Finding One's Voice: A Case Study on Personal Empowerment and Professional Integration

Customer profile

This case study focuses on a dedicated USAID/Rwanda employee who faced unique challenges in her workplace despite her commitment and passion for her work. Being of Kenyan nationality, she often found herself in a complex social structure that left her feeling excluded and marginalized in both professional and social settings. In addition to her naturally quiet demeanor, this exclusion impacted her professional satisfaction and well-being.

Challenge

Our client sought to find her voice in a workplace where she felt overlooked due to cultural and structural dynamics. She aimed to advocate for herself and share her identity without compromising her integrity or personal comfort. The primary obstacles were her feelings of isolation, her struggle to assert herself in discussions, and the need to maintain her authenticity.

Solution

iluminada+ consulting co. introduced the Birkman® Method Assessment to dive deep into our client's personality, motivations, and social needs. This assessment revealed vital insights:

• There needed to be more connection between her need for social interaction and fulfilling this need in her current environment.

• She had a low assertiveness score, which explained her discomfort in speaking up.

• A high emotional energy score indicating potential pathways to leverage for self-advocacy.

With these insights, iluminada+ consulting co. crafted a personalized coaching strategy. We focused on empowering our client to use her emotional energy as a strength to express her needs and opinions confidently. Our sessions provided practical strategies and support, helping her navigate conversations and workplace dynamics without fear or embarrassment.

Results

The transformation experienced by our client was profound. Through the personalized coaching sessions and the insights gained from the Birkman® Method Assessment, she was able to:

• Understand the root causes of her feelings of isolation and discomfort.

• Develop and implement strategies that align with her natural tendencies and strengths, enabling her to speak up and advocate for herself effectively.

• Build better rapport with her colleagues, leading to a more inclusive and satisfying professional and social environment.

This newfound confidence and strategy improved her professional relationships and significantly enhanced her personal satisfaction and sense of belonging within her workplace.