Is the way we are organised, the governance model, still appropriate and ‘future-proof’? What can we organise better or is another model more appropriate?
Challenge
Every organisation has a control model. How do we know if the current model and the way we fill it in is ready for our plans and the future?
The solution
A control model should match and respond to the organisation’s external opportunities and challenges and provide insight into what is needed to successfully manage the internal organisation. Often, a clear strategy provides input for an appropriate control model. At the same time, a steering model has to do with personal visions and the individual interpretation of roles.
How do we tackle this?
Thick reports do not fit our beliefs. The expert from the ivory tower of yesteryear is replaced by an experienced consultant who initiates a process and gets to work with the organisation. That is our way of working. Often, the answer can already be found in the organisation but it is complicated to bring it to the surface. A fresh look from outside, a process led by Kenhardt helps. We believe in co-creation: looking for the solution together with the client. That works!
Experience and method
In recent years, we have carried out similar assignments for a wide variety of organisations. Each time using the same approach. Project meeting, desk research, in-depth interviews, reporting and communication. A logical and simple process carried out by experienced consultants.
1. Project meeting
We start with a meeting with the client and several representatives from the organisation to define the scope of the assignment, determine which documents are relevant for the desk research, agree who will participate in the interviews and agree when and how the results will be shared.
2. Desk research
The consultants study various documents prior to the interviews. Statutes, regulations, annual reports, organisation chart, plans, etc. This gives a clear picture of the formal side of the organisation. The blueprint, as it should function.
3. In-depth interviews
The in-depth interviews are conducted with different people from different layers of the organisation. During the interviews, participants are challenged to look critically at the organisation, assess what is going well and less well, analyse why that is and think along in terms of solutions.
4. Reporting
We present the result of the interviews via a PowerPoint to the client in a comprehensive meeting. We focus on the broad outlines of the findings and solutions. With room for the client to contribute his own thoughts and views. Together, we come to conclusions and a plan of action. That is co-creation!
5. Communication
Communicating the assignment to Kenhardt, is the start of a process within the organisation. The interviews accelerate and deepen that process. People prepare themselves, consult others, are set in motion by the interviews and share their experiences afterwards. We follow this up by agreeing with the client how the findings and ideas can be shared with the organisation. As transparently as possible!
The result
It has now been proven that this approach works. We have carried out assignments in the above manner at a number of clients; AEX-listed companies and Not for Profit organisations. The start of the assignment creates awareness in the organisation, an alert attitude. Everyone directly and indirectly involved starts thinking along and soon transcends their own interests or those of the department or service. The interviews not only make people aware but are actually the start of an improvement process.
The presentation of the results to a large part of the organisation is the formal conclusion of the assignment. When Kenhardt presents the diagnosis, what has been observed is shared honestly. Both strengths and areas for improvement. In addition, the plan of action is made known and discussed by Kenhardt in consultation with top management. Each time an inspiring meeting in which people are motivated to contribute to the improvements.
Participants’ experiences
- “It is exciting to put such an assignment down externally as the person with final responsibility. After all, you make yourself vulnerable. However, the result is fantastic.”
- “That we do a lot of things well we knew. But deep down we also knew that not everything was perfect. The analysis flawlessly revealed that. What was implicit has been made explicit.”
- “Compliments to the management for engaging you. The analysis is correct and helps us get started. It gives energy and confidence for the future. Look forward to it!”
- “I have often been interviewed by consultants and they then work through a standard questionnaire. That was very different with you, which meant I really had to think during the interview and brought in much more than I had thought of beforehand.”
- “I wish such an analysis on every organisation!”
More information
For more information, contact us now:
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+31 73 692 39 39