The benefit of the doubt

Lieke is the wife of Freek, a friend from my college days. She is a partner in a successful and growing Private Equity house. If my surroundings are to be believed, she is always looking for a nice acquisition. So the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
"My father was a real entrepreneur," she always says proudly.
For many years she worked for a large international consultancy. There she gained a lot of knowledge related to the pharmaceutical sector. Four years ago she was asked to become a partner at this PE firm. Something I can very well imagine. Lieke is bubbly, entrepreneurial, successful and a great person. We met at her office in Utrecht.

Fine balance

Lieke called me last week asking to exchange thoughts and spar after she had spoken with Freek.
'And, what are you up against?' I ask, after we have sat down in her office.
'Straight to the point, that's how I know you,' she says, smiling.
She continues: 'nice to exchange thoughts with you. Of course I know you and your work experience. We just never had to deal with each other professionally. Nice and good to hear what you think about my situation. As you may know, I have a medium-sized life sciences company in my portfolio. Two years ago when we acquired it, we thought they would grow tremendously. All signs were green.'

It could be better

'They are also growing. The management team is really made up of committed and really good people. We just had another strategy day, which I attended for an afternoon and evening. Really very useful. We went through the results together and many things were talked out. The noses are in the same direction and the objectives are clear.'
On the way back in the car, I had the feeling that something wasn't right after all, the feeling that they could really do better.
'Do you have any idea where that feeling came from?' I ask.
'Good question. But I can't explain it and I can't get my finger behind it. As you can understand, I don't want to interfere too much with their execution and implementation. What you need to know is that there is a fine balance between me, the managing director and the management team. I don't want to disrupt that. I put enough pressure on them already. But I see the results and I still feel that there is room for improvement. The direction is clear, but are they turning the right buttons in time? My feeling is often right, but now I have my doubts. That's why Freek suggested talking to you, with an independent view. ' Bouncing is what you call it, isn't it?'
'Good thing you called me.'

Bounce & Steer in Brief

'Bounce & Steer is an approach developed by Jan Hein Bax himself. Leaders know in most cases where they want to go strategically with their organization. Yet they often run into something. Day-to-day operational matters generally run smoothly. What is missing, however, is the tactical part. The part that ensures that the strategy is translated into clear choices and targeted actions to achieve the strategic goals.

Based on my Bounce & Steer methodology, I ensure movement in the right direction. