ric is currently employed as a Consultant with the major management consulting firm, XYZ Inc. The firm has 36,000 employees worldwide and consistently ranks in the top 3 consulting firms globally. XYZ strives to build more durable companies for future generations, protect their brand, meet their commitment to their stakeholders, and develop their people.

Eric completed 5 rounds in the interview process and has a probation period of 6 months.

As a Consultant, Eric has joined a team developing (and selling) strategic marketing plans for their clients. The hours are long, the work is competitive, and Eric travels 80% of the time, usually only seeing his 2 young children and his partner from Friday morning till Sunday night before he flies out again. Eric works from his home office on Fridays. While the work/lifebalanceisn'tideal,Eric has always wanted to lead a division at a large enterprise company. It takes the average Consultant at least 5 years of employment with the firm before they are eligible for the much-desired Partner status, which is when compensation is far more lucrative. Eric has been with XYZ for 3 years and has yet to have a conversation with the executive team about his career projection with the firm, but he knows 2 colleagues whodidn'teither until they were offered Partner status. His parents are extremely proud that he works for one of the most reputable firms, however, Eric has discovered that itisn'tall he had hoped for. While Eric is asked to contribute to the overall strategic development for his large enterprise clients, he was hired as the subject matter expert in search (SEO/SEM), which means when clients ask for different marketing support he must pass that work to a colleague on his team. The company does provide their employees with training on new technology, but Eric feels heisn'tgiven the opportunity to utilize any of these new skills. While it's clear the organization has developed clear objectives, Marissa and the other Partners have differing opinions on how they'll achieve them.

Ericwas recently approached by a Headhunter for an opportunity with a competing firm, ABC Global. The position is similar, however, he would travel only 50% of the time and it is a Senior Consultant title, which would include a pay increase. It isrumouredthat ABC Global only offers Partner status if an existing Partner exits the firm, but HR believes that several are approaching retirement. Eric has decided to be transparent and speak with his Manager, Marissa, about his career goals, the opportunity presented, and his future with XYZ Inc., except she is difficult to schedule time with. Marissa has missed the last 3 performance review meetings but did recently ask him to lead one of their longest standing clients. Eric was surprised she offered him the lead because in passing she appears indifferent and maybe even intimidated by his industry knowledge and skill set. Eric has an MBA with a major in digital marketing, and is continuing his education in analytics, while Marissa worked her way up the ranks at XYZ and has been a Partner for over 20 years. The Headhunter approached Eric through a referral who suggested that he always excels at interpersonal skills, and he can identify when a client is ready to increase their spending. Eric believes his success comes from his desire to do good work, and how he never gives up, even on he works with the most challenging clients.

Ericis contemplating if he should stay or leave XYZ Inc. for the opportunity with ABC Global.

1) Eric has confided in you about his dilemma. Identify 5 types of questions you might use and provide an example of each question.

(1 mark/type of question, and 1 mark/example; total 10 marks)

2) Identify 5 barriers to coaching displayed by Marissa and suggest how Eric might overcome each of them.

(1 mark/barrier, and 1 mark/suggestion; total 10 marks)