Are we a Fit?

While this section sheds light on my background and approach, it's ultimately your path and potential that are at the forefront of my coaching practice.

Here, you'll find insights ranging from personality assessments like DISC and CliftonStrengths to personal musings and professional experiences, all aimed at providing a clearer picture of who I am.

This is an open invitation to explore and connect, perhaps through my LinkedIn for a more comprehensive view.

This space is designed to give you a sense of my journey and philosophy, aiding in your decision-making process as you contemplate the next steps in your personal and professional development.

If my approach resonates with you and you feel we might be a good match for navigating the next steps in your professional journey, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can explore how my guidance can support you in achieving your goals and unlocking your full potential.

DISC Profile

As a leader with a High I – Influence DISC profile, my approach is deeply rooted in inspiring collaboration and fostering an environment brimming with enthusiasm and optimism. I excel in motivating teams, driving innovation, and valuing open communication. Acknowledging the importance of balance, I continuously strive to enhance my focus on detail and systematic execution, ensuring a harmonious blend of visionary leadership and pragmatic action. Partnering with me offers a journey of transformative growth, where motivation meets meticulousness, driving us towards shared success.

Unleashing the Power of Influence

My professional journey is deeply anchored in the High I – Influence quadrant of the DISC model, reflecting a leadership style that is assertive and people-focused. This dimension of my personality illuminates my inherent ability to connect, persuade, and mobilize individuals toward common goals. With a natural flair for communication, I thrive in environments that allow for dynamic interaction and collaborative creativity.

The Connector: Building Bridges and Networks

The essence of my influence is best captured through my expansive network of friends and associates. I'm often described as the quintessential "Connector," a term popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his book "The Tipping Point." My knack for networking isn't just about collecting contacts; it's about forging meaningful relationships and facilitating synergies that drive collective success. This ability to understand and relate to various personalities allows me to bring diverse groups together, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect.

Creative Leadership: Inspiring Action and Innovation

Leading teams for me is more than just directing; it's about inspiring and engaging in a way that everyone feels part of something bigger. My approach is characterized by an open forum for ideas, where every voice is valued, and innovation is the collective goal. This environment nurtures creativity and allows for novel ideas to flourish. As a storyteller at heart, I leverage emotive narratives to illustrate visions, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. This not only builds trust but also instills confidence across teams, empowering individuals to contribute their best.

Working Geniuses

My Working Geniuses: Wonder and Discernment

At the core of my professional identity are the Geniuses of Wonder and Discernment. A constant curiosity drives me to explore the deeper questions, challenging the conventional and sparking the flame of innovation. This is complemented by my Discernment, the intuitive ability to sift through ideas and strategies, identifying those with real potential. This combination empowers me to envision possibilities that others might miss and to bring a critical eye to refining and elevating these ideas into actionable strategies.

My Working Proficiencies: Invention and Galvanizing

Alongside my geniuses, I possess proficiencies in Invention and Galvanizing. My inventive nature thrives on creating novel solutions and pioneering new paths, always with an eye towards future possibilities. Galvanizing allows me to rally others around these innovative ideas, turning vision into collective action. This proficiency in sparking enthusiasm and commitment in others is crucial to transforming abstract concepts into tangible results.

Embracing Growth and Collaboration

While my geniuses and proficiencies drive much of my success, I also recognize the importance of balance and teamwork in areas that are less innate to me, specifically Enablement and Tenacity. These aspects, while not my natural strengths, offer a valuable perspective on the importance of support and persistence in seeing projects through to completion. Collaborating with those who bring these strengths to the table not only complements my approach but also leads to a more holistic and robust outcome.

ClifftonStrengths

The CliftonStrengths assessment offers another layer to understanding my professional landscape. This should give you perspective on my innate talents, shaping how I navigate leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

Embarking on the CliftonStrengths Journey

Delving into the CliftonStrengths, my top attributes like Ideation and Input underscore a profound affinity for novel ideas and a relentless quest for information. This synergy catalyzes an environment where ingenuity and comprehensive insight thrive. When you engage with me, you're partnering with someone who values the power of new ideas and is always seeking to expand our collective knowledge base.

From Thought to Action

My strengths in Activator and Learner signify a potent blend of initiative and perpetual growth. This dynamic ensures that our collaborative ventures are not only propelled by a forward momentum but are also grounded in informed and strategic decision-making. In working together, you'll experience a proactive approach where concepts are swiftly transformed into practical outcomes, supported by a foundation of continuous learning and adaptation.

