Microsoft

Microsoft Field IT... Transform around the business

Achievement

Get results, deliver more, high performing team.

Situation

Field IT is the front line of Microsoft IT – working with the business and support operations around the world it is challenged to provide peak IT efficiency at all times.

The challenge is immense; business as usual must be supported effectively at all times, while at the same time innovation and product development must be undertaken and developed to.

Business Challenges

• Develop a team of leaders
• Develop a more strategic leadership style
• Deliver robust and effective IT around the world
• Deliver year on year cost savings
• Drive efficiency and consistency across 40 countries
• Integrate global regions
• Implement a shared services model
• Co-ordinate virtual teams
• Align vision, priorities and purpose across the organisation

The Measure of Transformation

As part of the vision to become a world class IT organisation, Robert and his team successfully brought together over 40 country specific local units and transformed them into a regionally integrated organisation. Over 12 months the systematic change was enormous demanding that all of the 320 people in the wider team developed new ways of thinking and behaving to become a truly global team that speaks a common language. During the same period the organisation achieved their best ever internal employee review ratings.

“After a Merriweather Business Improvement Programme my team and I feel like we can tackle anything we’re asked to do”.

Programme Success factors reported by the team:

• Clarity on what needs to be done
• A greater understanding of why this is important to the business
• More time to think strategically
• Consistent and regular communication
• Understand how to get the best out of each other
• A willingness to work together
• We get the job done and deliver on our commitments

Programme Success factors reported by the leader:

• Aligned vision and strategy around the world
• Strong execution – All our commitments are green
• Functional leadership team
• More strategic thinking
• Successful transformation
• Enhanced productivity
• Substantial cost saving

"Merriweather has been instrumental in the ongoing development of my team. Their unique approach, flexibility and commitment to a tailored programme for us has had a clearly measurable impact on the performance and attitude of my team – an investment that continues to pay dividends."

Robert Ford
International CIO