For Leaders Driving High Stakes Strategies

 Are you…  

o A leader or board member with an important mission?

o Having to continually adapt your approach in light of changes to your supply chain, marketplace, regulations, operations, funding?

o Finding it challenging to think strategically with so many unknowns?  

o Encountering:

• Inconsistent expectations from your board, leadership team and employees?
• Uncertainty and skepticism on the part of customers, members, funders, partners, or volunteers? 
• Hand-wringing about the risks, even among supporters?

o  Stressed (and exhausted) as you lead others through uncertainty? 

 Hi, I’m Susan Schramm. I help leaders get traction faster for high-stakes strategies. I spent most of my career in the technology industry taking big ideas to market -- new programs, new products, new services, new partnerships and joint ventures,  and even new companies. It involved a lot of geeky talk and acronyms.

My frustration was how often these global organizations fell in love with the WHAT (their wonderful new solution) but did NOT focus enough on the WHO, the PEOPLE who need to understand and take action for new initiatives to be successful.

The business consequences can be ugly: costly delays, missed revenue commitments, programs canceled. And the people costs are high as well: employees unprepared and stressed out, leaders frustrated, careers negatively impacted, the organization embarrassed, and customers confused and losing trust.

In my work with mission-led organizations - whether as a board member, on executive staff, or as a consultant and advisor -- I have met many inspiring leaders very committed to their MISSION. They lead companies, associations, non-profits, municipalities, and faith-based communities -- all with a strong conviction to improve the world around them.  

Yet, I find these leaders can also underestimate the needs of the PEOPLE involved with a new initiative. The result is that initiatives get stuck, commitments missed, people get frustrated, and the credibility of the organization can be hurt. 

This is especially true for established organizations dealing with a changing environment. Funding can dry up, mission impact can get delayed, and good people end up abandoning ship at a critical time.  

Are this business training? Is it consulting? 

Both. 

This unique three-phase program is designed to help you systematically identify risks of your organization's  strategy or new initiative,  and help you use proven approaches to manage risk and accelerate results. 

The program is outcome-focused and leverages the principles of our proprietary De-RIsk System for Impact®  that has been effective for both non-profit and for-profit organizations to accelerate results --- especially when there is a myriad of stakeholders who need to take a new direction. The concepts are grounded  in strategy, product management, sales and marketing, communications, change management, organizational behavior and brain science. 

What is the De-RIsk System for Impact ®  ? 

De-Risk Sytem for Impact ® services provide practical tools and support based on proven principles to help organizations implementing a new strategy to get results faster. The system is based on six principals that serve as the foundation for evaluating and managing risks when an organization is taking a  new direction in a dynamic environment.  The system provides simple and intuitive tools and frameworks for each principle. Best implemented as a team, the system enables you to objectively and systematically identify the biggest risks to your strategy and put in place a system to manage those risks over time. 

Who should attend these programs? These programs are designed for leaders who have ownership for driving results. Titles may vary but accountability for bottom-line results and measurable outcomes is the key. This program is appropriate for leaders of non profits,  associations, and mission-led companies.  

· Leadership Teams taking the  program together will  significantly accelerate your ability to execute. 

· Board Members committed to actively supporting the leadership team to take a new direction. A special option allows you to participate in key elements of the program. This can help to accelerate alignment between the leadership team and the board, and get an even stronger start. 

- High Potential Leaders who need to get board ready. The programs help synthesize proven strategic concepts and help leaders plan for consequences they may not have considered, and provides a vocabulary to talk about risk that builds confidence. 

Is this program appropriate if we’re still in the middle of defining  our new strategy? 

The earlier you identify the critical elements and the risks --  and a plan to address them -- the stronger your plan will be.  The opportunity to participate with  leaders of other organizations who may be further down the road can provide instructive insights. 

How can I use this program to prepare for our strategy and budget planning process? 

The tools and best practices you will be introduced to, along with the assignments you will complete, will provide you with important building blocks that become  INPUT for your regular planning processes.  Some of tools you might want to  actually use as part of your annual strategy session! 

The insights and tools can also be used in your fundraising plans, planning your marketing communications and social media, partner and channel management, organizational design, internal communications, and even in supplier management. You will have identified risks in your current plans and ways to mitigate that risk. You may also flag some gaps in your strategy that need more work to ensure a successful outcome.  

We've launched our new plans, but we still aren't aligned as a team. 

De-risking is never done. One of the fastest ways to get back on track  is to systematically evaluate the key risks and create a plan to address them.   Simply applying these tools and openly discussing your plan to address risks can help align your team  -- and build the confidence of your stakeholders. This  is an accelerated way to build a corrective plan while also gaining some ‘outside in” perspective from industry experts.  

I like the idea of the virtual workshops -- but what if I miss one of the sessions? Each of the virtual workshops  is recorded, so you can listen to the content and catch up. Even people who attend the session can use these recordings to go back and review the concepts covered.

How much time is required for the Strategic Intensive Program? 

An engaged participant will invest about  12-15 hours over four-six  weeks to be able to apply the content of the program and get the benefit. There is  30 minute  orientation call once you register,  three online workshops each lasting about 2 hours, and there's a 90- minute 1:1 consultation at the end of the program to help you proritize for impact.

However, the true value of this program comes from time you invest thinking through and applying the concepts we discuss. The pre-assignment and homework assignments after each workshop are targeted to take approximately one hour each. But you will typically want to take time and do some thinking as you build your own game plan. Enthusiastic participants will want to dive into optional readings and videos, tap support for questions as they do their assignments, and involve  colleagues and board members to get input and feedback and align to go forward.

Today's uncertain environment requires bold leadership. It demands a well thought out plan that aligns people to execute.  It can be rewarding – but challenging! This unique program provides you a practical, time-efficient way  to step back and be strategic, systematically apply proven  principles, and more confidently lead. It also is an investment in yourself. I look forward to working with you!

Warm regards,

Susan Schramm

Founder, Go to Market Impact LLC

P.S. I realize that this is a big decision. But I want you to ask yourself: If you don’t do this , what else are you doing to reduce risks in these uncertain times?  Your mission is too important and the time and energy you are putting into it is too great to not have done everything you can to make it successful. I hope to hear from you soon.  If you would like to discuss your specific situation, contact me at  susan.schramm@gotomarketimpact.com