DIALOG

DIALOG came about as a result of a search for an instrument that would help diagnose an organization's strengths and identify areas in need of improvement using valid current criteria. We also wanted it to be results-oriented rather than activity focused.

The search for valid criteria began as a result of our experience over the last decade which provided us with an understanding that the true source of an organization's strength lies in its ability to manage the interrelationships of the systems within an organization. It is of little value that there is a strong R&D department and a strong Marketing department if they are unable or unwilling to work together. The results are that the wrong things will be developed and adversarial relationships will work to the detriment of the customer and the bottom line.

Our experience also indicated that the more aligned the systems are with the strategy and mission of an organization the more successful it will be as measured by employee morale, productivity, customer satisfaction, share of market, and profitability. Our search for the best researched criteria that would provide the best indicators of organizational strength lead us to the seven elements of Performance Excellence as defined and measured over the last decade by the National Institute of Standards & Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce. These categories have undergone an incredible amount of validation and verification. They have been documented by organizations of all sizes and in all industries. For these reasons we selected them as the basic criteria for D.I.AL.O.G. These categories are:

We have developed a total of 70 questions to evaluate an organization. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. The responses from a cross section of the organization will produce a picture showing areas of alignment, (strengths), and misalignment (opportunity). With this knowledge, management is in a better position to make informed decisions as to what should be strengthened, changed, and/or reinforced in order to provide long term strength. As such, this instrument becomes a powerful organizational development, strategic and tactical leadership tool, providing valid information as to where to best focus resources to maximize results.

Our approach in working with an organization is to understand how you currently function, identify where you want to go, and evaluate the "gaps" and misalignments of what needs to be done in order to accelerate the accomplishment of your goals. We used to say that an organization's strength was greater than the sum of its parts. We called this synergy. While this is still true, today we have kicked that up a notch. Now we say, the output (results) of an organization is a consequence of the interrelationship of the pieces.

1. This diagnostic tool is based upon the most measured and scrutinized elements comprising organizational performance excellence in recent times. It measures seven elements that are recognized by business thinkers and business leaders alike as those base essential elements that must be aligned in order to achieve organizational success.
   
   
2. Our approach is unique in that we measure the interrelationship of the essential elements as predictors of future strength. We are not so much concerned with measuring communication for communications sake, but rather how effective you are in communicating your strategy and vision. As such, our approach is outcome focused, rather than imply measuring non-related activities.
   
   
3. Because our approach provides both quantitative and qualitative data, you will receive a well balanced reading of your current situation relative to your strategic direction and business goals.

Linda Limbers Mitchell        9416 Cooley Lake Rd White Lake, MI 48386        lindamitchell@comcast.net

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