The Ascender Coaching Process
Ascender works with our Clients to assess the Client's Business Quality of Life (BQL), that is, their degree of satisfaction, and fulfillment in their existing Career, or business using unique assessment tools. Once the root issues are uncovered, we work with the Client to build a unique Client Vision. Ascender then works with the Client to map the Client Vision to workable Action Plan. Ascender works with the Client to flesh out one month, six month, twelve month, and long term strategies to deliver best possible outcomes tailored to the Client's unique Vision for their Professional growth. Deep dives exposing the root issues that hold the Client back from achieving their dreams, and enhancing the Client's Professional quality of life are keys to a successful partnering. A high priority is conscious pursuit of quality professional awareness, and advancement. Promoted awareness drives a fundamental shift, and can support improvement in the Client's professional effectiveness, confidence, sense of purpose, and overall life success. Ascender's operating model allows best use of Client time, and minimal disruption for other obligations in a busy professional's daily life. For illustration of our process, below are case studies based on our work with real Clients. For more information, and to schedule a free consultation, see Contact Ascender.
Case Study Sample One:
CLIENT CASE BACKGROUND:
Client Name: Chris Donnor (not real name)
Education: Completed BA in Social Sciences area
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Family: One Daughter
Married: 4 years into a stable relationship
Heath: Has experienced health issues that impacted job attendance and performance
Employment Status: Unemployed at time of intake.
Client History: At time of intake client, Chris had been unemployed for approximately 2 months. Some recent health issues had impacted job attendance, and to some degree job performance. This led to forced leave from Chris’s previous job. Chris had been referred to Ascender by a local professional. Chris had never worked with a professional coach prior to intake with Ascender. Chris had limited resources due to recent loss of job, and health expenses. During intake Chris expressed a desire to get help on career focus, to regroup and land a job in the next couple months.
GOALS and BLOCKS:
Goals:
Client made a goal of finding the best career path.
Client made a goal of securing a new job in the coming 2 months.
Client made a goal of opening an unemployment insurance claim.
Client made a goal of improving her health.
Blocks:
Client had severe lack of focus for a career path. (Client expressed a couple times that she just knew she “…hated her last job…” and did not want to repeat this experience.
Client finances were very limited.
Recent health issues impacted Client’s energy level, and made working a full time position very challenging.
ASCENDER PROCESS:
Intake began with an assessment of goals, blocks, for the coming 90 days. Based on goal setting and Client expectations, an agreement was made to meet weekly after receipt of a retainer. To aid in understanding the likes/dislikes of the Client, and also to help find a career path, Ascender recommended the Client complete 2 personality preference tests. Client completed the personality preference test, and Ascender met and reviewed the results. In the first session the Client, and Ascender did a deep dive into Client strengths. Some of the “discovered” Client strength’s included creativity, commitment, responsible, and problem solving skills. Ascender also worked with the Client on reviewing her past job history, and was able to identify the top three positions that made the Client happiest. To help in finding a career path, Ascender recommended the Client take an additional assessment that would not only capture preferences, but also map those preferences to specific jobs.
The second session started with a review of action items from the previous week. Following this review, the Client set the topic for the session as defining criteria to narrow her job search. Ascender suggested a brainstorming session to identify criteria to narrow the search. In the course of the brainstorming session the follow criteria were identified as important for the next job: Industry, Location, Salary, align with Client Education, Flexibility (WFH), working Schedule, and Benefits. In addition, the Client, and Ascender did a deep dive into Industry consideration. Results from the deep dive indicated Health Care, Social Services, Financial/Banks, Accounting, Government, Legal, and Management as having potential. In consideration of time, and to get the most benefit out of the coaching retainer, the agreement was made to meet again in 2 weeks.
As in session number 2, session 3 started with a status on Client action items. Due to Client health issues, it seemed likely that the Client could not start a full time position for another three to four weeks. It was agreed that the Client start applying for positions that interested her, as the hiring process can take a month or more, depending on the organization. The topic for session three was to narrow down industries, and narrow in on specific companies, and organizations. The Client and Ascender did a deep dive into the industry topic, and though dialogue weighing out positives, and negatives, the Health Care Industry came to the fore front as the most promising for the Client. Best methods for applying for jobs were discussed, and the Client committed to capture information on specific jobs that had appeal for her, and to apply for several jobs before the next session. An agreement was made to meet in three weeks.
Following form, session number 4 began with a review of Client action items from session 3. The Client expressed the need to develop the best specific options that would help her best identify and apply for jobs of interest. Specific companies in the area of health care were discussed, and a plan for approaching each was discussed. Ascender suggested a brainstorming session to creatively identify other channels to identify potential jobs. From the brainstorming session nine additional approaches were identified to pursue “hidden” jobs. The Client committed to utilizing LinkedIn for job leads, and to develop a personal pitch.
