FOUR STAGES
While working with our clients demands a high level of adaptability to the client’s specific situation, our projects usually follow a structure of four stages. Within each phase, we employ a different set of tools. Each of these sets is uniquely adapted to the specific phase, but also to the specific case.
Our projects start with establishing what is going on, defining what we would want to change, planning this change, and executing it. As consultants we are not satisfied with giving good advice: we want to see the advice be implemented. Therefore, our projects are not completed until change implementation is effectively underway.
UNDERSTANDING THE CURRENT SITUATION
To understand the current situation and how it came about, we need to get deep into the client’s business and understand where the problem begins. What is the issue that has created this challenge for the client and where does it stem from?
We organise workshops with the main stakeholders, interview some of them, get some information from desktop research, or help our clients commission and interpret third party research. Based on all this information, we perform an analysis of the situation and we present our findings to the client.
GOAL DEFINITION
Now that we understand the issue, what would be the business goal related to this issue that we wish to achieve short-term (within a year) and long-term (within the next five years)?
Deciding on the optimal goal may require discussing several scenarios, their consequences and the resources or time they may require. How does each goal contribute to the success of the company as a whole? Are they too ambitious and are they achievable?
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Different paths can be chosen to reach the same (or similar) destination. However, they are not all equally expensive in terms of time and resources required, and hidden costs they may incur.
Taking all this into account, which path forward is optimal? We help the client make the decision and prepare a detailed plan of execution.
IMPLEMENTATION
Every plan is just as solid as the company’s capability to execute it. However, the shortcoming in an area due to lack of experience, human resources or know-how should not be an obstacle.
We are motivated to get the plan in motion, therefore we help our clients start the process. We do our part and make sure that the client’s people and resources are used efficiently to reach the goals set up in the plan.