Presenting problem by client
Following acquisitions, the top team of a publicly-traded company was struggling with integrating different systems, employee expectations and organizational cultures. Tensions were spilling over to middle management, resulting in lack of cooperation and the company lost a number of high performing employees.
Challenge
The top team members were suspicious of one another: some had only worked for large corporations while others were familiar with start-ups or boutique companies. There was a philosophical disagreement on what it would take to improve the bottom line. There were concerns that innovation and risk taking would be discouraged.
Discovery
Following interviews we discovered, not surprisingly, that trust was low and the level of candor about problems and challenges was minimal. Fear was rife about possible layoffs. Some wanted to see the larger company leveraged for growth by offering new products while others believed a consolidation of existing products was needed. The company had a strategic plan that had not been visited in a year and needed revision in light of the acquisitions. The company was struggling with how to get everyone on the same page when so many different views prevailed.
Solution
Following our team coaching methods, we saw the emergence of a wholly new team atmosphere made up of the same players but now focused on agreed priorities and supporting each other to build high trust and greater productivity.
Results
The executive team committed themselves to engaging rank and file employees across different divisions as a catalyst for establishing a common vision. The top team itself began to breakdown misunderstandings by meeting on a bi-weekly basis to improve communication and information sharing, as well as partner with each other on different initiatives. The middle management ranks, enthusiastic about the planning process, came up with suggested goals and revenue targets that exceeded the expectations of some of the most skeptical executives. Within five months, productivity and profitability increased and the workplace environment became significantly more positive.
