The Path to Progress

A tailored facilitated process for when an important decision, idea, priority or plan needs to move forward.

Are you a leader in a government agency or not-for-profit, a trustee on a board, or programme or project lead helping people working across organisations and communities?

Through the Path to Progress process, I bring the right people into the conversation, uncovers what really matters and helps them build agreement about what happens next. Together, we shape a clear and practical pathway that people understand, support and are committed to acting on.

When you need to....

• Make an important decision: hear the relevant perspectives and reach a clear, workable conclusion.
• Shape an idea or opportunity: turn a promising idea into a practical pathway forward.
• Create shared direction: agree purpose, priorities, a roadmap or strategic direction.

Does this feel familiar?

An important decision keeps being revisited, but no clear conclusion is reached.

There are plenty of ideas and activity, but no shared view of what matters most.

Different teams, organisations or stakeholders need to act together, but they are pulling in different directions.

A plan is needed, but there is a risk it will become another document that people do not own or act on.

Progress depends on people agreeing what happens next, but the conversation is being derailed by competing agendas, stronger voices or issues that have not been addressed.

Commitments have been made before, but momentum has faded and follow-through has stalled.

Path to Progress helps you resolve what is holding progress back and create the clarity, agreement and commitment needed to move forward.

The process

Discover: We begin by clarifying what needs to be achieved, what is getting in the way and what needs to change. Where useful, I also speak with participants or stakeholders to understand their perspectives, aspirations and concerns.

Recommend and design:  I recommend an approach suited to the scale and complexity of the issue, then design a process that enables people to contribute, explore what matters and reach a useful outcome together.

Facilitate: I guide the conversation, keep it focused and navigate the different perspectives and dynamics in the room, so you can participate fully.

Confirm the way forward: I provide a clear record of what was agreed, including the decision, roadmap or action plan. Debrief on the outcome and identify anything else needing attention.

Keep moving:  I check in at an agreed time to see what progress has been made, where commitments may have stalled and what needs to be adjusted to maintain momentum.

"All of the sessions that (Carolyn) facilitated were very inclusive and everyone felt strongly supported by her.   The end outcomes are an excellent set of roadmaps that will really help guide the direction and success of the organisation over the next 3 – 5 years." 

Chris Twiss, CEO, I Have a Dream Charitable Trust.

Board of the social enterprise Kate Edgar Foundation/Graduation Place showing off their new logos following a strategic planning session

Leadership team for The Sisterhood, who support refugee women in Jakarta, participating in a online strategic planning session.  

Participants in a Far North community strategic planning hui with their plans for engaging marae in environmental restoration, tackling homelessness, and sustainable tourism.