How I approach challenges …

Every task is unique and requires a customized approach. Nevertheless, I attempt to adapt a framework that I’ve used successfully in the past.

• Carefully review the assignment with the client entity.
• Investigate the situation to get as complete a picture of the conditions, issues and obstacles as possible.
• Return to the client entity with my conceptualization the problem based on my investigation.
• Obtain ratification of that conceptualization from the leadership.
• Create the necessary information infrastructure (e-mail networks, schematics, data bases, etc.) to support the effort.
• Recruit players with key skills needed to complete the work, while applying my own diverse skills in concert with the rest of the team.
• Present interim reports and products as appropriate.
• Maintain a calendar and/or project schematic of the key elements.
• Present resultant findings to the client, along with a plan of action to overcome the problems or move the entity to the desired level of effectiveness.
• Assist in the implementation of the action plan.

None of this is new. However, I attempt to maintain a degree of rigor in the process in order to achieve the desired result efficiently and reduce slippage in the process. I also believe that this type of work can be performed in a collegial fashion – even where some participants are cool or hostile to the effort. I also go out of my way to improve the likelihood of successful change by cultivating trust relationships with those who might otherwise risk losing face as a result of the intervention.