ABOUT
Whether working with an individual leader or with the executive team, our comprehensive assessment methodology provides critical information to help leaders rise to their potential and build high-performing teams. We take the leadership maxim, “know yourself,” to its most productive extreme. However, we do more than collect data. We stay with our clients to analyze feedback, chart an aggressive action plan, and provide continuous course correction by challenging, supporting, and measuring progress along the way.
Change is never easy, but for strong-willed, confident, accomplished senior leaders, it can be particularly challenging to alter a success formula, even when facing the prospect of derailment. Our proprietary methodology is specifically designed to address the unique issues of these leaders. A cornerstone of our approach is helping a leader manage the “creative tension” inherent during change. Core to our process is to generate valid information, help the client make free informed choice, and develop internal commitment to pursue effective action. Three simple, yet important phases guide our coaching interventions:
1. Awareness:
We build strategic awareness through valid information. We help clients understand “perception is reality.” By applying years of behavioral science theory and research with practical insights, qualitative interviews and psychometrics we provide a robust mirror for change.
2. Choice:
Once the individual or team has insight, they have free and informed choice regarding responsible actions to close gaps. To have choice, a client has a cognitive map of what he/she wishes to do. Polaris is there to provide direction and tools to map this territory.
3. Practice:
Practice makes perfect! To groove new habits it is essential that reinforcement continue over time. We believe effectiveness is optimized when clients forge their own internal commitment and practice regardless if coaching was generated by personal choice or mandated. Leaders act on choices because they fulfill their own individual needs and take responsibility within their own system. By understanding “why” behind perceptions, leaders are able to modify “what” of their behaviors to enhance
emotional intelligence.
Who do you use to catalyze sustainable changes in people who are confident, highly successful, and usually not aware of the need to change? The combination of psychological grounding, business savvy, understanding of the big picture, and decades of working with top leaders means that our talent quickly can address individual concerns about their development and establish credibility with even the most challenging executives.
Behavioral Sciences.
Psychologists are experts in negotiating the complex change process. That is why our core associates have advanced degrees in the behavioral sciences. We feel that core to our value proposition is the blending of such training and experience.
Business Savvy.
We feel it is imperative to have had extensive real-world business experience. All have worked in corporate environments, not just academia or peripheral fields, which gives us a true appreciation of financial, power, politics, and other interpersonal dynamics running a complex, successful business.
Systemic.
At Polaris we realize that the individual resides in a complex web of strategy, structures, processes, stakeholders, and rewards. We diagnose the systemic context before suggesting any coaching, team, or OD intervention. By understanding the business challenges and calibrating individual expectations, we custom design a program that is fit for purpose, and sustainable.
Track Record.
We have established an unmatched consulting track record among Fortune 500 clients for our dedication and quality. The fact that 99% of our business is referral-based says more than we ever can about our value and impact. Client references are always available upon request.
Polaris Leadership Solutions business model is simple and effective—leverage our world-class network to provide benchmark solutions while minimizing overhead. We maintain a robust pool of internal and external partnerships.
External Partnerships
Our core competency is leadership coaching and team development. We broker tools and resources from our partner firms such as HOGAN Assessments, Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), KRW International, Results Based Leadership (RBL), Consulting Psychologists Press, Pearson Assessments, and Personnel Decisions International (PDI).
Internal Partnerships
Polaris understands the critical role Human Resources (HR) and Centers of Excellence play in organizations. We enjoy collegial relationships with corporate HR teams and other senior program managers responsible for executive and organization development. They value our ability to provide expert, practical, and cost-effective leadership solutions. Together we are effective partners in raising performance.
Leadership impact on employee engagement and subsequent firm performance is indisputable. One of the most important tasks an executive has to do is get the right people in the boat! A lot is invested in key talent acquisition and a lot is expected in return. Direct cost-only calculations dramatically underestimates the total financial impact of “derailment.” For a modest investment, Talent managers recognize the high value and ROI of Polaris’ solutions, making us one of your most effective weapons to combat the war for talent.