Client Case D
A Multi-Agency Social Service Institution illustrating strategic change management, relationship management, and diversity and inclusion

Client Situation
A large and culturally diverse multi-agency social service organization wanted an integrated institutional identity. The new identity became the spearhead for a broad change strategy to re-invent a "dysfunctional" corporate operation. A key initiative was to increase funding sources while decreasing internal costs. The institution was made of 35 decentralized agencies, each with its own mission, autonomous management and client base.

The senior management team, made up of agency heads, was charged by the CEO to start the major culture change process by defining a joint mission statement and major change strategies. Some of the team's early challenges were: they had never operated as an effective team before, a high sense of urgency due to financial instability, concerns about the CEO's authoritarian style, and the complexity of defining common ground.

Cambio Solution
Cambio consultants were initially contracted to facilitate a two-day retreat. All participants interviewed declared the retreat's primary goal should be for them to learn to be an effective team. Secondly, an explicit process for moving forward needed to be put in place.

Cambio consultants facilitated a high-performing team process that emphasized both relationship building and results. Once the members clarified their purpose, vision, norms and priorities, the members felt safe and "could tell their truth." Through dialogue they developed understanding of their unique and common business needs, cultures, and challanges. The team debated and created a first round mission statement and committed to a transition team process and twelve-month action plan.

Testimonials

"You helped us reach solid common ground and as a team recognize our joint assets and liabilities."

"This is a tough group. Before this retreat, I didn't think we would be able to come together as a team. Now I feel optimistic!"