case studies
Strategic Connections Inc. has had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects since it was incorporated. The samples provided represent some of that diversity. For further information on these or other projects we have been involved with, please contact us.
Storytelling
Cultural Transformation
Faced with significant marketplace shifts and challenges, this international engineering consulting firm needed to rethink its business strategy and fundamentally redefine its organizational culture. Our role has been to provide direct consulting to members of the Executive Management Team in the development of a comprehensive communications strategy and cultural transition program.
The program we developed and are now supporting through implementation has been designed to:
- increase management and employee understanding of the shifting marketplace and strategic response
- focus on identifying core organizational behaviours that need to be stopped, started or continued, and
- engagement of management and staff in bringing the plan and desired culture to life.
Central to the effort is a fundamental redesign of internal communication processes focused on generating conversation, collaboration and direct involvement across the company. Our ongoing role relates to the development, introduction and delivery of change leadership and management programs and strategic coaching for change, communications and cultural transformation.
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Internal Communication: Evaluation and Planning
Through its annual employee survey, this growing, financial services company realized that communication in the company was not meeting the needs of management or staff. Working with the Executive Team, we were asked to conduct an analysis of existing communication processes, evaluate their processes against best practices, and develop a 3-year strategic communications plan for implementation.
A number of key action points identified through the planning process, including the assignment of accountability for managing communication processes, setting goals and objectives, repositioning key vehicles and integrating many stand alone initiatives, resulted in improved levels of employee satisfaction with communication and a more knowledgeable workforce.
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Service Delivery Review and Improvement
Influenced by significant policy changes and a shifting socio-political climate, we were invited by this Provincial Crown Agency to assist them in better understanding the needs of and improving the services delivered to their clients.
The assessment centred on three key elements of the service delivery chain identified by a cross-functional team drawn from management and front line positions: customers and their issues; product and services work flow, and; the internal working environment.
To ensure the necessary commitment and buy in to potential changes, the assessment process drew on the heavy involvement of front line staff to undertake the research, identify issues and recommend improvements.
Our role throughout the assessment phase and through detailed planning and implementation has been one of both process consultant and content expert. A key element of the process has been the effective transfer of team and process improvement skills to front line staff - thus ensuring their ability to continuously monitor and improve service without relying on external assistance.
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A General Overview of Many of Our Projects
Strategic Connections Inc has assisted many clients in developing effective workplace cultures, change management and internal communication strategies. Examples of these projects include:
Client: Professional Services Companies
- Strategic Development of a Learning Organization Strategy;
- Strategic consulting on development and introduction of Voice of the Customer process;
- Facilitation of Project Review and Learnings Workshop for Drayton Valley design / build project
- Consulting support to assist role out of new compensation strategy;
- Co-development and facilitation of Communicating for Leadership Program for all UMA managers;
- Facilitation of Executive Leadership Strategic Planning Sessions;
- Co-Development and facilitation of Leadership Conference;
- Executive Coaching - communication and change management;
- People Centred Organizational Change program;
- Development and guide implementation of Strategic Internal Communication Plan;
- Development and production of various communication materials ([print and electronic), executive presentations and strategic visual discussion maps;
Client: Utilities
- Developed and managed all aspects of change communication plan for Customer Services Building Customer Loyalty Program - included:
- Providing leadership to integrated corporate communication program;
- Creation of project intranet site;
- Identification of processes to ensure Union support;
- Development of overall community relations plan;
- Served as member of Project leadership team;
- Training and Development of project communication staff;
- Led the development of Customer Services Integrated Knowledge Management Strategy;
- Strategic Consulting (change communication) to the credit and collection review and improvement project and the Strategic Space Review project
- Developed change communication strategy for Corporate Human Resources shared services group;
Client: Financial Services
- Developed 3 year strategic internal communication strategy and implementation plan;
- Conducted target branch workplace environment research
- Conducted organizational change research (focus groups) to evaluate effectiveness of merger integration and related communication.
- Provided consulting support to management on communication issues and processes.
- Guided all change related communications during mergers and acquisitions
Client: Service Organizations
- Conducted review to identify workplace environment issues;
- Conducted customer research (telephone and walk-in surveys; interviews) to identify key areas to focus service and work process improvement efforts;
- Provided executive member coaching on communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Designed and implemented people centred change program;
- Service strategy development and internal branding
- Led development of and provided content and process expertise for process improvement teams;
Client: Sports Organizations
- Facilitated Board of Directors Strategic Planning Session;
- Consulted to league President of strategic planning and development;
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