After a quick round of introductions and catch up on the backgrounds of everyone on the team (diverse is an understatement) we dove into what would be the first of many Delivery Excellence team meetings.
Saleem, our new Client Director, walked us through the purpose of establishing Delivery as a focussed Service Line in its own right. Moorhouse has an exceptional background in delivering large pieces of work, supporting clients through change, transformation, org redesigns and helping during tough recovery periods. However, the recent growth of the company meant we were spending most of our time focusing on delivering the best results for our clients and forgetting to take a step back and ensure we were organising ourselves in the best way to support both our clients, and each other. And thus, the decision to focus on building out the right propositions and competencies between the two teams.
Other than the bit about me and explaining how to correctly pronounce my name Róisín (Row-sheen) I didn’t say much. Having been relatively new to the company, and from a larger consulting firm background, I wasn’t too sure on how the dynamic of these calls between senior-led vs upward input, until we discussed team names. “I think we should drop the ‘E’ in the short name” I piped up. Suggesting we go from DeX to DX. “Sure, good idea. Everyone agree? OK.” responded Saleem. A name change to what would be a new Service Line team, easy. I couldn’t believe it though. It may not seem like much to people, but when you’re used to larger organisations where changes like that would usually require Partner approval, getting an instant agreement and openness to change was eye opening. From then onward I knew I felt at home within DX. I had no hesitation in sharing my own opinions, ideas (the good & the bad) were considered. I felt comfortable challenging those above me or asking why to their ideas.
DX became a community that while undergoing rapid in the moment change, continued to keep focused on the long-term future of the Service Line. We talked about the roles in the team, where a current Consultant might be in a few years should they continue down the DX route including opportunities available both internally, and with our clients, to grow and develop. It’s clear the intention of the team is that those in DX will be propelled to working alongside senior client stakeholders and will get opportunities to add value on some of the most interesting and challenging experiences Moorhouse can offer.
The phrase ‘putting leaders in the room with leaders’ stuck with me, and time in our Delivery Excellence Service Line will both prepare and provide the opportunities for that to happen.