The Framework & System

Click each component to expand.

• The Model & The Map

  We have organized the best tools and methodologies from common business operating systems like EOS, Scaling Up, the Great Game of Business, and others, plus our experience as operators and investors into a capability maturity model for organizational growth. This model categorizes distinct capabilities in six areas and teams utilize this framework to assess and plot their development progress across five stages of maturity (click image for detailed PDF.)

  

  Using the tools and resources we provide increases organizational maturity in one of these six areas. And while these six areas of capability can be viewed independently, they are intrinsically connected meaning that focus on one area usually leads directly to improvements in another.

  In addition, the growth system includes a one-page strategic plan we call "the map". The Map orients around long-term to short-term objectives and includes 36 key questions that need to be answered by the team (click image for full PDF version.)

  

   

• The Growth System

  The system includes four complimentary elements:

  Principles - We orient the models and frameworks we use around principles-first thinking. And we appreciate a long list of principles that guide us. And we are humble enough to acknowledge in advance that we are still learning and growing too. Sometime this means we update the principles list and adopt new ways of thinking. We are also practical and pragmatic. If we include a principle we include specific practices to live out the principle. And if a particular practice fails to deliver, we analyze and adopt new practices when necessary.

  CEO + Executive Team Coaching - We provide executive team coaching on the system as a whole. This coaching is unique from other "executive coaching" or "leadership coaching" providers in the marketplace. Often, these coaching providers focus on the individual, and if they focus on the team, it is usually a topical workshop delivered in stand-alone engagements. Our coaching is focused on the whole team utilizing the system as a whole over an extended period of time - usually 3+ years.

  Lifetime Learning - A digital and in-person learning platform consists of a library of digital content to augment the use of the growth system, and we occasionally provide in-person learning workshops as well as curate partner learning content to meet your needs. This learning platform is included in our coaching services, and it is available independently too. It is often used by HR departments as an internal supplement to the executive leadership team work.

  Open Playing Field Software - Similar to various OKR and goal tracking software products, the software we utilize ties together broad elements of strategy and execution with communication and data visibility. It gives the entire team a view of the whole playing field - where they are and what they need to do next.

  (This software can be utilized independently from our coaching services, but it is included and required for our coaching to be effective.)

• Your Investment

  Your investment in an advisory or equity and valuation partnership falls into these categories:

  Initial Underwriting and Kick-off Event - The starting point for advisory growth, valuation, and legacy partnerships is an initial underwriting process  followed by a Kick-off event. Occasionally we provide these as stand-alone events for those exploring the possibility of an advisory partnership. Your investment in this ranges from $15k-$25k depending on your situation and team.

  Advisory Partnership Retainer - Depending on your needs and desired pace, your investment in an advisory partnership retainer ranges from $2.5k-$15k per month depending on the services provided.

  Equity and Valuation Partnerships - For operating and investment partnerships, we structure custom arrangements including various forms of equity and success fees in lieu of retainers. These partnerships are typically initiated only after 12-36 months of advisory partnership.

The Process & Experience

Click each process and experience type to expand.

• The Kick-Off Event

  Our team coaching services are delivered off-site and in-person, either at one of our partner venues around the beautiful Pacific Northwest, or at suitable locations selected by our clients. These experiences begin with a 2 or 3 day kick-off event with the senior leadership team.

  Generally, the senior leadership team is comprised of a minimum of 4 leaders including a Head of Company (CEO, founder, president, etc.) and the leaders of functional teams in the areas of sales, operations, and finance. A senior leadership team is usually not more than 8-9 with a fully developed C-Suite.

  The Kick-Off includes:

  • Initial information gathering on each area of capability (culture, team, financials, strategy, execution, and aspiration)
  • Underwriting of current and future enterprise value
  • Vision and goal setting workshop
  • Strategic execution workshop
  • Implementation of basic tools
    

• Quarterly Team Offsites

  Following the kick-off event, the senior leadership team meets quarterly in a suitable offsite venue, either at one of our partner venues or at a venue selected by our clients. A full suite of digital resources are provided to make hybrid virtual/in-person events possible and individual team member's needs change.

  Quarterly offsites are focused on planning and execution, with new concepts, system principles, and tools introduced each time to support the team's growth and development. It starts simple and the team masters basic capabilities before taking on increasingly sophisticated work and building momentum.

  These quarterly team sessions are supported by occasional topical workshops and assistance in mastering various communication rhythms such as daily huddle or weekly meetings.

  Whether meeting at one of our partner venues or a site of your choice, our team works with you to ensure the venue meets the requirement for an excellent experience: environment, size, catering, and technology.

• Our Partner Venues

  A few of our partner venues around the Pacific Northwest include:

  

  Near our home base in Eastern Washington, the Suncadia Resort includes a Lodge, an Inn, and meeting space to accommodate any size leadership team. Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, this venue is a team favorite, and with the variety of accommodations available including adjacency to two golf course and the Swiftwater Winery, many teams enjoy coming back again and again.

  

  Located minutes away from the SeaTac airport, the Cedarbrook Lodge is an urban oasis capable of meetings both large and small. Quintessentially Pacific Northwest, this venue is a favorite for teams with members traveling in from out-of-state. A 5-minute ride from the airport and an 18 acre retreat including on-site dining and spa provide a fabulous team experience.

  

  Situated directly on the Hood Canal near Union, WA, the Alderbrook Resort provides a lodge, cottages, and meeting space for teams hungry for a water view. With 88 acres, 5 miles of trails, a spa, and the saltwater nearby, this venue represents the best of the spectacular coastal Puget Sound region.