You hear it all the time: A strategic plan is created and it sits on a shelf. For three decades, TeamTech has practiced and refined a process for helping organizations create plans that NEVER sit on a shelf. Instead, our process leads to plans that are easy to communicate, use, and move into action.
How do we do this? Simple:
We engage at all levels.
We facilitate.
We ask questions.
We help put your plan into action.
Most Importantly, We Care
TeamTech is a mission-driven business with a singular focus: to help people think and take action together. When you talk to our clients, they will tell you that we care – deeply and profoundly – about helping each and every organization we work with.
We are driven to help people, teams, projects, and the organizations and businesses they operate within be more effective. In fact, the facilitative approach we demonstrate is so popular that clients often find they want us to teach it to others in their organization. Our “Everyone A Leader®: Lead Where You Are” curriculum was born out of such a request over 25 years ago.
Releasing Insights: Engaged Employees Plan and Act Together
Our facilitative process is designed to release insights from people at all levels of your organization, whether you have 30 employees or 3,000. That’s because we believe—and research backs us up—that a successful plan requires buy-in from staff to make it work. To get that buy-in we engage a cross-section of key employees in the planning process, from administrative offices to the front lines. Engaged employees are more likely to feel they have a stake in your plan’s success. Just as important, they’re more likely to think and take action together–and your plan is more likely to take off!
Johnson County Mental Health Center engaged TeamTech for Strategic Planning in 2015. Today, the plan the organization developed is still in place and, more important, still used to guide its operations.
“Anything we report to the board, anything we do with regard to our annual report, it all follows the core strategic vision areas that TeamTech helped us create,” says Executive Director Tim DeWeese. “They're still in place. They all still fit to help our organization become a higher performing organization. The reason it has stuck with us for so long is simple: TeamTech helped us engage a cross-section of our staff—from frontline workers to administrators—to create the plan and to move it into action. Everyone took ownership then, and they continue to take ownership today.”
“Anything we report to the board, anything we do with regard to our annual report, it all follows the core strategic vision areas that TeamTech helped us create,” says Executive Director Tim DeWeese. “They're still in place. They all still fit to help our organization become a higher performing organization. The reason it has stuck with us for so long is simple: TeamTech helped us engage a cross-section of our staff—from frontline workers to administrators—to create the plan and to move it into action. Everyone took ownership then, and they continue to take ownership today.”
Tim DeWeese
Executive Director
Johnson County Mental Health Center (Kansas)
“I feel that everyone on the SIT is dedicated to working hard and not just showing up. To know that people from all across the department at all different levels are working together makes it feel like we can actually do what we have been tasked to do. With Kathleen’s guidance, as well as the support and encouragement all the way up to the Secretary of Corrections, I feel like we have been empowered to do anything. When we as a department are able to help effect change in the population we serve, we are making a difference in the community in which we all live, work, and play in with our family and friends. That is invaluable.”
Tricia Bruders
Cognitive Programing Consultant
“I feel that the SIT’s have been a beneficial team-building enterprise. I was worried in the beginning that I would be just another cog in the machine, but I feel “heard” during the sessions, especially in the small groups. I feel as though my input truly matters and that I have an active role in agency changes.”
Jackson Chauncey
Case Manager
Family First Prevention
“So many meetings end with no resolution or no next steps to help resolve issues or develop solutions. TeamTech makes the most out of each moment. Their focused meetings with clear agendas helped us move to action and develop next steps quickly. Their vetted process helped us break down complex issues into manageable solutions in a timely and enjoyable fashion.”
Kellie Hans Reid
Director of Medicaid and Children’s Mental Health
Kansas Department for Children and Families
“I have valued my experience with the DCF SIT group because of the passionate and knowledgeable people I got to partner with. We all were in it for the same reasons: to improve the quality of our service here at DCF. It was also great to have the support to speak freely in order to make DCF a better place to work and receive services and be received by the community that we serve.”
Stacy Thowe
Program Manager
SNAP-Ed and SNAP Outreach Initiatives
“Most of the time with collaborations and teams, it’s said that we want everybody to have a voice at the table. However, when I get to the table, I see the usual suspects. It is obvious this time that there was an intentional plan to truly have a diverse group involved, and I’m not just talking about race and gender. This is the first time that I have had an opportunity to hear from and work with others in my corrections family who may be impacted by changes I advocate for.”
Michelle Montgomery
Crossover Coordinator
“Networking with people from other areas/perspectives on the SIT as well as the catchy marketable logo & branding efforts have been very helpful. This process has been very organized and streamlined. Having TeamTech leading the effort has kept the process moving forward instead of being stagnant like previous efforts. I really appreciate the fact that we are including such a variety of staff with various experiences and perspectives. It all results in a solid plan to move the agency forward.”
