Alan and Dave, the principals of MH Associates Property Management Company, contacted Innovative Business Dynamics to help them with low employee morale that was adversely affecting the company’s ability to service clients. They wanted to improve productivity and expand their client base. Unfortunately, they were kept so busy "putting out fires" that they had no time to generate new business.

Our initial visit revealed personal disputes between several employees along with a general lack of organizational direction and teamwork. There was little communication between staff members, resulting in duplication of efforts or nothing being done at all. Whenever there was a problem to be solved the theme was "It’s not my job." Often by the time Alan or Dave became aware of the situation, the difficulty was at the crisis point.

Establishing cooperative teamwork was essential to improve operations at MH Associates. In addition, Alan and Dave needed to learn how to inspire and motivate their employees without over-managing. First, we worked with Alan, Dave and their workforce to create a company vision that everyone could get excited about. During the process, employees learned effective communication and conflict resolution skills that helped them work together as a team to solve problems, set goals, and complete tasks more efficiently.

To ensure buy-in and follow through with implementation of the vision, employees were engaged in establishing team goals and re-defining their roles and responsibilities to allow for individual competencies and preferences. A team assessment that they helped to create became the foundation for coaching and development as well as a guide for promotions, wage increases, and bonuses. Through weekly coaching sessions, Alan and Dave learned to facilitate the team process that enabled their workforce to become a motivated and cohesive unit.

Using their new skills, team members enhanced operations and became a useful resource for developing innovations and new business strategies that improved margins and productivity. They became a self-managed team adept at trouble shooting and handling difficult situations involving the company’s clients. As their abilities grew, they were able to take over more managerial functions. With more efficient day-to-day operations, Alan and Dave became free to focus on expanding the company and increasing market share.