The fifth and final session was a review of action items and a discussion of next steps. Financial constraints prevented further coaching sessions at that time. The Client reported that she had three job interviews in the last 2 weeks and had a follow up interview scheduled. Both the Client, and Ascender felt she was close to a job offer. Ascender used the final session to review best interview techniques, and how best to present the ending of her last job. Ascender supplied the Client with a list of questions that are most likely to be asked at a job interview, and Ascender provided coaching on best practices for handling interviews. Ascender said they could continue to be a resource, and a one off session if necessary could be arranged.
RESULTS FROM THE COACHING PROCESS:
CLIENT UPDATE:
Client Name: Chris Donnor (not real name)
Education: Completed BA in Social Sciences area
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Family: One Daughter
Married: 4 years into a stable relationship
Heath: Has experienced health issues that impacted job attendance and performance
Employment Status: Unemployed at time of intake.
Client History: At time of intake client, Chris had been unemployed for approximately 2 months. Some recent health issues had impacted job attendance, and to some degree job performance. This led to forced leave from Chris’s previous job. Chris had been referred to Ascender by a local professional. Chris had never worked with a professional coach prior to intake with Ascender. Chris had limited resources due to recent loss of job, and health expenses. During intake Chris expressed a desire to get help on career focus, to regroup and land a job in the next couple months.
GOALS and BLOCKS:
Goals:
Client made a goal of finding the best career path.
Client made a goal of securing a new job in the coming 2 months.
Client made a goal of opening an unemployment insurance claim.
Client made a goal of improving her health.
Blocks:
Client had severe lack of focus for a career path. (Client expressed a couple times that she just knew she “…hated her last job…” and did not want to repeat this experience.
Client finances were very limited.
Recent health issues impacted Client’s energy level, and made working a full time position very challenging.
ASCENDER PROCESS:
Intake began with an assessment of goals, blocks, for the coming 90 days. Based on goal setting and Client expectations, an agreement was made to meet weekly after receipt of a retainer. To aid in understanding the likes/dislikes of the Client, and also to help find a career path, Ascender recommended the Client complete 2 personality preference tests. Client completed the personality preference test, and Ascender met and reviewed the results. In the first session the Client, and Ascender did a deep dive into Client strengths. Some of the “discovered” Client strength’s included creativity, commitment, responsible, and problem solving skills. Ascender also worked with the Client on reviewing her past job history, and was able to identify the top three positions that made the Client happiest. To help in finding a career path, Ascender recommended the Client take an additional assessment that would not only capture preferences, but also map those preferences to specific jobs.
The second session started with a review of action items from the previous week. Following this review, the Client set the topic for the session as defining criteria to narrow her job search. Ascender suggested a brainstorming session to identify criteria to narrow the search. In the course of the brainstorming session the follow criteria were identified as important for the next job: Industry, Location, Salary, align with Client Education, Flexibility (WFH), working Schedule, and Benefits. In addition, the Client, and Ascender did a deep dive into Industry consideration. Results from the deep dive indicated Health Care, Social Services, Financial/Banks, Accounting, Government, Legal, and Management as having potential. In consideration of time, and to get the most benefit out of the coaching retainer, the agreement was made to meet again in 2 weeks.
As in session number 2, session 3 started with a status on Client action items. Due to Client health issues, it seemed likely that the Client could not start a full time position for another three to four weeks. It was agreed that the Client start applying for positions that interested her, as the hiring process can take a month or more, depending on the organization. The topic for session three was to narrow down industries, and narrow in on specific companies, and organizations. The Client and Ascender did a deep dive into the industry topic, and though dialogue weighing out positives, and negatives, the Health Care Industry came to the fore front as the most promising for the Client. Best methods for applying for jobs were discussed, and the Client committed to capture information on specific jobs that had appeal for her, and to apply for several jobs before the next session. An agreement was made to meet in three weeks.
Following form, session number 4 began with a review of Client action items from session 3. The Client expressed the need to develop the best specific options that would help her best identify and apply for jobs of interest. Specific companies in the area of health care were discussed, and a plan for approaching each was discussed. Ascender suggested a brainstorming session to creatively identify other channels to identify potential jobs. From the brainstorming session nine additional approaches were identified to pursue “hidden” jobs. The Client committed to utilizing LinkedIn for job leads, and to develop a personal pitch.
The fifth and final session was a review of action items and a discussion of next steps. Financial constraints prevented further coaching sessions at that time. The Client reported that she had three job interviews in the last 2 weeks and had a follow up interview scheduled. Both the Client, and Ascender felt she was close to a job offer. Ascender used the final session to review best interview techniques, and how best to present the ending of her last job. Ascender supplied the Client with a list of questions that are most likely to be asked at a job interview, and Ascender provided coaching on best practices for handling interviews. Ascender said they could continue to be a resource, and a one off session if necessary could be arranged.
