Page 26 - MS Perspectives 2014 YIR

challenges were in the organization. We also had some offsite sessions with
employees.

What impact did the work that Management Systems do have on your
company and its performance?

In the end, Eric and Yvonne's analysis, looking back on it, was spot on accurate,
timely, and most importantly, provided a "road map" to the future and a way out of
what felt like our present day "successful quagmire".

Eric, Yvonne and their team rolled up their sleeves, and worked with us side-by-
side to develop organization skills in all the managers. They interviewed everybody,
including the two partners and suggested an organizational structure that raised
some eyebrows, which was "skill based" not "ego based." The new structure
provided important insights into how we could organize responsibilities, reporting
structures and departments. It fostered a new team spirit, and helped enhance our
personal skills as partners, and helped employees feel like they wanted to be on the
"company team" and do a good job. Before, employees felt they had to be on one
of the partners' teams to feel "safe".

The entire company was re-structured based on talents, skills and experience.
Procedures were put in place. Outside management talent was recruited and hired
to broaden the experience of the management and marketing teams. A reporting
structure was put in place that specifically dealt with the problem of employees
trying to play one partner against the other to curry favor and it was strictly
followed. Marketing plans were developed, budgets were sharpened and adhered to
within the organization.

Most importantly, the two partners were allowed to manage the organizational
areas best suited to their skill sets. We were required to relinquish other areas to
the other partner if that partner was better able to perform in that capacity.
Within a short period of time employee morale improved, the partners were
functional, if not friendly, the company began to grow, and as important, had the
operational structure and capacity to handle that growth. The company was soon
humming. Soon, a very large organization took notice of the growth, profits, and
professional management style of the company and they initiated a business
partnership with us.

Over the next year, they observed how we operated, and how we continued to
grow and succeed. Using what we learned from Management Systems, we
prospered and grew with control systems and planning. Operationally we had the
structure and talent to professionally manage the growth we were experiencing.

Eventually this company, a subsidiary of one of the largest financial organizations in
the world, acquired our company allowing my partner and I to retire at what was at
that time, the very young age of 43.

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