Intentional Change Case Study Examples

For this case study, I met with my prior subordinate, Kristy. Kristy was hired to be my assistant and did so for three years prior to me leaving the company. She was and continues to be a superior performer and invaluable asset to the company. Her hard work, organization, and attention to detail make her an excellent project manager. She is able to manage multiple projects at once with minimal errors. She maintains excellent relationship with both vendors and clients and is professional yet personable.

The discussion included her dreams, aspirations, hopes and values. In 10-15 years if life were perfect, she would work part time while her children were in school. She would be home in the morning to get them on the bus and home and the evening

I was tired and unenthusiastic due to a difficult day at work. During the session, I began assimilating to her excitement and ideas. After the session, I felt like we had really bonded and I had become vested in her future. I felt willing to do anything ethical and within my power in order to help her achieve her idea future and self.

The results of this case study are very much in line with the concepts of Intentional Change Theory. By answering the questions about her dreams, values and what makes her who she is today, Kristy was able to create a positive image of her ideal self and inspire intentional change. Kristy and I were also able to improve our relationship and communication. Understanding Kristy’s values allows me to relate to her on a more personal level and be more compassionate to her feelings and understand what drives her. I also became emotionally invested in helping her achieve her goals and become her ideal

Even when negative thought or emotions were mentioned (her mother’s addictions during her childhood), these emotions were used to create a positive outcome. She was able to overcome the negative feelings and move from NEA back to PEA. This was done by relating these memories to who Kristy does not want to be (a mother who does had priorities over her children) and applying the positive to her ideal self (her children are always her number one priority). Boyatzis and Akrivou said that, “although both cognitive and emotional processes are required for the person to activate and articulate an ideal self, it is trait based positive emotion which becomes the driver and the substance of the ideal self overall” (p. 625). Kristy was able to combine both cognitive and emotional processes relating to a negative experience to turn that experience into a positive emotion. The positive emotion of loving and caring for her kids and remembering the way her father cared for her allowed her to create a positive driver and the root of her ideal