Strategy workshop Singing from the same song sheet.

The situation
This client hired O’Donnell & Associates to conduct a variety of engagements in a single market over a period of time. We used market development to help the client team explore the emerging market needs and launch new products. Over time, we communicated with hundreds of their customers.

Meanwhile, the client team was developing products and strategies, some based on our market development insight. The group was responsible for creating and marketing a $40 million product line each year. They were running around the country talking to customers and selling products. They had different job functions, and worked with different customers and channels. But, the team of 10 executives and managers were rarely in the same place to share knowledge and ensure a consistent company strategy. So, our client hired O’Donnell & Associates to facilitate a strategy workshop.

The process
First, we met with our key client contact and the top executive in the group to define our goals for the workshop. We all agreed on an agenda and process. First, O’Donnell & Associates presented the findings of our extensive research and market development activities. This launched into a discussion of the changing market. On a flip chart, we defined the market dynamics that were most critical to the success of our client. Then, we analyzed the company’s strategies, and refined them to ensure that they complied with the emerging market dynamics.

The results
Most important, our client walked away from that room, “singing from the same song sheet.” As they dispersed back to their busy schedule and activities, they had a common strategy and understanding of how the team should move forward.