All of our services are customised to focus on enhancing our clients’ business and developing their people. Our Model for Success works through five key areas:- leadership and management, resources, clients, strategy and shape.
All our services are customised to concentrate on what each client project will achieve. A detailed outline and costings will therefore be agreed in advance. We are always happy to have informal initial discussions to talk through proposed projects at no charge (faw@westwood-associates.com).
Here are some examples of the types of projects we have worked with clients on.
Planning for Business GrowthThis project looks at the current business, where it wants to be within the next 2-5 years and identifies how it will get there. It concentrates on developing leadership and management skills in partners and senior managers.
It includes:-
- individual interviews with all partners, managers and key personnel,
- the identification of the values and culture of the organisation, its strengths and weaknesses,
- an analysis of the client base and marketplace within which the organisation currently operates,
- facilitation of senior level discussion to develop an agreed outline Business Plan which includes current and future values, short and long term objectives, action plans with critical success factors, the resources and timescales required and specified outcomes
Outcomes of this Project include an agreed Business Plan, clearer understanding amongst the partners and senior managers of the priorities for the business, and improved decision making and communications.
Typical project time scale 3 - 4 months.
Managing Conflict ConstructivelyThis project accepts that conflict is a necessary part of our working lives. Rather than attempt to minimise its effect, it allows people to use conflict in a positive way to generate change and innovative solutions to practical problems.
It includes:-
- individual interviews with all managers and team members to identify underlying problems and tensions and key influencers, and
- group sessions to establish where conflict is positive and necessary, agree definitions of acceptable behaviour, develop creativity and identify positive solutions to problems.
Outcomes of this Project include practical solutions to current frustrations and problems, less time wasting, improved decision making and communications and increased morale and motivation.
Typical project time scale 2 - 3 months.
The Client Development PlanThis project focuses on client development and provides an examination of the current client base, and the potential for and sources of new business.
It includes:-
- an analysis of current clients, their buying preferences, profitability and future potential
- the identification of the “unique selling proposition” for the firm, its specialisms and preferred types of work,
- an analysis of the external environment, its threats and opportunities, where the firm is most vulnerable and where most effective,
- facilitation of partnership discussion to agree a Client Development Plan for the firm which includes agreed actions, critical success factors, the resources and timescales required and specified outcomes.
Outcomes include an agreed Client Development Plan, the identification of key clients and future specialisms.
Typical project time scale 3-4 months
Working Smarter not HarderThis project concentrates on achieving a short term internal turnaround for the firm. It considers current client work, who is doing it and how it is delivered.
It includes:
- an analysis of the firm’s systems and procedures, feeing levels and recovery, staff utilisation and productivity,
- identifies improvements in work practices and cash flow,
- facilitation of partnership discussion to agree “turnaround” priorities including changes of practice and procedures and areas requiring resourcing and training.
Outcomes include agreed priorities, and an increased resource base for future developments.
Typical project time scale 3 months
Commercialising Professionals ProjectThis project addresses the perceived dichotomy of professional and commercial values. External pressures are requiring a commercial response from professionals, creating tension around their values and ethics.
The project includes:-
- specific skills training, such as performance and financial management,
- facilitated discussion amongst professionals and senior managers to resolve apparent conflict and identify a holistic set of Performance Indicators which reflects both the commercial and professional values of the organisation.
Outcomes include agreed Performance Indicators, and an improved understanding of the current and future drivers of the organisation.
Typical project time scale 2 - 3 months
Leadership CoachingOne-to-one business coaching for senior professionals, managers and partners concentrates on recognising people’s strengths and targeting specific development areas. This is typically a 6 month project involving shadowing, feedback and agreed actions and practical outcomes. Benefits include recognition of existing leadership skills, increased self awareness and implementation of specific operational targets.
Typical project time scale 6 months