Shannon Meyer
Warden
Lansing Correctional Facility
“I have found that in each of our facilities we have our own issues and struggles. This process has allowed us all to share our own and put us in a position where we can work to fix it. What I appreciate most is the willingness from upper management staff to fully engage ideas from individuals in all other positions. This makes employees feel valued and that their voices are being heard, and this “being valued” can travel fast throughout the department. Right now, our SIT group has two different pilots we are working through. I feel confident in saying that through this process these pilots will become a huge success and really make a positive impact in our department.”
Jeff Pettijohn
HCF Unit Team Supervisor
Hutchinson Correctional Facility
“I most appreciate that we are bringing the agency leadership together, identifying agency-wide opportunities, and continuously steering each group toward tangible and obtainable action plans. The SITs make it possible to improve processes throughout the agency that probably would not have even happened.”
Colin Holthaus JD, MBA
Director of Kansas Correctional Industries
As the pandemic raged last year, the Kansas Department of Corrections asked TeamTech CEO Kathleen Harnish McKune to help create a new strategic plan, one that would address issues ranging from staff morale to recruitment and retention of employees.
“I’ve been here for 17 years and have been through two major strategic action plans that did not result in impactful culture change,” says HR Director Jan Clausing. “That isn’t happening with Kathleen and TeamTech. She understands that nothing will change if you don't have a plan that the employees helped develop. She does a lot of the legwork to make sure everyone has input. One employee told me, 'I am so blessed to have a seat at the table.' That's huge, and I believe that in the long run this plan will have a positive difference on our agency.”
“I’ve been here for 17 years and have been through two major strategic action plans that did not result in impactful culture change,” says HR Director Jan Clausing. “That isn’t happening with Kathleen and TeamTech. She understands that nothing will change if you don't have a plan that the employees helped develop. She does a lot of the legwork to make sure everyone has input. One employee told me, 'I am so blessed to have a seat at the table.' That's huge, and I believe that in the long run this plan will have a positive difference on our agency.”
Jan Clausing
Human Resources Director
Kansas Department of Corrections
“After working in KDOC for 10 years as a contract provider, it is empowering to have the ability to identify problem areas, suggest potential solutions with others who work in these environments, and have an audience for these suggestions to be heard by the decision-makers and policy makers. I am excited to see how our recommendations will be implemented. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a change-maker!”
Natalie Schatzie Troup, LMSW, LMAC
Behavior Health Professional
Winfield Correctional Facility
“When you work with TeamTech, it's not just about creating a plan. It's about changing the organization, about changing thinking, about changing directions. TeamTech has helped us do that by engaging everyone from administrators to front line staff. As a result, we have widespread buy-in from our employees. Folks are very energized. They're very eager to participate in work teams. And I'm just amazed at how many people now have the key principles we've drafted hanging in their offices!”
Laura Howard
Secretary
Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services
“TeamTech’s approach—to draw from all levels of the organization—has helped us to quickly establish our mission and vision, and to generate staff interest. There’s energy and enthusiasm behind the plan. And TeamTech doesn’t just stop once the plan is in place. They stick around to make sure you have the tools and support to put that plan into action.”
Jeff Zmuda
Secretary
Kansas Department of Corrections
“TeamTech has been a guiding force in the implementation of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and initiative. They truly take ownership of each project, striving to make it the best it can be. I truly appreciate their expertise and their down-to-earth character!”
Brandi M. Turner
DEI Officer
Organizational Health & Development
Kansas Department for Children and Families
“TeamTech not only organizes and focuses our group’s team meetings, it helps the creative flow from staff to develop those ideas that best fit the desired outcome. Meeting groups don’t waste time planning outlines, dates or locations for meetings since the online convenience allows staff to get more work done and present better solutions to our department’s issues.”
David Gorges
HCF Corrections Counselor I
Chief KOSE Steward
“TeamTech facilitated our strategic planning retreat which 35 employees participated in. While making rounds throughout the facility the next day, staff that attended spoke how much they enjoyed the retreat, how wonderful the facilitator was, and I received emails and phone calls from staff that did not attend the retreat asking to be on one of the action teams.”
Don Langford
Warden
Ellsworth Correctional Facility
“What impresses me is the caliber of people assisting KDOC in this process and the investment KDOC is making in changing the environment for employees and inmates. There is an understanding that this will not be a quick process either and that there could be pushback at all levels…what a commitment for all involved!”
Marcie Diaz
Corrections Counselor I
“I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be part of this very important and life-changing group. As a member of the Advance Holistic Service Delivery Strategic Implementation Team (SIT), I felt empowered and accepted, and felt my voice was heard! I am grateful beyond words!”
