Approach


Moving Forward’s approach to working with clients is systematic and thorough. We believe that while every client’s needs are unique, all engagement and conflict management projects benefit greatly from a four stage process which includes: Planning, Implementing, Measuring, and Improving.

Planning

Yogi Berra once said “If you don’t know where you are going, you might not get there”. That sage advice is why the planning process is critical to the success of any stakeholder engagement or conflict management project. Moving Forward’s approach to “knowing where you are going” includes three steps:

  • Understanding Client Needs - The time dedicated in the beginning of any client relationship to understanding interests and goals is paramount to creating a plan which meets the needs of the client and their stakeholders. This stage typically requires one or two meetings with clients where information is exchanged regarding a client’s particular circumstances.

  • Identifying Options – With an understanding of client needs, Moving Forward then proceeds to identify several options which would be appropriate to achieve those goals. These options are shared with the client and thoroughly discussed. Together with the client, a process option is selected.

  • Developing Detailed Approach – The final project approach is based on very detailed planning that includes major milestones and a step by step plan for how the project will be implemented.

Implementing

With a detailed plan in hand, project implementation begins. Every step of the process involves working with clients and continually looking for feedback throughout the process. Of course, as so often occurs in any well planned process, the unexpected can happen. The ability to adapt in the moment to changing circumstances is extremely important to the successful implementation of a stakeholder engagement or conflict management project. The capacity to be adaptable comes from experience, superior communication and conflict management skills, and the knowledge of alternative processes.

Measuring and Improving

The effectiveness of the plan and its implementation is continuously measured throughout the project. This allows for process improvements to be built into the project at any point in its implementation.

An important part of Moving Forward’s Measuring and Improving step is to engage clients in a “Review and Learn” session. This meeting involves a review of the project from beginning to end and provides an opportunity for both clients and Moving Forward to share learning from a project and suggest improvements for future projects.