Camp Q *

Once companies go through the (for some painful) process of determining a new direction for growth – many get bogged down trying to figuring out what to do next. Or in trying to get key members of the organization on board. Some get the learning and then the lesson sits gathering dust on the corporate shelf. Enter Camp Q.

Once the analysis has been done (whether by us or by others), we have key members of the corporate team (from CEO to assembly line manager – whatever’s right for the company and its challenge) complete a short test (there are no right or wrong answers) to give us an insight into how they communicate and how they approach problem solving. Then we all go to camp (yup, real camp with s’mores… and so much more).

Depending on the client, we arrange three or four day sessions. Based on the premise that the most innovative solutions are found when people are removed from their traditional/ familiar environments, and have all aspects of their brains stimulated, we put together a program that builds teamwork, fosters leadership and – which is what sets Camp Q apart from the rest – works to solve the specific business challenges at hand.

Imagine “Outward Bound” meets “McKinsey type analysis” meets “paint by numbers”. Need to increase profits in the Ottawa and New York offices by 15% before year end? Or break into a new market? Or increase production by 25% without similar increases in costs? Or…? Then that’s what your “in-class” sessions will cover. In a creative, fun and highly productive way.

By the time you leave Camp Q, your company will have...

• Developed highly creative and effective means of solving the current business challenges;

• A comprehensive action plan for implementing the solutions reached while at Camp Q;

• Solid, concrete steps to be taken in the days immediately following the return to work;

• Better communication between key department principals – and the tools for fostering better communication throughout their departments;

• Increased trust between team members;

• A much stronger commitment to the company and its success; and most importantly,

• A clear vision of the most profitable path to follow overall.

But what about when you return to the office?

Too often, employees get hyped at workshops and conferences… and then fail to take action upon their return. Or people attend motivational seminars and return with renewed enthusiasm and plans (or lists of “things to do”), only to find their energy quickly dissipates and that they’ve slipped back into their comfortable ways of doing things. Their plans and drive disappear. Why?

One of the reasons is that the suggestions imparted, although excellent and very powerful for some attendees, are usually not tailored specifically for the needs of the corporation and the situation at hand– and without specific, simple next steps to take, it’s hard for many people to take action. Especially if it runs counter to current corporate (or personal) practices.

So what makes this different?

• Camp Q sessions are run by the people who have gotten to know the company, its challenges, its culture, its people, its strengths and weaknesses, and its hopes very well before preparing the Camp program.

• Program work is designed to address the issues raised by the research – issues that will have been discussed (and agreed upon) with senior executives before the camp program is finalized.

• Q Campers leave knowing what they need to do the next day at work, and how to position it with their colleagues;

• Senior executives receive a briefing and game plan in the week following the Camp Q session;

• There is follow-up with the departments involved; and

• A regular mentoring program is established to ensure that appropriate action steps are taken (it takes very little corporate time yet makes a huge difference in the outcome).

In short, the program, although fun and stimulating, addresses corporate needs and produces results.

There is no one else, anywhere in the world, offering a program like this one.

To the left are a couple of the facilities we use.