Case Study: Universal Solutions, Inc.
Client Background:
Our client, Universal Solutions, Inc. (USI), sells and implements hardware and software solutions for large companies. Since 1983, USI has been a premier provider of advanced business solutions to Fortune 100 companies, government, academic institutions, and small businesses.
Business Situation:
USI has always focused on delivering superior customer service to its clients. Understanding that all departments must seamlessly work together to meet increasing customer demand, USI wanted to create greater synergy across functions within the organization to continue to provide excellent and efficient customer service.
Program Objectives:
The purpose of the custom designed, resort-based program was to have fun, celebrate accomplishments, and improve team and individual development in the areas of:
Teamwork, Decision-Making, And Leadership Skills.
Pushing Past Perceived Limits.
Allowing A Chance For Participants To "Go Inside Themselves."
Program Outcomes:
Based upon the satisfaction survey results, Outward Bound Professional exceeded expectations is all areas, notably in the areas of learning skills they could use in both personal and business situations and in providing skilled and knowledgeable facilitators. The below outcomes were experienced during the program itself. Through meetings and follow-on discussions, USI is in the process of working toward applying these specific lessons in their workplace.
Improved Teamwork:
Pushed Past Perceived Limitations:
The group is applying the benefits of establishing strong leadership, clearly defined roles, and responsibilities of team members. This will allow the group to greatly increase job satisfaction and increase quality. The team is also working toward improving their listening skills through patience, which will greatly improve team performance.
Group members were able to confront their own biases regarding their own abilities and how they viewed the abilities of others to get a job done. In the program, the group learned both the reward and importance of being patient and supportive of others when taking on leadership roles, new challenges, and daunting tasks. They are now striving to apply these skills in the workplace. Personal Growth:
Individuals were able to clearly draw connections between their personal and business lives. Watching each other work through a complex set of problems, group members expressed greater understanding of their own sense of commitment to goals and a greater sense of trust in themselves and others. Currently, the group is in the process of applying these learnings to their workplace. Managers have been inspired to "think outside the box" and are already proposing new ideas for increased efficiency during this time of rapid growth and competition.
What the client said:
"The Outward Bound program was very enjoyable and eye-opening. I was very impressed with their organizational behavior skills that allowed us to reinforce our team concept and encouraged people to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. I would not change one thing about their programs, it was great!"
Marva Allen, Executive Vice President
