To work successfully with families and closely held businesses, it is very important to carefully build a relationship of trust and confidence. Just as important to us is the process of building a consensus right from the beginning of our relationship. Mutual confidence and trust combined with consensus building, means we can discern the pattern for resolution of whatever issue or issues are being confronted very early in the assignment.

We begin with a project designed to instill a feeling of mutual confidence. This usually consists of interviews designed to quickly identify the points of disagreement or tension that are having an impact on business performance. These interviews allow us to proceed from a macro view to the more specific issues quickly and efficiently. Occasionally diagnostic assessments may be utilized, as well, particularly in situations where tensions between family members or within a company may be high. Quite often, a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) will also be conducted. This first project seldom takes longer than three to five weeks to complete.

We want to learn from you what the critical issues facing the family and business are so that we can provide value-added insights and make appropriate recommendations. At the end of this first project, we will create an action plan with you to achieve resolution and establish “benchmarks” for monitoring progress.

Thoughout our work, The Development Group employs a dynamic planning process called DCIM™. This is an iterative, continuous process that acts as a framework for approaching each assignment and its various facets. In brief the elements are:

• Discover, the Issues & Opportunities by listening and learning from you
• Create, the Goals, Plans, & Processes by building teams and capitalizing on growth opportunities in your company
• Implement, those Plans & Processes with you so that they become part of the fabric of the organization
• Monitor, the Results & Progress by holding those responsible accountable for their commitments

Our technique is simple but time tested and has developed out of our work with families and the businesses they control. It is designed to be action oriented to achieve whatever changes are required. Because we believe in concrete results and not long written reports, you will find us to be very much “hands-on” and supportive.