Be specific. The case should present a leadership challenge that is current and concrete.
Include a decision maker. The case giver needs to be a key decision maker in the case.
Reinforce peer relationships. The participants in the Case Clinics are peers, so there is no hierarchical relationship.
Practice listening. Coaches don’t give advice; instead they listen deeply.

People: This process works best with a group of 4–5 peers.
Place: Select a quiet and private place, whether in person or online, for your process.
Time: 60-75 minutes.
Materials: Take notes in a journal and use a watch to keep time.

Case giver: Share a challenge that is current, concrete, and important, and in which you are a key player/decision maker. Include your personal learning threshold (what you need to let go of and learn). You should be able to present the case in 15 minutes.
Coaches: Do not try to “fix” the problem by offering advice; instead, listen deeply. Attend to the images, feelings, and gestures that the story evokes in you.
Timekeeper: One of the coaches also manages the time.

Take a moment to reflect on your sense of calling. Then describe your case using the following questions as a guide:

1. Current situation: What are the key challenges or questions?
2. Stakeholders: How might others view this situation?
3. Intention: What future are you trying to create?
4. Learning threshold: What do you need to let go of, and what do you need to learn?
5. Help: Where do you need input or help?

Listen to your Open Mind: What images/metaphors arose?
Listen to your Open Heart: What emotions do you sense, and where are they in your body?
Listen to your Open Will: What gestures might represent the essence of what you are hearing?

Each coach shares what came up during the silence or while listening to the case.
After listening to all the coaches, the case giver responds to what they said.

Reflect together on the remarks of the case giver and move into a generative dialogue on how these observations can offer new perspectives on the case giver’s situation and journey.
Go with the flow of the dialogue. Build on each other’s ideas. Stay in service of the case giver without pressure to fix or resolve their challenge.

Scharmer, Otto. 2007. Theory U, Second Edition, Chapter 2. Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler.