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Autumn 2006

Transforming the Vision; Renewing the King

At the height of her career, CEO Irmgard Hehmann sensed the need for renewal in both the company and for herself. Gardenia Programs, Inc. was running too smoothly, too predictably. Energy was low and creative juices had run dry. Continuing success and a steady revenue stream had become the enemy of urgency and innovation, necessary components of remaining the leading company in a niche market.


Transforming the Vision

Ms. Hehmann clearly understood the first step in transforming Gardenia Programs. She recognized that the guiding vision, the vision which fueled a successful company for over 15 years, was no longer an ally. Gardenia Programs, Inc. dominated a niche software market in bank cash vaults when it was founded. In the succeeding years the company prospered through both technological changes and new market demands but, change happens.

Ms. Hehmann chose an external advisor whose help was necessary for successful transformation and partnered with Krissi Barr, Founder of Barr Corporate Success. Ms. Barr worked magic. She did so through both the head and the heart, advising and moving Gardenia Programs through the remaining steps of transformation as detailed in Never Rule Without A Magician A Sage and A Fool:

1. Bring conflicting visions into focus
2. Spawn a new vision
3. Move from vision to commitment
4. New vision becomes "the way we do things"

With a bull's eye accurate SWOT analysis, the conflicting visions became 20/20. The market had changed, viable competitors had emerged and the "same old, same old" was a threat to the company's long term existence. Everyone in the company participated in both creating focus and spawning the new vision. The new vision is "To be a customer intimate company that provides unique, versatile, highly productive software products."

Out of that vision flowed the strategic goals and the specific actions critical to achieving those goals. Gardenia Programs analyzed the evolution of cash vaults from inception to current state and envisioned where they might be 5 years from now. Gardenia Programs worked closely with its customers, forming a "customer advisory group". By forming close relationships with customers, Gardenia Programs stayed ahead of new technologies and changing requirements.

Ms. Barr moved everyone from vision to commitment by attending to the heart and head. She cheered success, drove progress through weekly performance goals and inspired each person to get the right work done. This combination of disciplined action and emotional engagement galvanize each person who committed to the new vision.

Not everyone did commit to the new vision. As often happens, one or more people will fail to see themselves in the new vision and choose to find another position. A new vision affords the opportunity to renew staff as well, to bring in new and vibrant talent.

With peerless follow up and rigorous performance goals, Gardenia Programs integrated the new vision into day to day processes. People continued to use the resources Ms. Barr introduced during her engagement. References to "the Buffalo book" were part of everyday language. "The Buffalo book" being Flight of the Buffalo by Belasco and Stayer, which Ms. Barr introduced to inspire commitment to change.

Barr worked with management team of Gardenia Programs, Inc. to identify opportunities, shatter obstacles, create and implement strategies and engage employees to significantly grow the business. She served as the necessary magical catalyst to success.

Irmgard Hehmann invested in transforming Gardenia Programs. With Gardenia Programs on a vibrant path, Ms. Hehmann could confidently pursue her personal vision and write her unique autobiography as a legacy to her family.

Never Rule Without A Magician, A Sage and A Fool insightfully pinpoints the advisors every leader needs to lead with exceptional ability. This profile of a Magician advisor demonstrates practical application of the transformation process and the key contributions of the Magician. Future newsletters will share stories of Sages and Fools advising leaders.

Author Presentations and Book Signings

"Clare Novak is a natural storyteller and teacher. In her presentation of the material from 'Never Rule without a Magician, a Sage and a Fool' Clare weaves her leadership lessons through the tales that have had us spellbound over the ages."

--Valeria Maltoni, Coordinator, Fast Company Readers' Network, Philadelphia

• November 2, Iacocca Institute, Lehigh University, breakfast meeting to register click on www.iacocca-lehigh.org
• November 7, Garden State SHRM Conference, Long Branch, NJ
• November 15, Chester County Library, Exton, PA 7 pm. free and open to the public

Read more about key advisors in Never Rule Without A Magician, A Sage and A Fool by visiting www.novakassoc.com and downloading a FREE chapter.

Audio Book - Pre-release offer!

The 3 CD, unabridged, Never Rule Without A Magician, A Sage and A Fool will be released November 15!

Take advantage of this special pre-release offer and get your Audio Book for the special price of only $19.99, a $10 savings! All purchases in November qualify for this special offer.