The start
Two regions, East and West Africa, are merging into one new combined region with its own budget and product offering. Until now the 11 Country Directors have controlled their own budgets, with freedom to commission projects locally.

Philip the Regional Director designate asks Tony to facilitate the first meeting of the combined management team (a 30 strong combination of Country Directors, predominantly British, and locally appointed staff, all African) in a transition year leading up to the implementation date.

What happened?
Tony invited Ben to assist him in facilitating the workshop. When we assembled in Nairobi an atmosphere of positive curiosity, mutual respect and enjoyment soon developed. Sensitive questions were settled including budget contributions from countries. A vision was created for the combined region... and only in the last few hours, with flight schedules looming, did difficulties arise.

Small groups working up the transition plan had difficulties reaching decisions: one group over-running and another forcing closure and upsetting people. As we worked through the heated emotions, the transition plan was signed off and everyone caught their flights.

By the end?
Participants’ feedback was positive but their difficulty with closure was inescapable. 6 months later in Cameroon the team reconvened and with our help worked on their behaviour (how to challenge and get issues on the table earlier).

In Philip's words: “The meetings that you’ve facilitated during our recent merger have been both developmental as well as instrumental in achieving tangible objectives. I value the support you and Ben provide before and after. You transform our objectives into a tangible programme that is both enjoyable and challenging. You rethink the programme as different issues emerge: you seem able to work with whatever is presented.

This demonstrates more professionalism and commitment than I have seen from other management consultants and takes a great load from my shoulders. It really is a pleasure to work with you both.”