FAQ List

How do you measure the impact of your work?

Clearly, developing business relationships and enhancing leadership skills contributes significantly to overall business performance. For example, the business will attract and retain the best people, and they will work more productively, achieving success for themselves as well as benefiting the team and the business as a whole.

Rather than construct elaborate, expensive or intrusive measurement systems, we favour a highly practical, business-focused approach. We believe that improvements can often be assessed using existing key performance indicators, such as results from periodic 360-degree surveys. Whilst our interventions will not always be the only factor affecting these indicators we believe that they will be significant, nonetheless.

We have significant experience of working with organizations where assessment systems are applied and the Optima briefing report Performance Measurement Systems explains some popular approaches.

Also, we agree a personal development plan with each participant at the start of our work (this forms the focus for the first 1:1 coaching session, for example). We regard the extent to which we help each participant achieve their specific objectives and outcomes as one of the specific measures of our success.

How can we be sure that Optima will meet our needs?

We start every programme and coaching assignment with a clear understanding of the client’s specific requirements and priorities. This is highlighted by the Business Relationship Programme which starts with five days in-depth client research, informing our view of the business situation, issues and challenges. In fact, every time we work with a client (for example, with a coaching assignment) we focus on the business’s priorities as well as the specific needs of each individual.

As you would expect from an organization that enhances business relationships, we realise the need for active listening, communication and collaboration. This expertise is reflected in the way we work and ensures we deliver the results our clients need.

You focus on business relationships – But surely other business skills are at least as important?

Clearly, other skills (for example, financial management) are essential for business success. However, these skills are underpinned by people – and to prosper, people rely on relationships. So, for example, even the most brilliant financial manager would be severely hampered by an inability to influence or communicate.

The intangibles of business success are under-pinned by productive, positive relationships between people. Qualities such as trust, respect, flexibility and understanding are often taken for granted. Yet it is these relationship issues that determine the success of vital business activities – from sharing ideas and innovating to selling, attracting and retaining clients.

What are the sectors where you have most experience?

Since 1996, our work has been predominantly in the financial services, manufacturing, technology and professional services sectors. However, while we have significant experience of these industries this has simply been a reflection of the developments and challenges faced by these sectors over the last 10 years. Our work – building business relationships – is transferable and relevant to all sectors.