RESULTS FROM THE COACHING PROCESS:
- The best Career path for the Client was identified, including industry, and job functions.
- Client was coached on best ways to locate positions of interest, and job interviewing techniques.
- Client actively interviewing for position that would meet her criteria, including salary, and job satisfaction.
- Client secured unemployment insurance.
- Client health improved.
CLIENT UPDATE:
- Client secured a full time professional position with a large health care organization within 2 weeks of last coaching session.
- Client has expressed that Ascender Coaching improved her confidence, and focus.
- Client expressed thanks to Ascender for landing a position that she may not have considered if she had not gone through the Coaching experience.
Case Study Sample Two:
CLIENT CASE BACKGROUND:
Client Name: Joe Anders (not real name)
Education: MBA
Age: 49
Gender: Male
Family: Married, 2 young children
Married: Over 10-year marriage
Heath: Good. No significant health issues.
Employment Status: Employed in Full Time Professional Position, Income through investments, and some entrepreneur activities.
Client History: Client is a successful professional, with many assets, and track record of success as an entrepreneur. Client’s married life, and family is stable and enriching. Client engaged with Ascender to help sort out the Client’s various business, and professional options. Client needed help deciding if they were better off to continue with their “day job”, or to leave this behind and put efforts into 2 or more entrepreneurial projects. Client also wanted help on making a decision to acquire 2 or more additional investment opportunities.
GOALS and BLOCKS:
Goals:
Blocks:
The Client faced some challenges in liquidity due to the unusually high amount of investments he held.
The Client was dealing with some time issues as he was handling a fair number of administrative tasks for both his day job, and entrepreneurial projects.
The Client expressed that demands to complete current work tend to detract from future business, and career research, and planning.
Client time is further limited by community volunteer commitments.
ASCENDER PROCESS:
Intake began with an assessment of goals, blocks, for the coming 90 days. The initial intake was long, and detailed. Based on Client expectations, and available time, the agreement was made to meet once a month for four months, with the expectation that the fourth session would be the end of the process. Because of the length, and detailed discussed during an intake, this initial meeting was essentially a first session.
Session two began with a review of two assigned personality inventories. The Client and Ascender reviewed the responses in detail. The Client had follow up questions on one personality preference test that required follow up by Ascender. Ascender agreed to send additional information to the Client before the next session. The Client set the agenda for the balance of the session as a discussion of Client Dreams, or goals. There was in depth discussion to uncover the various business activities that the Client was active in. This involved a mapping of how much of the Client’s time was spent for each business entity. Ascender worked with the Client to identify that the Client’s success was a measure of Compensation, Family, and (non-monetary) Rewards. The Client Vision needed to satisfy these three elements. The Client agreed to create a method, or tool that would best help him arrive at what his next best business or career step would be. As a follow up Ascender provided additional information to the Client on personality types. Ascender also provided some additional suggested reading.
Session three started with a review of a Risk Profile that the Client had created and populated. During course of the dialogue, it was noted that the Client seemed happiest when there was some risk involved in his activities. “Small risk means small payoff” was noted. There was considerable discussion of what the impact would be if the Client left his “day job” and devoted time and energy exclusively to entrepreneurial work. A significant realization was that the entrepreneurial life style could eat up as much as 80 plus work hours per week. This large block of time would detract from time available for family, community, and church activity. Ascender suggested that the Client work though the likes, and dislikes of the activities that the Client was doing now and the Client committed to doing this work. Ascender’s assumption was that if the current likes, and dislikes were identified, this would give direction on what activities the Client would find most fulfilling going forward.
Following the normal format, session four started with a review of work committed to in the previous session. This was a review of the activities that the Client was currently doing. The matrix the client produced was further organized to activities by job function, and business opportunity. During the course of dialogue, it was noted that the Client felt he was best to leverage the contacts, and experience he had built in the careers, and investments over the last twenty years. The realization was made that the main business activity that had supported him, and his family would continue – most likely until the end of his career. Small areas of responsibility that the Client disliked would be delegated, and in the near future his involvement with them would end. For the remaining side-business opportunities, Ascender suggested adding the criteria of how the Client felt about the specific task and this would be guidance on which options to pursue, and which to discontinue.
RESULTS FROM THE COACHING PROCESS:
CLIENT UPDATE:
Client Name: Joe Anders (not real name)
Education: MBA
Age: 49
Gender: Male
Family: Married, 2 young children
Married: Over 10-year marriage
Heath: Good. No significant health issues.
Employment Status: Employed in Full Time Professional Position, Income through investments, and some entrepreneur activities.
