I approach the business of design from the inside out; from the designer's soul to the enterprise balance sheet. We start where it all starts - in my experience, the most progressive businesses examine themselves through three dimensions: the self satisfaction of the leader, the culture that connects people in common cause and the enterprise itself. Considering all three dimensions simultaneously is powerful. Narrowly focussing on just one dimension, while overlooking the affects of the others is often extremely disappointing. We often aim to do a lot in a short amount of time, so we go big.
Phase #1. We begin the review where it should begin - with your self. What would satisfaction feel like to you in 2017-18? That's another way of asking, how do you each see yourself in two years? Are you optimistic? If so, what gives you confidence? Do you worry? If so, about what? Other questions will emerge as you think about your self and we seek answers freely during this initial phase. Imagine writing a letter to yourself describing 'you' in three years.
Phase #2. This phase is designed for you to evaluate the nature of your service to the firm and its most valuable asset - its organization - with you as leader. This phase is not so much about 'what' gets done at work, but how it gets done, whether it's pricing, contracts or other results from a SWOT analysis of the firm. You mentioned that strategy and overall project management resides mostly in your head. Imagine the potential benefits in terms of productivity and lower stress if they all knew what's next.
Phase #3. With your intention in place and a culture that empowers everyone to achieve it, we examine the enterprise itself; prioritizing the benefits from some improvements in project management, finance, pricing, client relations and contracts, or even new opportunities you may be considering within the context of the core business.
As an experienced business owner, you know these are big questions. So we will go about answering them in a very conversational and constructive way. I invest my expertise synthesized from hundreds of engagements with other top designers like you. So, let's get started.
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