Gagen MacDonald developed a core process – or, more accurately, a way of thinking – to create solutions that help our clients meet demanding, changing requirements. We don’t force a model on your company; we mold our approach to fit your specific organization, culture and need.

We collaborate and listen to clarify the opportunity and to formulate solutions.

Our work starts with gaining a deep understanding of where we can help. The best way we can do this is by partnering with our clients – you are the ones who know the organization best. We begin by listening – from the front line to the executive suite – using a range of techniques and tools to understand the issues from employees’ perspectives at all levels of the organization. And, we don’t duplicate efforts. We’ll use existing research, analysis, surveys, strategy documents, and anything else that helps us understand the best way to support you, frequently forming cross-functional teams to address the issues identified.

We create a “cause” for employees and a bias for action.

If leadership and employees aren’t emotionally invested in the outcome, change won’t last. Our process combines the rational - focus employees’ attention on what they can change - with an emotional appeal that inspires them to act. Change starts with people who believe in the cause first, who spread their beliefs like religion…and then nurture the process of change throughout the organization.

We work on the ground and navigate the organization to gain support for action.

We help navigate the organization to build support and understanding and are there to implement the programs as they develop and evolve. We use “we” in the larger sense of the work. We partner with you, the client, as well as many different organizations and departments. We do whatever it takes to keep the process moving. This is an acquired skill based on experience and understanding what works and what doesn’t. For example, we look for obstacles and opportunities to focus resources in those areas where you can win early.

We create new experiences for employees to demonstrate success.

We believe in tailoring our approach to a specific situation, perhaps starting small and getting it right before making a big splash. We often start with one or several pilot teams, work out the kinks and demonstrate how people can be successful by doing things differently. This effort “shines the light” on what people are doing right and rewards them with recognition. We find those managers – leaders – who have the courage to do things differently. And these efforts help leadership demonstrate that they are committed to the new way of doing things.

We build and transfer skills to sustain results.

When we’re finished, we turn over what we’ve accomplished to our clients. Our final success is working ourselves out of a job. We equip management and employees to continue and build on what we start.