Deciding to take the Journey

If you’ve trying to figure out if you need a Consultant, your first step needs to be discerning what that Consultant might have to offer you and your organization.  It may be that in the process of searching for a Consultant you discover various skills and attributes you decide you need.  If what I can do interests you, give me a call and we’ll set up an initial meeting at no cost.  The purpose of this meeting is for you to explore if we’ve got what you want – and it gives us a chance to discern if we have something to offer you.

Beginnings and Contracting

At this initial stage, I’ll to listen to your perception of the situation, and what you are hoping to achieve.  As we explore further, certain questions we’ll explore together will help determine how much collaboration is possible, and what your risk-tolerance is.  We’ll flesh out who needs to be involved, and request information regarding our ability to access those parties we might wish to talk with.  If there are other parties involved in this process (a higher governing body or judicatory), we’ll also discuss where they fit into the big picture.

Together we’ll decide what product you need – whether it be a written diagnostic report or a strategic plan.  We’ll also discuss at this stage approximately how long we anticipate the project to take as well as what the costs will be.  The expectation is that travel costs will be covered by your organization in addition to my standard fees.

After our meeting, I’ll draft a preliminary covenant and have it on your desk within a week.  I’d ask that you look at what I’m able to offer and take a few days to consider if it will be of value.  I’ll follow up with a phone call the following week to discuss your interest, and to negotiate anything that you’re concerned about.  If I cannot be of service to you and you’d like me to recommend other resources – I’m happy to do so. 

My goal is to begin this journey with clear expectations and a sense that all parties will benefit from this partnership.

“You Are Here” 

Enter any large entertainment facility and you’ll find a map at the entrance with your current location marked in friendly letters: “You Are Here.”.  The first stage of our work together is in discerning where your organization is in terms of the perceived challenges.  This is done through interviews, data collection, and guided self-assessment of your team.  We’ll also do a walkthrough of your site(s).  Our goal is to get as clear a picture as possible; understanding that there will be different perceptions from various individuals within your organization.  Our hope is to discover not just where you are – but also to discover some of the challenges, opportunities and talents that your organization holds.

From the data we’ll generate a report and ask for a meeting with the leadership of your organization so that we can work through the results and check them against your own perceptions and experience.  Our goal is to develop an accurate picture of where you are and what assets and liabilities your organization has. 

Planning the Route

You may know where you want to go – and you have an accurate assessment of where you are.  The next part of the process is in designing and developing a strategic plan that helps you to get from here, to there! 

At this point in the process it’s helpful to bring on key individuals within your organization that can provide input into the process of problem solving.  We’ll go beyond brainstorming to identify potential ideas and solutions and then utilize the wisdom of the individuals who would be implementing these ideas to check for accessibility and acceptance.   At the end of this process I’ll present you with a summary of our work together during this stage, with recommendations for step-by-step implementation.  I’ll also outline any pitfalls that I anticipate.

Many Consultants stop at the implementation part of the plan.  I’m able to continue to guide you if you require conflict mediation, fundraising or further research at this stage.  Should additional services be desired, we’ll work through the Covenant stage again to make sure that all parties expectations are clear.

Rest Stops

During this journey together, we will take time at key points to evaluate the process and the desired end result.  Our goal during rest stops is to check our compass and to make sure that we’re all still going in the same direction.

At the end of the journey, we will set dates with you to check in with your organization at 3-month intervals over the next 2 years for evaluation and to assist you as needed. This helps me to know if our work together has been beneficial – and gives us an opportunity to offer course corrections as needed.

Ready to get started? 

Karen Chamis:  908.217.7725   Kchamis@eastern.edu