Case Study: Stone & Youngberg

Client Background
Our client, Stone & Youngberg, has been underwriting, trading and distributing municipal bonds since 1931.

Business Situation
Growing rapidly and understanding the benefits of synergy, Stone & Youngberg turned to Outward Bound Professional to help one of their trading desks begin the path toward increased sales, improved morale and added value to their clients.

Program Objectives
While having fun and involving the entire group, the high-level objective of the one-day custom program was to create awareness and insight into three key areas in order to help improve the potential success of the group. The key areas were:

• Communication Skills

• Information Sharing

Program Outcomes
Based upon the satisfaction survey results, Outward Bound Professional exceeded Stone & Youngberg's expectations in every category including meeting their objectives, providing a world class program, and having world class facilitators. Specific outcomes included:

Increased Trust:
The desk is thinking more like a team. People are feeling more comfortable taking the first step, trying new things, trusting each other, and initiating action.

Improved Communication Skills:
One trader has made a 360 degree turnaround by taking more of a leadership role and getting the sales people to work more closely and effectively together. The experience has served as an example during discussions of how the desk can be more effective and efficient. People are more aware of how they communicate and the impact they are having.

Increased The Sharing Of Information:
Information, especially portfolio information, is now being shared by the group allowing for the opportunity of increased business and efficiency.

What the client said
"I believe in the goals of the program. Very diligent and very professional and at the same time enjoyable to work with. I would highly recommend the program to anyone looking to build an effective team!"

Tad Hendersen, Manager of Trading Desk