Phase IV - “Reinforcement”
In this phase, our consultants continue to work with the Client for up to one full year after the Implementation Plan is complete. This ensures that the Profit Improvement Program recommendations are realized. During this period, the Profit Improvement Program may need to be changed or modified due to business evolution. Our consultant will assist and support the management team with the applicable modifications (typically one or two days per month for six to twelve months of Reinforcement). These changes will be identified, documented and implemented in a timely manner, enabling the Client to realize the full benefit of all Profit Improvement Programs during the original consulting engagement.
Change can be unsettling to organizations, especially when employees must learn new and different methods of doing business. Systems with which employees were previously comfortable are no longer applicable and new processes are implemented. During this period, many employees will experience emotions ranging from hope and excitement to denial, insecurity, depression and resignation.
We include this phase in the consulting process because change requires reinforcement. Senior management, first line managers and all employees need constant encouragement when changes occur in their work environment, even though they realize that the changes being made are positive and necessary. A Company must push beyond the modification of attitudes, behaviors, methods and techniques to truly change results. A change in the basic corporate culture is imperative. Attempts to change a behavior or method without changing the foundation of the paradigm result in the paradigm eventually overpowering to change. Most attempts at Total Quality management are unsuccessful because fundamental culture changes cannot be installed; they must be planted, nurtured and grown. Our goal is to ensure that positive changes are in place and remain part of the Company culture long after our consultants leave.
