Developing Future C-Suite Leaders at a High-Growth Architecture Firm

Introduction

A high-growth architecture firm partnered with Spirit of EQ to coach, mentor, and advise high-potential leaders identified as future C-Suite executives.

Background Story

The goal was to enhance their emotional intelligence (EQ) to prepare them for elevated leadership roles, fostering skills critical for personal, professional, and organizational success.

Process

The engagement began with each leader completing an EQ assessment to evaluate their current emotional intelligence across eight competencies: recognizing patterns, enhancing emotional literacy, consequential thinking, navigating emotions, optimism, intrinsic motivation, empathy, and pursuing a noble goal. Following the assessment, a certified Spirit of EQ assessor conducted individualized debriefs to discuss terminology, definitions, and scores, collaborating with each leader to create a tailored development plan aligned with the firm’s CEO’s vision for success.

The coaching process unfolded over nine months and included:

  • Bi-Monthly Coaching Sessions: Each leader met with a Spirit of EQ coach twice per month to focus on personal and professional growth.
  • Online Micro-Learning Platform: Leaders accessed Spirit of EQ’s platform to deepen their understanding of the eight EQ competencies through targeted micro-learning modules.
  • Real-Life Application: Leaders engaged in practical, real-world interactions within and outside the firm to apply EQ principles in both personal and professional contexts.
  • Homework Assignments: Customized tasks were assigned to reinforce learning and build a sustainable practice of emotional intelligence as a foundational leadership skill.
  • CEO Engagement: Regular meetings with the firm’s CEO provided updates on progress while maintaining respect for individual privacy. These sessions allowed the CEO to offer additional accountability and encouragement.

Outcomes and Data

At the conclusion of the nine-month engagement, the CEO received a comprehensive briefing on both perceived and data-driven results. Each leader was provided with an EQ journal and additional resources to support ongoing growth beyond the formal coaching period.

Key findings included:

  • Recognition that emotional intelligence is a dynamic skill that can fluctuate but grows stronger with consistent practice.
  • Improved strength, stamina, and execution of EQ competencies among the leaders, equipping them to better serve the firm, clients, and the broader community.

The CEO expressed a highly positive view of the program’s success, noting its impact on the firm’s continued growth and the development of emotionally intelligent leaders capable of meeting the demands of leadership roles.

Conclusion

The partnership with Spirit of EQ empowered the architecture firm’s high-potential leaders to build a strong foundation in emotional intelligence, positioning them for success as future C-Suite executives. The program’s structured yet flexible approach, combining assessments, coaching, and practical application, fostered measurable growth in leadership capabilities, aligning with the firm’s vision for a more emotionally intelligent leadership team.