A proven process makes all the difference…
We’ve done this a time or two. And although no two businesses are the same, there are a few key elements that make improving operational and management systems successful. It took some time, but we’ve cracked the code on how to get employees & operations optimized.
Read below for more on our ASI Process.
“Cephei’s partnership has allowed us to position ourselves as the top performing company in our market.”
The ASI Process
ASI stands for Assess, Solve & Implement and we have found it to be the most successful way to bring about positive, lasting change in an organization.
Let’s explore the steps:
Getting to know you and your organization is an essential piece to the puzzle. We'll first spend a little time listening and learning. We have found that if you truly want to make important, valuable, sustainable changes in an organization spending quality time in this stage is essential.
After a period of listening and learning, we then take the opportunity to dive even deeper, reviewing materials and reports, and interview your people.
This is where I evaluate and come to understand what the root causes are behind the business problems the organization has brought me on to solve.
Learn more about our 3T system for analysis below.
Solutions are everyone's favorite step of our process. There is such a huge sense of relief when we determine the exact steps necessary for an organization to reach its full potential.
We provide a step by step guide that details out our “3 T’s” and identifies areas of opportunity and our suggested solutions.
This is a time where leaders get very excited and can see a clear light at the end of the tunnel.
While not always easy, implementation is the part of our process where we see the magic happen. Using your custom “roadmap”, we can help as much or as little as needed to get your solutions implemented.
Whether it’s supporting leaders and employees in deploying process changes, or vetting out a new software to automate a key area of your business, we have the skills and expertise to help ensure a smooth transition as you “level up.”
An important note. Less is more here. We believe in identifying the few key solutions that will bring the largest impact versus a laundry list of things to change.
Areas of Focus: The “3T” Assessment
There are 3 major areas we focus on during our analysis process. Let’s explore each area and its importance to our system.
TEAM
We pride ourselves on the unique approach we take while assessing your organization’s team. From leadership on, we take the time to understand your unique team members.
Let us spend a little time getting to know the people and your culture, how things came to be the way they are today and allow you to get to know me and what I am about as well. We don’t charge you extra for this time, but promise in the end, the time up front will yield a more efficient, effective, successful and sustainable result for your organization.
I have had the experience of working with many consultants in my corporate roles. Those that were successful in introducing significant and, most importantly, sustained changes did so because they took a little time to listen and learn first, and made me and my team feel valued and appreciated along the way. They cultivated a real relationship and this is the approach I bring to my consulting work.
Tactics
We’ve found that the tactics that you use in your business (the processes, systems & procedures) can often be a major factor in limiting an organizations success and potential.
It can be that a process that is no longer efficient, effective, or designed to be easy to complete error free. It can be a bad process put in place to compensate for poorly performing technology. It can also be new technology or new process that people have been not been properly trained on.
We’ll get to the root cause of your organizational issues and give you valuable insight on which areas need amending.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is amazing, and can be leveraged in order to automate processes and improve customer experiences.
However, technology can also be a point of failure because organizations have not thoughtfully considered the integration of the technology and the people, resulting in the ROI of the technology never being realized.
We’ve personally worked with and implemented many organizational technologies that can optimize efficiency for your organization.
“Thoughtful and impactful work is at the heart of what we do.”
—ANN KLOBUCHER
Read the FAQs
Are you collaborative??
Collaboration is key! Cephei does not work in isolation behind closed doors sharing findings only at a final readout.
We work in a collaborative way, rolling up our sleeves and working alongside you and your people. We will share observations and findings along the way to validate accuracy and the viability of various different solutions and approaches.
Do you have knowledge of our industry?
My background in operations management is applicable across many types of functions.
My experience is in the insurance industry working with many product lines including life, health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, FMLA, and no-fault coverage offerings in states all across the country.
Can you guarantee success?
While success is never guaranteed, Cephei will work in advance of the engagement to understand specifically what success looks like to you and how you will measure it. Then we’ll work in partnership with you and your team to achieve that success.
What is your payment structure?
The payment structure is client specific, based on the services to be provided and the expected length of the engagement.
Typically in a full assessment through final implementation, a flat monthly rate will be pre-determined and you will be invoiced at the end of the month along with a summary of work completed in that month.
Will you travel to our site?
Cephei welcomes the opportunity to spend time as close to the people and the work as we are able. We prefer to make periodic trips to the client site with specific agendas built and approved by the client in advance to maximize the time. Estimated travel expenses would be approved by the client prior to travel and billed for reimbursement after the travel is complete.
Why should we hire you over other consultants??
The skills and expertise of Cephei are not in “consulting,” they are in >26 years of successfully leading and managing organizations. Cephei works to become an extension of your team, supplementing with additional capacity, proven skills, actual business experience and expertise gained over years of trial and error. We have been in your shoes and know how to succeed.