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When Moving On is Not a Choice

Reframing the departure as an opportunity to embrace.

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Sometimes things don’t work out.

When things don’t work out, it isn't a failure— it's usually symptomatic of a misalignment. Through Enneagram insights, we can explore why the match wasn't right and use that intelligence to determine where the attorney can truly thrive. This distinguishes the Catalyst Effect from traditional outplacement, as we do a root cause analysis based upon the attorney’s needs and motivators to understand the past and better plan for the future. This approach uses:

  • Positive Strategy - Transforming the departure narrative into a growth story

  • Extended Timeline - Collaboratively planning for optimal transition timing

  • Network Leverage - Accessing the firm’s connections for potential new opportunities, when appropriate

  • Skills Translation - Articulating the attorney’s transferable value to new markets

  • Reputation Protection - Maintaining professional standing throughout process

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An Enneagram-Informed Career Strategy

This is where the Enneagram becomes an invaluable resource. Your personality type reveals why certain environments, assignments and goals energize you and others drain you. We use this insight to target roles and firms where you'll naturally excel, preventing future misalignment.

Attorneys may discover that large firm life is not conducive to their success, as they need a more personal and familial kind of environment to do their best work. Or they may conclude that an in-house position would be more fulfilling, because they enjoy the “big picture” aspect of being part of something larger than an individual case or matter. They may even discover that the practice of law doesn’t suit them at all! The Enneagram is an integral part of the discernment process to create a level of understanding of the person’s motivators, needs and potential derailers that is vital to charting a career path.

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The Fit-Focused Reframing Program

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Weeks 1-4: Reframing & Self-Discovery

  • Enneagram assessment and fit analysis

  • Departure narrative reframing and story crafting

  • Values clarification and career motivation mapping

  • Strengths identification and transferable skills audit

Weeks 5-8: Strategic Planning & Firm Collaboration

  • Collaborative departure timeline development

  • Reference strategy and relationship preservation

  • Target market identification and opportunity mapping

  • Personal brand rebuilding and positioning strategy

Weeks 9-12: Launch Preparation & Execution

  • Network activation and opportunity pursuit

  • Interview preparation and negotiation strategy

  • Transition logistics and knowledge handover

  • New role integration and success planning

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Everybody Wins

What Attorneys Achieve:

  • A Reframed Narrative - Transforming departure into strategic career evolution

  • Enhanced Self-Awareness - A deeper understanding of optimal work environments

  • Accelerated Placement - Faster placement in better-aligned positions

  • Preserved Relationships - Maintaining positive professional connections

  • Increased Confidence - Restored professional self-esteem and career momentum

What Firms Achieve:

  • Reputation Protection - Maintaining standing as employer of choice

  • Relationship Preservation - Keeping positive connections with talented professionals

  • Referral Opportunities - Access to a robust alumni network for future needs

  • Cultural Clarity - Better understanding of organizational fit factors

  • Reduced Liability - Collaborative, documented departure processes

Winning Transition Strategies for Attorneys and Firms