Case Clinic
The Case Clinic is a peer coaching method that helps a case giver address a pressing leadership challenge by tapping into the collective wisdom of their peers. It fosters trust and generates innovative solutions through deep listening and generative dialogue.
Use this method when a leader faces a complex challenge and needs fresh perspectives from trusted colleagues. It's particularly effective when the leader is open to self-reflection and learning.
Solves: The leader feels stuck or isolated in their problem-solving, or when the team needs to build trust and psychological safety.
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Step 1: Role Definition (2 mins). Facilitator explains the roles: Case Giver (presents the challenge), Coaches (listen deeply, offer reflections), Timekeeper (tracks time).
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Step 2: Case Giver's Intention Statement (10-15 mins). The Case Giver shares their challenge, guided by these questions: Current situation, Stakeholders' perspectives, Intended future, Learning threshold, and specific areas where they need help. Coaches ask clarifying questions.
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Step 3: Stillness (2 mins). Coaches take a moment of silence to reflect on the case, paying attention to images, emotions, and potential gestures that arise.
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Step 4: Mirroring (10 mins). Each coach shares their reflections from the stillness exercise. The Case Giver listens without interruption, then responds to the coaches' feedback.
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Step 5: Generative Dialogue (20 mins). Facilitate a discussion where coaches and the Case Giver explore new perspectives and potential solutions, building on each other's ideas. Emphasize staying in service of the Case Giver's needs.
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Step 6: Closing Remarks (8 mins). Coaches share a final reflection. The Case Giver shares how they now see their situation and potential way forward. Everyone expresses appreciation.
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Step 7: Individual Journaling (2 mins). Participants write down what they learned from the process.
- Emphasize the importance of deep listening and non-judgmental feedback.
- Remind coaches to focus on offering reflections rather than giving advice.
- Keep a close eye on the time to ensure each step is completed within the allotted timeframe.
- Shorten the time for each step to fit within a shorter timeframe.
- Use a virtual whiteboard for collaborative note-taking during the generative dialogue.
- Incorporate mindfulness exercises before the stillness step to enhance focus and presence.