The challenge
Our client provides of a range of different types of mapping services and has been trading nationally for the past 40 years. Based in Victoria the business has experienced strong growth in the last two years, during which time it acquired two businesses which complement the existing service offerings. This fast growth path has created many pressures for existing management. They recognise the need to make some significant changes in their operational and management practices to reduce pressures, establish a sound structure and to use “best business practices” for the future.
The Managing Director required assistance to make the development changes needed that will ensure the business remains successful and has the structure required to be sustainable in the years ahead. Their objective is to continue growing the business and have the right people, competencies, systems and procedures imbedded throughout the business.
our solution
Our first step was to conduct a Business Profile Analysis to identify the current status of the business. This was followed by Phalanx facilitating a Strategic Workshop that was custom designed to identify how the business was currently positioned and, what outcomes the management team really want to achieve. This process allowed the management team to understand what needed to be addressed, enabled them to set goals and make decisions about what action was required to achieve their desired objectives.
The key outcomes of the workshop included:
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Recognition of the need to formally review business plan;
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Completion of a SWOT Analysis;
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Identification of clear business goals;
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Acknowledgement of the need to have managers work independently without day-to-day reliance on the business owner and/or the Managing Director ;
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The need to design clear role definitions and job descriptions;
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The need to expand the businesses customer base, reducing dependency on current customers;
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To improve operational processes to gain greater efficiencies that would enable the team to meet customer service standards more easily;
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The need to develop an appropriate, formal training plan to up-skill team members throughout the business; and
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The need to introduce performance management practices for both individuals and the business.
Results delivered
Through the process of undertaking the strategic workshop, the most significant outcome for senior management was gaining te understanding of all the formal processes that are needed to sustain a successful business. They realised that informality was no longer serving the businesses needs. A commitment has been made to use a staged approach to making the changes needed, knowing that the desired outcomes should be achieved over time. The management team are developing a comprehensive change management process. This will happen without negatively affecting the businesses day-to-day workings.
Testimonial
"It was good for us as a group to put our views forward, although slightly different to one another and see that we are all on the same track. I feel it was valuable in instructing us as to how we can proceed with change relatively painlessly. Very constructive to highlight where improvements can be made and how to tackle them."