How did GPWG Inc. get started?
After more than fifteen years of working in the public service, at the federal and provincial level, I felt very much empowered by my experience and definitely wanted to go further in the area of Organization Development (OD). An opportunity to start my own consultancy came my way and I seized it. It gave me more control over the process and the product and a chance to create an optimal space to work in.
GPWG Inc. offers four types of OD services: Organizational Change, Coaching, Process Facilitation and Leadership Development. (See details under Services)
“ I know how I like to get things done. I have high standards. Running my own company allows me to be efficient, effective and do my best work. My motto is: if it needs to be done, it needs to be done right.”
How has GPWG Inc.’s service offering evolved since its creation in 1997?
Overall our services have remained the same. Interventions supporting organizational change, leadership development, facilitation services are always in demand. In addition, looking back over the past years I see a definite trend towards more coaching and less demand for “team-building” type of services.
GPWG Inc. occasionally offers training, in very specific instances.
“ I think people come to me because I am sensitive to individual needs, as well as mindful of the bigger picture, the organization, its mandate and its goals.”
GPWG Inc.’s Brand: Commitment, Quality and Reliability
Very early on, I made a decision that I have lived by since. I decided GPWG Inc. would always choose quality over quantity. I prefer to take on fewer projects and have more time to do them. More time to understand client needs, reflect on a situation, and bring forward sensible solutions. Basically, that is why I can truly offer ‘quality, reliability, and commitment’.
To bring the best to its clients in all areas, GPWG Inc. collaborates with a group of seasoned OD professionals, who bring a wide range of experiences and expertise (See complete list under Associates). Many of our associates have master’s and doctoral degrees. Some have taught at the university level or worked in different countries. All are respected consultants and members in good standing of their professional organizations.
I work with people who share my professional values and who have the same commitment to quality that I have. I expect the best from them and they know that they will get the same from me in return.
GPWG Inc. prides itself with the highest level of quality control and reliability. I make a point of planning carefully, and remaining open and creative when unforeseen circumstances occur. My goal is to provide the best to my clients.
Resisting the Quick Fix
Drawing from my experience and my personal ethics, I like to present clients with a range of options, outlining their pros and cons. In a world where everyone is looking for a quick fix, it is sometimes tempting to choose short-term remedies even if they are not the most appropriate.
Generally, managers are aware of what OD can do for them, but are constrained to shorter-term measures. OD is an investment of time and energy and the pay-off is usually well worth the effort. At least, that is what experience has taught me.
How do you measure success?
“ When a client is ready to overhaul an entire schedule to work with GPWG Inc. I see this as a sign of confidence and trust in our services.”
Success for GPWG Inc. can be measured in several different ways. For example, it could be a client who agrees to a better suited but more challenging approach; an individual who tells me how much she or he has grown and changed certain behaviours; groups that function better, and of course, clients who keep coming back. I have organizations with whom I have been working since the beginning of GPWG Inc. For me those are all manifestations of success.
For example, clients often tell me that they have successfully used some of the techniques learned through coaching. That is very invigorating.
On the whole, I see myself as a ‘prospector of opportunities’ for my clients. And when I see a face light up as a new possibility emerges or a group starts working more effectively together, I know that am contributing to a better future.
How does the next decade look for GWPG Inc.?
I think you prepare for tomorrow by doing your best today and imagining new possibilities for the future. I derive a lot of satisfaction from doing what I am doing right now and I hope to keep going for a long time. I am always looking out for trends and new approaches that could really be of use to my clients. I am willing to go as far as they are. I know they will certainly lead me to interesting challenges.
I have to say that I have been very privileged. I have loyal clients and a wonderful team of collaborators whom I really appreciate and who tell me the feeling is mutual. What else could I want but to keep going?
" The world may seem like an immovable, implacable place. It is not. With the slightest push — in just the right place — it can be tipped."
Malcolm Gladwell,
The Tipping Point