High Impact
Teamwork is a core element of life at Marakon, so we are committed to making each case team experience a satisfying and rewarding one.
Case teams generally range in size from four to eight people and consist of at least one associate, one senior associate, a principal and a partner. These team members work closely together for the duration of the assignment, which can last anywhere from two to six months or more.
As with any team, there is an initial ramp-up period, and we actively manage this process to improve the overall experience for team members.
Ramping Up
The case team experience begins with a set of conversations between the consultant, his or her personal development coach, and the local staffing manager. The three work together to identify the best fit between the consultant's individual preferences, his or her development goals, and available opportunities at the time. Next, consultants speak with the managers of upcoming projects to learn more about the nature of the engagements and agree on roles that will provide the best opportunities for learning and career growth.
During the Project
During the early period, team members are encouraged to talk about how they would prefer to work together and collectively establish a set of team "norms". These cover topics from team lifestyle to learning, and are actively managed throughout the project. At the same time, each team member works with the development coach and the project manager continuously to ensure the right focus and stretch levels.
As the project work continues, the team does ad hoc "pulse checks" and regular formal feedback sessions. These sessions are an opportunity for members to revisit the team norms and discuss how people are feeling in regards to lifestyle, learning and team leadership.
The case team is not all work and no play! Throughout a project, it will organize social events to entertain team members during the week. Activities range from dinners and shows to sporting events and mountain climbing.
After the Project
At the end of a project, the team has a formal debrief during which members provide their perspective on what worked well and what might be improved in the future. In this way, we strive to make each case team experience better than the last.
