Through years of practical experience, The CED Doctor has developed an approach to consulting which rests on five pillars, where we:
- Focus on core strategic questions
- Generate fact-based insights
- Test feasibility
- Work collaboratively
- Plan for implementation
This approach results in well-grounded decisions and clear goals that promote our client’s mission, are ambitious yet attainable and energize leadership and stakeholders.
Focus On Core Strategic Questions
The CED Doctor works with our clients to articulate the questions of greatest strategic importance to them – those questions that when answered will lead to improved success in achieving the organization’s mission. By using these core questions to guide the project we ensure that the work is focused on what matters most, resulting in the creation of significant value.
Generate Fact-based Insights
The CED Doctor uses research and analysis to inform discussion and decision-making, employing a variety of analytical methods such as surveys, focus groups, structured interviews, cost analysis, financial and mathematical modeling, process mapping, and the benchmarking of analogous organizations. Through such analysis insights are generated that can act as important “aha” moments to galvanize thinking and achieve consensus.
Test Feasibility
The CED Doctor tests the feasibility of strategic options by examining implications related to the organization’s programmatic goals, financial performance, organizational capacities, and policies and procedures. By using tools such as evaluation criteria, options modeling, and sensitivities analysis we allow a client to consider the trade-offs involved in different courses of action, identify the most attractive options, and determine a realistic timeframe in which actions can be implemented.
Work Collaboratively
Because strategic decisions are typically informed by many different factors (programmatic, financial, organizational) and require the input of multiple stakeholders (board members, staff, and outside stakeholders), excellent strategic decisions are best arrived at through a team effort. The CED Doctor brings constituents together in skillfully facilitated meetings to elicit opinions and arrive at intelligent conclusions. By using a team-based approach, alignment is achieved and the organization takes ownership for the agreed-upon course of action.
Plan for Implementation
In the final phase of most client engagements, we work closely with the organization to develop an action plan, along with methods to monitor success. This converts the strategic choices made during the project into practical action. Informed by the strategic goals that the organization has established, key staff members define action steps for implementation, identifying who will do what, by when, establish metrics to use in tracking progress over time, and develop a calendar of meetings to monitor progress
Organization Assessment & Development Plans
With knowledge of best practices and a knack for facilitating collaborative discussions, we can help guide you towards developing and launching a new or improved organizational structure. We will work with your board, staff, community, and civic leaders to position you for greater success in your target market.
Leadership Development
Few, if any, decisions effect an organization as much as the individuals selected for key leadership positions. Our team pulls from extensive industry knowledge and contacts to help organizations ensure an effective succession plan is in place, select the right people to fill openings and provide needed training.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Initiatives
Encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship and innovation is essential for the future success of any region. Our team provides support to organizations serious about this mission with projects ranging from comprehensive program development, training initiatives, financing program development, organizational capacity building and more. The CED Doctor has extensive experience with start-up organizations. Let us help you move your idea from a vision in your head to real world success and achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.