IvySea, Inc.

Background

A 2,500-person organization embarked upon a wonderful — and very ambitious — transformation initiative that would affect every employee and department, as well as customers and alliance members.

As inspiring as the intended transformation was to most constituents, and as committed as most were to helping make the transformation a reality, all understood how challenging the effort would be. Why? It required some people to change how and with whom they worked, it held the performance bar very high (in tactical job functions and in demonstrating one’s core values), and it accompanied the entrance of a new administrative leader.

Like all transformation initiatives, this one required a shift from "the old way" to "the new way" without disrupting services to the detriment of short-term business activity or long-term morale and results. Effective, mindful communication is key in any change initiative. For this project, it also served as a demonstration of the vision and the transformation itself.

Action

The organization invited Ivy Sea to provide a fresh perspective that only a firm outside of the client’s system could achieve. Ivy Sea conducted a qualitative communication and culture assessment, provided a plan and recommendations, and helped the group implement and integrate the activities inhouse.

In addition to the new perspective, our "outsider role" ensured that the information we gathered and the recommendations we made would stand on their own, rather than be cloaked in existing group dynamics or affiliated with factions or biases identified within the organization.

Results

The organization’s leadership team was able to receive information that might not have been tolerated — or even offered — if delivered from someone within the system. For instance, feedback on interpersonal communication styles and perspectives on the leadership’s performance. Thanks to this information — presented in a mindful manner — the leadership team was able to break through barriers that stood between the current reality and their envisioned reality, and begin implementing recommendations toward that end.

Contact us at Ivy Sea to explore how we can help you assess your key issues and strong points, clarify your messages, and develop effective, authentic communication and marketing materials to attract well-suited internal or external customers.

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