Our Process
We Start With a Conversation
We begin with a conversation to discuss your needs and determine whether working together is a good fit for both you and us. Both sides of the potential relationship need to feel comfortable to "sign up" for, and invest in, the work we are about to do. There is never a charge for these exploratory conversations. We consider them our mutual investment.
Assessment
Since each situation has its unique elements (much like a singular fingerprint) cultural and individual assessment is typically the first step. Data and observations will be generated through active listening and skillful interviewing. The results will then be synthesized and reported .Note: Interviews with multiple participants are conducted utilizing "blended confidentiality"; meaning that individual comments will not be identified. Rather, the feedback is woven together in a paraphrased format to ensure honest and open participation.
Proposal Generation, Modification, and Acceptance
A written proposal is generated that contains your identified goals, project sponsor(s), our recommended course of action, logistics, risks, value proposition, anticipated start and end dates, pricing, and terms. Once the proposal is accepted, the scheduling of service delivery begins.
The Work
Typically, the assessment process will generate a number of recommendations that form the foundation for our work together. This may include cultural and change management. This is the "heart" of the improvement process, and may involve a combination of consulting, training, mentoring, and coaching. While it is important to create a work plan with a reasonable level of detail, a certain amount of "unfolding" will happen as the project progresses.
By creating a "deep container" of trust, growth is accelerated through both supporting and challenging clients. Therefore, weekly to bi-weekly interaction is common in the first six months, tapering to once or twice a month in the later stages; although each project develops at it's own pace. Clients will enjoy both phone and e-mail support. Structured and on-going evaluations are held, and feedback in the spirit of mutual accountability is encouraged. Every effort will made to accommodate scheduling variables. The goal is for Designed Alliance Partners to become a "temporary business partner" and do what is required, with clear boundaries, to achieve the stated project goals.
Sustaining Results
We've all come out of an excellent workshop saying to ourselves, "Yes, I'm going to incorporate this material into my professional life starting now!" only to have the binder placed on a shelf and a staggering evaporation of momentum occur in the weeks and months to follow. This results in millions of wasted dollars due to a lack of focused follow-through. Therefore, we ask all of our clients and their organizations to make a commitment of one year; not because it takes that long to create change, but to ensure that individuals, teams, and organizations do not fall back into old patterns.