ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE

Evaluating organizational structure and culture, and engaging whole teams with equal parts empathy and transparency.

Whether your organization is experiencing rapid growth, entering a stage of maturation that demands new systems and better structures, preparing for a leadership transition, looking to restructure for increased effectiveness, struggling to diagnose the root cause of interpersonal friction, or simply not performing at peak and you’re not sure why – Bridgeport can help. We have years of experience evaluating organizational structure and culture, and engaging whole teams – with equal parts empathy and transparency – in designing actionable solutions. We even have tips and tricks for addressing team dynamics in an increasingly virtual workplace.

CASE STUDY

ACLU National – New York, NY

ACLU National serves as a central organization committed to building capacity in its network of 54 state affiliates across the U.S. To serve effectively in this role, they must be aligned nationally on overarching strategy and priorities AND leverage the knowledge of people on the ground in each state, centering the work in ways that are effective in each unique location. It’s always a balancing act.

One department within the national office is tasked with building state capacity and strengthening connections between the national office and 1,500 staff who work out of the state offices. The challenge they face now is to grow the department quickly and effectively to help defend and advance civil rights and civil liberties in the midst of an increasingly tense and polarized political and social climate. And, they need to build the plane while they are flying… with a new leader, at high speed, in turbulent air, with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

That’s where Bridgeport’s partnership comes in. We’ve been working collaboratively with a talented new leader, facilitating strategy sessions with the emergent team, holding full team-building retreats, and helping to identify shared priorities. Bridgeport is beyond pleased to continue to support this incredible team as they navigate constant change and continue their necessary growth (did we mention they doubled their team in just 18 months?).

“Anica has been amazing. Smart, thoughtful, skilled and emotionally intelligent. What a gift.”

Mary Jo Desprez

Director, U-M Wolverine Wellness

“Working with Bridgeport has truly been game-changing for us. We’ve gone from a group of people working independently who insisted we needed to hire more people, to a group that came to us and told us not to hire and that they could, as a team, take on more responsibility when we had two more departures. The Bridgeport team is smart about people, savvy in their approach, and really just fun to work with. I would use them again in an instant.”

Michele Frasier Wing

COO, U-M Law School

“Kerry Sheldon is about as good as it gets at synthesizing disparate data from a wide range of people with different perspectives about a prickly issue or a complex problem. She pushed us us to tackle the underlying issues that were holding us back, and facilitated with the kind of warmth and humor that helped us to feel comfortable and safe in our planning and problem solving processes. We have brought Kerry from Ann Arbor to New York and I widely recommend her to other colleagues.”

Bob Sherman

CEO (now retired), The Jewish Education Project

“Bridgeport Consulting’s support in organizing and implementing our survey and focus group project was invaluable. Their staff consistently followed up to keep us on our timeline and focused on the central project goals. They were flexible as needed, adapting their support based on the project’s development over time. Their work was comprehensive and professional on all fronts.”

Rhonda Longworth

Provost and Executive Vice President, EMU

“Kerry provided outstanding consultation on a complex organizational change process that lasted for several months. She had a remarkable ability to connect with all team members, especially with staff who were less comfortable with change. She offered invaluable strategic thinking, facilitation and encouragement throughout our process. The end result was a durable redesign of our department staffing structure.”

Jenna Bacolor

Executive Director, Ann Arbor Public Schools Community Division

“Partnering with Bridgeport helped me put a structure around our strategic planning process and their wisdom and experience helped me to focus on the salient parts, knowing where there was opportunity for refinement and for growth. Their leadership and guidance kept me on task and we would not have gotten this project done without them.”