AD-00017

A client planned to change their organization significantly, while maintaining the current employee count (i.e., they were not downsizing).  They used Meetingworks to define basic functions needed in the organization.  Generate and Organize were used to finalize a list of functions necessary to their operation.  Also, the size (number of employees) needed for each function was recorded during the Organize step.

A Generate step was used to brainstorm various alternatives for organization.  A seed file presented a starter list (e.g., organization by geography, size of client).  The group added a few more alternatives and Organize was used to clarify and edit the list of alternatives.

Cross Impact was used to rate each type of organization alternative against high-level company goals.  The group worked to get to consensus on the best alternative (through re-voting).

Organize was then used to build the organization structure.  The functions agreed upon at the beginning of the meeting were placed in one window, and another window contained proposed departments using the structure selected in the Cross Impact step.  The group named departments and placed functions under each department.

In this type of meeting, participants can hear from peers and superiors about the pro’s and con’s of each move.  This builds ownership at all levels for the new organization.