Challenge
A department of 40 professionals aimed to operate as true strategic partners to the internal teams they supported. While the goal was clear, few individuals could initially identify concrete examples of working in this way, revealing a gap between intention and day-to-day practice.
Engagement
We invited the department to share experiences of acting as strategic partners; only three individuals had examples. Over 12 months, we facilitated structured check-ins grounded in appreciative inquiry, including curated readings, senior leader interviews, poster sessions, and ongoing dialogue to build a shared understanding of strategic partnership.
Results
By year’s end, every team member shared multiple examples of acting as a strategic partner. Shortly thereafter, the department received multiple performance awards, reinforcing the power of sustained focus on strengths and effective behaviors.