ARTICLES
& REPORTS
Professional
Development
About
Innovation Network
- P r o f e s s i o n a l _ D e v e l o p m e n t -
By Suzanne Chilton
- Communicating the Annual Strategic Plan
- Department Teambuilding
1. The executive asked for an inno- vative approach to communicating the annual corporate strategic plan. A team of five was formed, (two of whom belong to the Innovation Network). The goal was set to communicate through involvement. The end result was an all-employee meeting held at the local civic center complete with a well-appointed theater and catering services.
Plays were written by each department about the seven initiatives in the strategic plan. The acting, singing, costuming, and creativity were amazing; joyful results were the new relationships and admiration unrelated to "corporate rank, skills &
politics." The timeframe was 2 weeks planning for the 4-hour meeting. The plays were videotaped for a follow-up lunch for employees who had to stay at the offices to serve customers.
The result: employees now know the seven strategic initiatives! (P.S. This was quite a risk for this new executive with a conservative board -- the approach was far beyond his initial thinking.)
2. A department head asked for each section of the department to rotate responsibility for monthly 1.5 hour department lunch and creative teambuilding activities. Plays, Sports Competitions, Cheerleading Contest, Build-A-Sundae & Sandwich are some of the events. The atmosphere is like opening day at an Innovation Network Convergence, only every month!
Fun changes people and relationships, and, therefore, the corporate culture.
Suzanne Chilton is a change agent at Peabody Coal and can be reached at 314-342-7875 or schilton@peabodygroup.com.