Initial brief: A software organization - ABC intended to launch some HR initiatives; delegation was one such move identified by them. Vernalis was approached to support them in this process. Vernalis through initial discussion made the client aware of the need for embarking on a dip stick diagnosis to do a preliminary validation whether delegation was the right first step rather than converging on an intervention which may not yield the desired benefits.
The diagnosis was conducted in a compact manner largely relying on background material study and series of individual interviews with the Senior Management team including the Managing Director.
What emerged was a series of core issues covering themes such as:
Business strategy
Alignment of strategy with core stakeholders and internal processes
Leadership development
HR strategy
Each theme was detailed out in terms of key priorities for action. For instance the theme of Business strategy was detailed out as follows.
A clear Business Strategy :
In our discussion with the ABC Company senior managers, several possible future scenario's and business paths emerged. If a clear strategy addressing some of the following issues is evolved, the company will be in a better position to address the future. In case a strategy exists then a better articulation of the same to all the employees.
Positioning of ABC India vis-à-vis Parent company
Leveraging the parent company's strength and brand name in India.
LOB / LOT : diversifying beyond Insurance encompassing new technologies, new functional areas, legacy systems vs new technology.
Growth plans with stretch targets
Clear position on body shopping
Instituting an effective strategy and process for Business Development - increasing element of risk in marketing; broad basing to include senior management in business development
Positioning of the company on the value chain (development vs maintenance, coding vs systems design.)
The detailing out of each theme was followed up with evolving options for further action.
Overall outcome was a strong acknowledgement from the organization and concurrence regarding the relevance and criticality of issues raised. A highly potent agenda was created for the Senior Management to deliberate upon and evolve a more cogent development strategy rather than dissipating organisational energies through embarking on isolated low impact actions.
