Research:

Case Studies

Achieving High Performance with Associational Thinking Tools and Processes

Situation
Three human resources departments operating in silos in a Fortune 500 company needing to integrate their processes and staff to create a new organizational model for an HR department. The goal was to achieve a high performance work system in an environment of increasing ambiguity and complexity. Previous approaches had not produced the desired results.

The Process
The combined team used elements of the CereCore^® System - information from their individual Thomas Indicator Profile^® reports, their team profile matrix, and visual tools to create innovative work processes. Using a bottom up approach they designed:

• An operational structure that allowed the team to "flow to the work" efficiently and effectively.
• Group norms and guidelines based on the thinking approaches of the team improved communications and minimized conflict.
• A decision making matrix moving most decisions from senior HR management to subteams (including annual salary planning for the team).
• A different 360 feedback process for the team that was geared to maximize their individual and collective strengths

Result

• A self directed team with fewer members, operating with increased confidence and effectiveness.
• A flatter organization providing team members with a broader range of experiences that increased the value of their individual and collective portfolios.
• Achieved the positive results desired by the team and HR management.