Example: Friction Creates Heat

Client: Senior Aerospace Engineer

 

The Personal Challenge

An senior engineering manager found himself in a strange new cultureHaving spent the previous 15 years in a highly structured aerospace environment was hired into a smaller, less rigid custom engineering environment. He and his boss butted heads frequently to the point that neither one could say anything without encountering a knee-jerk objection. The engineering manager was about to quit in extreme frustration. 

Actions

  • Observed and analyzed interactions between the two individuals
  • Helped each party to identify the triggers to their frustrated and frustrating responses to the other
  • Analyzed the differences in professional backgrounds and the impact these had on the thought patterns and behaviors of each
  • Gradually developed a workable communication strategy


Results

The senior managing engineer nows feels respected by his boss and his boss has learned to hear him out before making judgements.  Each spends far less time arguing and more time solving problems collaboratively.