Case study - UK Media Group (UKMG)

Business need

Market conditions for this UKMG meant that they had to respond rapidly by finding new ways to exploit their rich intellectual property. They were keen to unlock the potential of a group of managers who were spread widely in geography (UK, Los Angeles and Berlin) and also had a wide and varied skill set. The UKMG decided to gather these managers at a conference with the aims of enabling them to work effectively as a team and to deliver business improvements as a result of the enhanced synergy within the team. The UKMG were clear from the start that as a result of the conference they expected concrete ideas including estimates of market size and revenue for the proposed projects.

MaST solution

As this international group had not worked together before MaST recognised the need for them to bond and build trust. This was achieved by using the first day of the conference to enable them to understand the processes and behaviours of successful teams, using the strength deployment inventory. The second day turned to the task. MaST facilitated four groups of managers on keeping them on track and focussing creative tension in a positive direction.

Outcome

Of the four groups two produced ideas with potential that the UKMG were keen to research in greater depth and detail. They were ground breaking ideas, one using new mobile technology and representing real ‘blue sky’ thinking.

Significantly, one group came up with an idea that was awarded a development budget on the spot and represents huge potential for the UKMG. This UKMG was delighted with the outcome of the conference, the mangers who attended now work better as a team, are able to flex to their varied styles and as a result there is greater synergy.