“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities—brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.”

- John W. Gardner

How many hours in an average week do you spend exploring possibilities that will forward your vision? Do impossible situations and seemingly insoluble problems frequently slow you down or block your path altogether?

People are the solution

The people who care about your organization have enough brainpower, imagination and energy to overcome the most intractable challenge. The real problem is bringing such people together in a way that enables their combined talents to create great possibilities. ‘Capacity building’ is a facilitated process that creates a safe environment for a dozen or so of your most creative minds to roll up their sleeves and interact. Their group synergy will inspire great results.

New possibilities

Your organization will benefit from capacity building if you are exploring new possibilities in areas such as:

• Creating a vision that inspires action
• Long-term strategic planning
• Resource development – capital/operating
• Lifecycle analysis
• Board or staff renewal

Capacity building occurs in three stages. It starts with research and preparation, leading into intensive group process, followed by commitment to action.

Setting the stage

During research and preparation we set the stage:

• Defining key issues, focus, outcomes and resources
• Ensuring leadership endorsement and ownership
• Reviewing history, culture, materials, systems
• Researching internal and external environments (strengths, challenges, opportunities)
• Interviewing key stakeholders and brainstorming with internal groups

Group synergy

Using the intelligence that has been gathered, a capacity building process is tailored to your organization’s specific needs. A carefully selected group of 10 to 12 individuals meets in a series of facilitated sessions usually lasting 3 or 4 hours each. Timeline and resources, both human and material, are carefully examined to ensure your future success. Information is captured through minutes, an executive summary and recommendations. A formal report is written if it is needed to forward the action with your stakeholders.

Call to action

The final and most challenging stage is converting this commitment into action. Action teams are launched and coaching is provided to support outcomes for 6-12 months. Additional consultation may also be provided,