Insight Case Studies

Executive Team Dynamics Impacting Decision-Making

The Executive group at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) invited Dr. Raynolds to do a PD Session to assist with a challenge regarding the choice of a new head-office location, timing of a move, and other issues related to their overall mission. These wer part of a group of decisions with which they had been wrestling (and procrastinating) for some time. They had two head-office locations chosen, but seemed unable to make a final consensus-based decision.

OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION

My client had decided to start a new business, providing high-end party and event planning. While she had been working on the idea for some time, she was struggling to determine how to make it a reality. She had several options for her next steps, and plenty of advice, but found herself dealing with procrastination and resistance. We did a PD Insights session to explore her unconscious perceptions and attitudes towards a few of the paths she had been considering, as well as her overall vision for her new business.

NEEDING TO ADDRESS UNEASINESS

My client was a co-founder of a small logistics firm. Although this was the work she loved, she had recently been finding herself feeling uneasy about the company and the direction they were going, but she was unsure why. We did a PD Insights session focusing on her company as it was, her concept of an ‘ideal’ companyand her partners, along with exploring her self-perception and preferences.

A FAMILY DILEMMA

The client came to me with a dilemma—he had a difficult situation to address, and although he had identified some possible courses of action, he was having great difficulty committing to a direction. His brother was a long-time drug addict, in and out of recovery. My client had always been there to help out when his brother needed it, providing both financial and moral/familial support. But my client had reached his limit – he knew something had to change, but he wasn’t sure what. His brother was back into the addiction, and asking again for help.

The Company:

NovaScotian Crystal is a small east coast creator and retailer of mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal. Founded in 1996, current total staff of about 45. Employees include craftsmen in the old Irish glassmaking tradition, sales/retail showroom, warehouse & shipping, administration (including marketing & IT), and corporate services.

SCENARIO:

The CEO has always made it clear that the mission of the company goes beyond making money. The preservation of a craft, the enhancement of people’s lives, and the creation of a caring, enlightened community are the real drivers—making money is what makes it possible to keep doing the rest of it.

The Company:

NovaScotian Crystal is a small east coast creator and retailer of mouth-blown, hand-cut crystal. Founded in 1996, current total staff of about 45. Employees include craftsmen in the old Irish glassmaking tradition, sales/retail showroom, warehouse & shipping, administration (including marketing & IT), and corporate services.

SCENARIO:

The CEO has always made it clear that the mission of the company goes beyond making money. The preservation of a craft, the enhancement of people’s lives, and the creation of a caring, enlightened community are the real drivers—making money is what makes it possible to keep doing the rest of it.

DISCONNECTS BETWEEN MIDDLE AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

A hotel chain operating in a large, midwest, metropolitan area was experiencing high turnover. In late 1989, the competitive environment in the hospitality industry was heating up, and the company had been facing challenges. Major renovations on their flagship property had recently been completed—creating a European boutique hotel theme, and a marketing program to specialize in highly personalized service, creating a retreat experience for their guests.