Improving, reinforcing, changing organisations from what they are today to what they will or should be tomorrow - that is organisational development. How to ensure to remain (or become) relevant and strong in a constantly evolving environment? How do you include and empower an organisation - or rather, the people in the organisation - to participate, connect, be effective and thrive.
As a coach, we ask questions, we are the critical friend. Status quo is often not a good option; in many situations, stagnation means losing terrain. So what are the main business challenges and opportunities. What is a desired outcome in the longer term, in a changing environment. What is needed to get there, how will it be handled. How can the organisation get through this, how is that required change managed. Through a process of questioning, challenging, supporting, mentoring we aim for generating answers to such questions. We develop stronger individuals and teams in the process - an essential outcome of such coaching intervention.
As a coach, we ask questions, we are the critical friend. Status quo is often not a good option; in many situations, stagnation means losing terrain. So what are the main business challenges and opportunities. What is a desired outcome in the longer term, in a changing environment. What is needed to get there, how will it be handled. How can the organisation get through this, how is that required change managed. Through a process of questioning, challenging, supporting, mentoring we aim for generating answers to such questions. We develop stronger individuals and teams in the process - an essential outcome of such coaching intervention.
Case 1: strategic business decision
Company R has an existential challenge with one of its business activities. It is related to its core activities, using similar competences and technologies, yet it is in a very different maturity stage, new concept, new market. Important questions: is this business viable at all, does it dilute focus for the existing core business too much, is another strategy required (acquisitions vs organic), how to ensure synergies, how should the team be organised. Through regular interactions, bouncing off ideas, critical reviews, building of business plans, interacting with executives and their teams, we coached the team to stimulate the answers and prepare a strong proposal to the board. Participants overcame their business plan wariness, learned how to think critically, defend decisions and opinions, interact with stakeholders, build confidence. |
Case 2: Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go Belgium needed a 6 month maternity replacement of the sales director. We took this assignment, as it was a direct engagement in a sustainable impact enterprise in full expansion. It meant, building and coaching a young, energetic and driven team to maximum impact. Throughout the assignment, a business plan was developed with the management team to think about the actual potential impact, and how to get there. The entire sales team became part of the process eventually. How should the team be built to enable this growth? What was the required structure? Which people were needed, what development would be required, how to reach the goals with maximum meaningful impact? |
Case 3: African Drive
African Drive is a Belgium based impact company, with main activities in Benin, Africa. Pure Worx was involved in a new venture, Baobab Energie. Baobab Energie existed as a project, and needed to accelerate into an ambitious startup. Firstly, this consisted of a close collaboration with the project leader, supporting and coaching his activities. Secondly, an ambitious business plan was made based on 3 years of preparation work. Thirdly, an investment round was initiated to raise capital for the actual deployment of the plan. This project required a thorough understanding of the existing concept, the African market conditions, the technology needs moving forward and last but not least, how to build a management team, and a team in a very different environment (Benin). Then came the challenge to find and convince investors for an African based impact venture. |