Downunder Horsemanship enjoyed a 50.3% increase in gross revenue and a dramatic upswing in customer satisfaction
Background
Downunder Horsemanship is focused on helping horse enthusiasts have a positive, fulfilling relationship with their horse. Horse ownership can be a costly, time consuming – even draining – endeavor that often leaves horse lovers with a less‐than fulfilling experience. Downunder Horsemanship enjoys a large national following, confirmed by standing room only tours, sold‐out clinics, state‐of‐art equine product line, and a top‐rated weekly TV show – all in pursuit of their core purpose, “To inspire the dreams of horseman.”
Approach: Consulting services, books and products
Clinton hired a Table Group Principal Consultant to engage his team in Lencioni’s principles. They started with a two‐day offsite where they quickly addressed team issues within the context of the business. Clinton stated, “When I first told my team that we were going to follow Patrick Lencioni’s program, everybody rolled their eyes and thought it was going to be a touchy‐feely process, they quickly realized it wasn’t. The consultant took us straight into the trenches of Downunder Horsemanship and we talked about issues that directly affected our company.”
The leader and the team embraced the concepts around organizational health and gained great insight in their ability to embrace smart side of business (finance, marketing, technology) along with the even more powerful health side (minimal politics, clear communication, high productivity). Clinton states, “The reality is that while it’s important to pay attention to both sides, it’s actually a little more of a priority to focus on health. If your team is working well together and communicating clearly with one another, you can accomplish anything.” The team committed to establishing organizational clarity (The model outlined in The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive) which has really helped to align Downunder’s leadership team and employees. As Clinton said, “This newfound clarity empowers my employees to make decisions and trust that they make smart and healthy choices that positively impact the company.”
The consultant continues to work with company, and acts a sounding board for new issues and obstacles, while ensuring that the Downunder leadership teams continues to adhere to the goals, behaviors and strategic anchors established by the company.
Outcome: Company achieved consistent quarterly objectives
The organization solidified it’s purpose, mission, values and strategies; thereby, increasing their ability to be successful. In the midst of a recession, Downunder Sportsmanship has experienced a 50.3% jump in sales and spike in customer satisfaction. Tour manager Amy Anderson explains this success, “We know exactly who we are, what we do, why we do it and who can be successful in our company. A decision or course of action is not made that does not fit within the parameters we established.” The leadership team has fully embraced the simplicity and power of Lencioni’s approach to teamwork and organizational health. They find Lencioni’s approach similar to their own method of horsemanship because they both convey simple approaches that require an investment of time, energy and commitment to effectively implement.
