEO. After several years, he successfully spun off the company at a significant profit. He is now enjoying a temporary sabbatical.
Job Search
Advised a key Wall Street investment banker who was about to be let go due to a management reorganization. The aim was to help him move with confidentiality and speed to a new position without loss of reputation or income. The goal was to create a strategy to find the best fit, refresh his bio, resume, review his interviewing skills, and obtain an exit statement from his former firm. The client was hired within six weeks as Head of Investment Banking in a prestigious boutique international bank in Europe.
Dealing with a Difficult Boss
Advised an executive who was demoralized as a result of working for a boss with an industry-wide reputation of being temperamental. Helped her develop strategies and tactics to operate effectively under stress. She improved her self-control and influence skills, giving her the confidence to function with realistic expectations in an environment where she had little leadership control.
As a backup, we also prepared a search strategy to look for a new job while in her current position. This gave her more confidence knowing she had alternatives. Over time she found a satisfying position in a new industry and brought the skills she learned working for a difficult boss to similar challenges she later encountered.
Becoming a Better Boss
Supported the U.S. Division Head of a major international bank to reduce his volatile and aggressive behavior that was seriously impairing morale and productivity. Using the results of a 360° feedback survey, coached him on issues of motivation, control and delegation, as well as time management. The effects of the changes in his leadership style contributed to greater efficiency of the division as well as a significant increase in the bottom line.
The collaboration also resulted in a long-term alliance between Elaine and him, reshaping and strengthening HR, particularly in recruitment and management development, of the top 50 members of the Bank.