Client History: Client is a successful professional, with many assets, and track record of success as an entrepreneur. Client’s married life, and family is stable and enriching. Client engaged with Ascender to help sort out the Client’s various business, and professional options. Client needed help deciding if they were better off to continue with their “day job”, or to leave this behind and put efforts into 2 or more entrepreneurial projects. Client also wanted help on making a decision to acquire 2 or more additional investment opportunities.
GOALS and BLOCKS:
Goals:
- The Client made a goal of completing 5 important transactions for his FTE (Day Job).
- The Client made a goal to stake off time to devote to his wife, and family.
- The Client made a goal to complete remodeling projects for his home.
- The Client made a goal of continuing to pay down his debt.
- The Client long term goal was to identify his Career, and Life Dreams – consider if he is aiming high enough in his goals.
Blocks:
The Client faced some challenges in liquidity due to the unusually high amount of investments he held.
The Client was dealing with some time issues as he was handling a fair number of administrative tasks for both his day job, and entrepreneurial projects.
The Client expressed that demands to complete current work tend to detract from future business, and career research, and planning.
Client time is further limited by community volunteer commitments.
ASCENDER PROCESS:
Intake began with an assessment of goals, blocks, for the coming 90 days. The initial intake was long, and detailed. Based on Client expectations, and available time, the agreement was made to meet once a month for four months, with the expectation that the fourth session would be the end of the process. Because of the length, and detailed discussed during an intake, this initial meeting was essentially a first session.
Session two began with a review of two assigned personality inventories. The Client and Ascender reviewed the responses in detail. The Client had follow up questions on one personality preference test that required follow up by Ascender. Ascender agreed to send additional information to the Client before the next session. The Client set the agenda for the balance of the session as a discussion of Client Dreams, or goals. There was in depth discussion to uncover the various business activities that the Client was active in. This involved a mapping of how much of the Client’s time was spent for each business entity. Ascender worked with the Client to identify that the Client’s success was a measure of Compensation, Family, and (non-monetary) Rewards. The Client Vision needed to satisfy these three elements. The Client agreed to create a method, or tool that would best help him arrive at what his next best business or career step would be. As a follow up Ascender provided additional information to the Client on personality types. Ascender also provided some additional suggested reading.
Session three started with a review of a Risk Profile that the Client had created and populated. During course of the dialogue, it was noted that the Client seemed happiest when there was some risk involved in his activities. “Small risk means small payoff” was noted. There was considerable discussion of what the impact would be if the Client left his “day job” and devoted time and energy exclusively to entrepreneurial work. A significant realization was that the entrepreneurial life style could eat up as much as 80 plus work hours per week. This large block of time would detract from time available for family, community, and church activity. Ascender suggested that the Client work though the likes, and dislikes of the activities that the Client was doing now and the Client committed to doing this work. Ascender’s assumption was that if the current likes, and dislikes were identified, this would give direction on what activities the Client would find most fulfilling going forward.
Following the normal format, session four started with a review of work committed to in the previous session. This was a review of the activities that the Client was currently doing. The matrix the client produced was further organized to activities by job function, and business opportunity. During the course of dialogue, it was noted that the Client felt he was best to leverage the contacts, and experience he had built in the careers, and investments over the last twenty years. The realization was made that the main business activity that had supported him, and his family would continue – most likely until the end of his career. Small areas of responsibility that the Client disliked would be delegated, and in the near future his involvement with them would end. For the remaining side-business opportunities, Ascender suggested adding the criteria of how the Client felt about the specific task and this would be guidance on which options to pursue, and which to discontinue.
RESULTS FROM THE COACHING PROCESS:
- Based on the work done with Ascender the Client made the decision to stay in his current professional position.
- Client has resolved to spin off areas of his side business that he has enjoyed the least.
- Client has made the decision to continue his entrepreneurial activities through special projects. These continue to be areas where the Client has had success in the past, and will also allow him to stretch into new areas of endeavor. This is as opposed to making the “entrepreneurial special projects” the full-time focus which was a distinct, but riskier, consideration.
- The Client has reported greater comfort, clarity, and sense of direction in his career path based on work with Ascender.
- The Client has reported that he feels he has better balance in his career thanks to work with Ascender, and this balance in career has allowed better balance with his family, and other areas that enrich his life.
CLIENT UPDATE:
- Client continues to be successful in his primary profession (his “day job”).
- Client is in the process of spinning off investments that have high administrative over-head for his time, and effort, and in areas that he finds he enjoys the least.
- Client continues to take on special projects as opportunity arises. He has found these special projects satisfy his entrepreneurial side while moderating overall professional financial risk profile.
- Client continues to plan for, and enjoy time with his family.
- Client feels he is more “comfortable” now that his go-forward career approach has better focus and clarity and balance.