Make me an effective MD

We were approached by the Managing Director of a substantial organisation in Bristol who had a problem. He was getting feedback from everyone in the business that his way of managing was not good for the business.

He was somewhat confused and with good reason. When he had taken over control the business was losing money and it was his close attention to detail and his directive style which had turned the business round.

However, in better times his style was causing a lot of stress, both for him and his team. The atmosphere was strained and decisions could only be made after his personal involvement. This was impacting on timescales and was stopping the organisation from expanding. Everyone was working long hours but nothing was getting done. The organisation needed a better way of working and the change had to come from the top. The other Directors asked him to find someone to help him change his style for his benefit and the rest of the organisation and we were recommended.

The first part of our task was to help him to explore what his style was and whether he really wanted to change it. After some reflection He "got" the idea of a management style which made the most of all of the brainpower of the organisation not just his brains and he was keen to get going.

We supported him through his change of management style and supported his direct reports in learning to take responsibility and making decisions. This made the organisation more capable of responding to user needs and a better organisation to work alongside of.

Within 12 months the organisation won a significant large contract with a short timescale before starting and because everyone was working together, they made their deadline.

So the Managing Director now has a larger organisation to steer, he gets real enjoyment from stimulating and co-ordinating the actions of his team and he is ready for further expansion.