Thoughtful, conversation-based support for people navigating change and complexity
Organizational Work
In business and all organizations - it's not enough to have a good idea and find the investment you need to carry it out. You need to create a scalable business structure and foster a healthy organizational culture if you're going to succeed and thrive. Otherwise you'll be limping along in a reactive environment where people move from one crisis to another - compared to an organization that can respond with resilience and creativity to all sorts of threats and uncertainty - and opportunities too!
It's not a question of seeking an environment which is perfect, stable, and enlightened. Our organizations are reflections of our society, as in flux as are we - and often messy. Neither is it a magic formula that's hard to achieve. It is simply a question of leaders fostering an environment at work where:
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people are valued and they know it
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speaking up is safe and encouraged
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failures are seen as learning opportunities
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communication is prioritized
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there are processes, procedures, and protocols in place so that roles and expectations are clear, and structures in place that support the work,
This is the kind of workplace where people bring the best of themselves. Because they are free to speak up, because their perspectives and ideas are welcomed - people expand - becoming more creative, and able and willing to contribute innovative ideas for solving the complex problems of today. In a culture of engagement and connection, people want to stay and be part of what you are doing.
Simply by having conversations together -- in some of the ways described below, big changes can take place in organizations. When people connect with each other they brainstorm, find solutions, break down silos, and find ways of moving forward together.
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The most comprehensive tool I use when working with organizations - a thorough and customized intervention for all kinds of organizations and the obstacles they face.
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A great diagnostic tool that allows you to understand what is causing blockages, conflicts, or inefficiencies and dysfunctions. It is not something that will pinpoint an individual or a team, but a way of understanding what is going on within your organization.
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Change is hard! I offer some simple tools and principles that can facilitate an easier change process by mapping out all the necessary steps in advance. And when a change initiative falters, I can help you understand where, how, and why - and figure out what needs to be done about it.
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Organizations that value learning are always searching for new and better ways of doing things. They're more able to respond and adapt to rapidly changing environments and stay on the cutting edge of new ways of thinking, new technologies, and positive social change.
Process consulting
This is a logical, methodical, and very human approach to creating a healthier workplace culture. It is a way to:
- address high employee turnover
- improve team dynamics and boost morale
- address DEI issues align mission, values, and action
- navigate conflict
- re-set failed change initiatives
- manage rapid growth cycles
First, we'll do an organizational assessment to gain an understanding of the situation and target exactly what we need to work on. Then together we can work on a design that is focused and strategic, that will build capacity and jumpstart new ways of doing things. This can include some dynamic group activities, focused conversations, and tools to support communication and understanding. The focus in is on generating deeper connections and mutual understanding in the group.
Thoughtful, authentic, and vulnerable conversations are more than anything else what drive powerful and positive shifts in how people work together. In a group conversation we want to hear everyone's voices. In this way we become aware of how different perspectives and styles of thinking and expression enrich the whole group. We learn too how those perspectives are often silenced, disregarded, or wasted - and what a loss that is to the group.
For those of you who may think this is an unaffordable option for your organization – it’s definitely not! It works for small and larger organizations too. I offer scalable packages for organizations who have anywhere from 5 to 500 employees. Let's discuss!
Organizational assessment
It can be hard to assess what's happening in an organization from within, yet it is crucial to have an accurate understanding of what's causing inefficiencies, conflict, retention problems, etc. Organizational assessments provide this valuable perspective, and do not have to be lengthy or complicated.
They can be:
- a short scan, perhaps 3-5 conversations with key people
- a well-worded digital survey
- a group dialogue or focus group
- a set of interviews with staff, management, clients, and other stakeholders
Usually a picture of the situation emerges quickly and accurately from an organizational assessment. Having this picture enables us to design interventions that are focused and precise, and apply effective solutions to even the stickiest of problems.
Being trained in systems intervention is an advantage in doing assessments like this. Viewing an organizational challenge through a systems lens allows us to understand the complexity of a situation and weigh the consequences of interventions.
Navigating organizational change
Organizations run into trouble when change processes stall or fail. Successful change processes are human-centered and require lots of communication. Careful planning, strong vision, transparency, and the inclusion and empowerment of those affected by the change are essential elements of a well-designed change project.
I'll work with you to define the scope of change, create a communicable and inspiring vision and lay out a structure for the change process. I can also work with you to restructure a failing change initiative.
Change is essential to the growth of any organism. It is disturbing to some while intensely exciting for others. Knowing how to anticipate and manage the impact of change on the people involved in it can ease the process so that even the most reluctant among us will embrace change initiatives with enthusiasm.
Be in touch with me about your exciting or worrisome changes...
Workshops & trainings
My colleagues and I at Fractal Facilitation offer workshops for all types of organizations and groups. They are participative and energizing, and provide great opportunities for teambuilding as well as skill-building.
Our workshop list is constantly expanding.
Some of what we offer:
- unconscious bias training
- BIPOC leadership training
- anti-racism training
- conflict management
- communication skills
- trauma-informed coaching
- responsive & trauma-informed leadership
NOTE:
I never offer DEI work or workshops without a partner who has lived experience. Ngum Ananga and Amina Bambotia (both consultants at Fractal Facilitation) are my partners in this work.