Excellence and Individuality at the Fore

The Maximizer and Individualization strengths illuminate my dedication to excellence and a keen eye for the unique potential in others. This approach cultivates a setting where each individual is empowered to contribute their best, propelled by strategies that amplify their distinct strengths and promote personal development.

ENFP

The ENFP Campaigner: A Beacon of Creativity and Empathy

As an ENFP, my personality type is often characterized by its enthusiasm, creativity, and flexibility. Known as the "Campaigner," I thrive on exploring new ideas and passionately engaging with people and projects that resonate with my values. My curiosity drives me to seek out and understand diverse perspectives, making me an open-minded and imaginative collaborator. I'm known for my empathetic nature, allowing me to connect deeply with others and communicate effectively, fostering a warm and inclusive environment.

Navigating the Challenges: The Flip Side of ENFP Strengths

However, my strengths as an ENFP also come with challenges. My enthusiasm for new projects can sometimes lead to a lack of focus, making it difficult to stay on task and see projects through to completion. I might also struggle with organization and become easily overwhelmed, especially when juggling multiple interests or commitments. My people-pleasing tendency means I might overextend myself in efforts to maintain harmony and positive relations.

Professional Synergy: ENFPs in the Workplace

In professional settings, I flourish in roles that allow for creative problem-solving and offer the freedom to explore innovative approaches. Coaching, teaching, and motivational speaking are areas where my strengths as an ENFP particularly shine, allowing me to inspire and motivate others. However, to balance my tendency for disorganization and distractibility, I find it beneficial to partner with individuals who excel in detail-oriented tasks and project management. This complementary dynamic ensures that visionary ideas are grounded with practical execution.

Compatibility and Collaboration: Building Effective Relationships

When it comes to compatibility, I naturally connect with other intuitive and feeling types, such as ENFJ, INFJ, INFP, and another ENFP, who share a similar depth of empathy and enthusiasm for exploring new ideas. These personality types are likely to resonate with my values-driven and enthusiastic approach to life and work. Conversely, types that value stability and routine may find my spontaneity and flexibility more challenging to align with.

Navigating these dynamics is crucial in building effective and harmonious relationships, both professionally and personally. Understanding the interplay of my strengths and areas for growth as an ENFP helps me create a balanced and fulfilling approach to my interactions and endeavors

My Name: Edward Schaefer

A Name That Embodies Leadership and Guidance

Hello, I'm Edward Schaefer, and the story of my name is a tale of guardianship, leadership, and nurturing guidance, deeply intertwined with my coaching philosophy.

Edward: The Wealthy Guardian and Royal Leader

The name "Edward," rooted in Old English, primarily means "guardian" or "wealthy guardian." Beyond its literal meaning, it carries historical weight, reminiscent of kings and leaders of old. This royal lineage symbolizes not just the role of a protector but also that of a dignified leader, one who stewards prosperity and well-being. As Edward, I see my role as two-fold in your professional journey:

  • A Guardian of Your Aspirations: Protecting and nurturing your ambitions, ensuring your path is not just secure, but also prosperous.

  • A Steward of Excellence: Drawing from the royal connotations of my name, I strive to lead with integrity, dignity, and a commitment to excellence.

Schaefer: The Shepherd of Progress and Natural Connector

"Schaefer," with its German roots, translates to "shepherd" — a role synonymous with patience, guidance, and care. The shepherd not only leads but also connects deeply with each individual, understanding and respecting their unique journeys. In the spirit of Schaefer, I bring these qualities to my coaching:

  • A Guide Through Complexity: Like a shepherd, I aim to navigate you through the complexities of your career, offering support and direction tailored to your individual needs.

  • An Advocate for Harmony and Growth: Embracing the shepherd's connection to nature and community, I foster an environment where personal growth and collaborative success thrive.

Uniting the Essence of Agile Ideation

At Agile Ideation, we value adaptability, creativity, and forward-thinking — qualities that resonate with both Edward and Schaefer. My name embodies the blend of agile, innovative ideation with steadfast guidance and nurturing leadership.

Embarking on a Journey of Transformation

Join me on a transformative journey where tradition meets innovation, and guidance meets independence. As Edward Schaefer, I am committed to being the guardian of your potential and the shepherd of your progress, guiding you towards a path of success and fulfillment.