Elinor “Nory” Graham
Human Services Specialist, Wichita Regional Office
Kansas Department for Children and Families
“I am thankful DCF is allowing workers at every level to participate in a strategic plan that allows the community and the people we serve to see how much we care about each other and our work. I am a part of the Engage with Community SIT and as an APS Administrator who has previously worked in the KC Region; I know the value of partnership and engagement with those who also serve our Kansas Communities. The stronger relationships we build with our Community Partners and Stakeholders, the better we are able to serve the individuals in the community.”
Jessica Snyder
Program Administrator
Adult Protective Services
“I immensely appreciate Kathleen's ability to navigate difficult topics, allow stakeholders to be heard and keep our project moving forward. Kathleen is not afraid to take on difficult topics within organizations. She leads with both enthusiasm and courage. Her stewardship was critical to our charter team as we wrestled with various concepts and practices within the agency.”
Chrisy Khatib
NE Region Regional Director
Kansas Department for Children and Families
“I hope and believe this initiative will bring an avalanche of positive change to our department. I am proud to be a member of the Population Environment SIT.”
Stuart Bailey
Captain
Lansing Correctional Facility
“The strategic planning consulting provided by TeamTech has given our agency clear and direct guidelines for developing and implementing our strategic vision. Being a part of one of the strategic implementation teams was daunting at first, as it felt like we would be biting off way more than we could chew. With TeamTech’s guidance, though, the process of planning and executing our strategic vision has so far been seamless, accomplishable, and encouraging.”
Kelly Werther
Graphic Designer
Kansas Department for Children and Families
“Breaking down the goals of the SIT into smaller pieces has helped focus on one idea more intensely. Having facilitators to guide this process and provide feedback is helpful. I also appreciate that we have been given a voice in helping solve issues that affect the agency and the work we do.”
Irene Lowry
Performance Improvement
Program Administrator, East Region
Kansas Department for Children and Families
“I have really valued being a part of a committee made up of professionals from different disciplines and areas of expertise. It has allowed me to think about needs/challenges from differing perspectives. There has been some real growth and better understanding for me because of that.”
Lisa Hecht
Unit Team Manager
Topeka Correctional Facility
“Although I struggled with the problem statements initially, I understand why they are put into the strategic planning process. It really helped our team identify areas of focus and overlap. I appreciate the learning journey the most, but even more that I get to share it with colleagues from different divisions and from all over the state.”
Ariele Erwine
Program Manager
Family First Prevention Services
Our Three-Phase Approach
TeamTech understands that your plan, and its implementation, must be tailored to meet your needs and to work with the culture of your organization. We will NEVER guide you to a cookie-cutter plan. Instead, we will take you through a 3-phase process that we use with all of our clients. It’s simple:
Phase I
Listening and Learning
We start the process by learning as much as we can about your organization. We ask where you have been and where you hope to go. We listen to your employees, stakeholders, key partners, and others. We share these insights with your organization and use them to inform the next phase.
Phase II
Strategic Thinking and Planning
This phase involves a series of facilitated Strategic Thinking Bursts™. Each “burst” focuses on a specific element of your planning: vision, reality, strategies, key implementation planning and intended impact.
Phase III
Implementation with Dynamic Action Planning
We customize an implementation structure and approach that helps move your plan into action. We teach dynamic action planning and, where appropriate, organize some or all of your participating employees into Strategic Implementation Teams (SITs). We also recognize that implementation is not always about starting things – it is about stopping some things and rethinking others that are already underway. Whatever your needs, we stay with you for as long as you want.
More about Dynamic Action Planning: Letting Your Plan Breathe
The dynamic action planning used in Phase III is a process that acknowledges a plan must be fluid in order to be effective. It must be allowed to breathe and respond to shifting realities while keeping your vision and core objectives in place. To achieve this, we help you create robust feedback loops to measure your intended impact. Your employees will learn this process while doing it—one of the most effective ways to learn.
How To Get Started
To begin your Strategic Action Planning with TeamTech, or for more information, contact Kathleen Harnish McKune at kathleen@teamtechinc.com or 913-706-8797.
About Our CEO
Kathleen Harnish McKune, MBA and former CFA, is a co-founder of TeamTech and its current CEO. Coming from the world of finance and quality management, Kathleen has worked with for-profit, non-profit, and local and state governments, including two Kansas governors and their cabinets. In 1991, she studied as an intern with one of the fathers of the quality management movement, Dr. W. Edwards Deming. First under Dr. Deming’s guidance, then in partnership with her TeamTech co-founders, Kathleen deepened her understanding of facilitation, reflection, data driven-decisions, systems thinking, and the value that insights from front-line workers can bring to organizations. Click here for more of Kathleen’s story.