SPARK CREATIVITY, RENEW FOCUS, AND OVERCOME OBSTACLES
Sometimes a critical project gets bogged down. Whether the team’s enthusiasm is flagging -- or they’ve encountered an unexpected issue that defies resolution -- the resulting low energy delays progress. Special projects or initiatives often need a course correction. Between phone tag, lengthy email chains and meetings that go in circles, momentum wanes and then suddenly several weeks have gone by with no measurable progress.
A Breakthrough Jam Session is designed for a specific project where you need fresh thinking, a creative burst of energy, or an extra pair of executive hands to get the project over the finish line. Examples include product launches, M&A activity, or a Sales and Marketing alignment workshop. A jam session is GSD in its purest form: working across organizations, figuring out what needs to be done, and then making it happen. Breakthrough Jam Sessions include three phases:
BEFORE THE JAM SESSION
Think of your last offsite. How much valuable time did you spend at the beginning of the offsite "getting everyone on the same page?" A Breakthrough Jam Session is different. Several weeks before the jam session we meet with key leaders to understand objectives and outcomes. We discuss what materials need to be developed (and by whom) and what pre-work each participant needs to complete. We also agree on how and who will set expectations of participants.
DURING THE JAM SESSION
Facilitate is a passive term, describing someone who holds themselves separate from the work. That’s not what we do; we jump in and roll up our sleeves. Transformative sessions not only require energy, creativity and enthusiasm, they require a catalyst to spark the flame — and keep it going. We keep things moving, ensure the free flow of discussion and then bring it back at days’ end to summarize commitments and next steps.
AFTER THE JAM SESSION
Right after the jam session and then at defined intervals, we have a series of follow-ups to make sure the project is on track and you're seeing meaningful outcomes. An example: for a Sales and Marketing alignment jam session, one outcome would be “working together agreements.” A follow-up session would bring key leadrs together to see how well they are adhering to the agreements and what changes need to be made.
PARTNERING WITH YOU
Watch this brief video to learn how we help clients achieve meaningful, transformative change through business, executive, and recovery coaching.
LET GO OR BE DRAGGED
If you’re thinking “Letting go is hard,” we agree! But at times we can hang on so tight to something that we end up being dragged away from what we’re really trying to accomplish.