Identified Need:

A large residential builder recognized the importance of having highly effective teams at each development site in order to achieve extraordinary results. Each team included representatives of the various disciplines required to coordinate a construction work site: sales, construction, customer service, and administration. The industry required constant changes in order to meet the increasing expectations of customers. Further, competitive pressures necessitated a highly focused, performance-oriented approach, utilizing an empowered team at each development site. BCG was requested to design and implement an intensive team building process that would generate significant results while reinforcing the unique culture of the organization.

Recommendations:

A series of team building sessions was designed and implemented by BCG over a multi-year period. The primary focus was to clarify the roles and expectations for each team member (by discipline), increase the level of trust, cooperation, and collaboration at each site, and create an environment completely dedicated to exceeding customer needs.

Action:

BCG implemented an initial program for all staff in order to lay the foundation for the desired behaviors and performance. Topic areas included the following:

· Paradigms and mental models of each other (i.e. sales, construction), customers, and trades (i.e. painters, carpenters, electricians)
· Mission and values of the organization, team, and each team member
· Time management, with particular emphasis on planning
· Creating win-win outcomes
· Listening for true understanding.

This initial program was so successful that it is now scheduled annually with all new staff of the organization. It serves as a means to demonstrate expected levels of performance and highlight the unique organizational culture.

After this initial program, BCG facilitated team building meetings for each development site. The primary focus was on developing highly effective teams completely committed to working together to achieve mutually established goals and objectives. As part of the sessions, team members had the opportunity to clarify their personal aspirations and give and get feedback from other team members on ways to enhance performance. A problem solving methodology was incorporated in order for the team to identify and solve issues on a continuous basis. Team goals and objectives were established as well as methods to ensure ongoing planning and communication.

A unique aspect to this organization is the degree of planned change experienced on a variety of levels. Team members are constantly changing by virtue of career development/promotion and the need to rotate personnel in order to match skills with project needs. Further, each development site has a specific start and stop date. Consequently, a highly successful team, working together for several months at a particular work site, may be split up at the conclusion of the project. Having all associates participate in a uniform orientation and ongoing team building process greatly contributed to the ease of internal transfers. Everyone is focused on meeting the needs of the customer. Relationships are based upon mutual respect and mutual purpose.

Results:

The organization experienced remarkable success over a relatively short period of time, and continues to outperform itself and competitors every year. Profitably and performance greatly exceed industry standards. The unique culture attracts and retains individuals deeply committed to working together to achieve extraordinary results in a fast-paced, high energy, and no-nonsense environment. BCG continues to provide the annual orientation program for new staff, and facilitate annual team building sessions for each team.

BCG Services:

Building and sustaining a team-approach in organizations is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. BCG has considerable expertise working to create and implement successful teams in a variety of settings. We assist in generating superior results, whether the team is at an initial stage of development or a mature group of individuals with considerable experience trying to work together. We can design a solution for teams at virtually every level of an organization. Our approach focuses on real organizational issues and bottom-line performance.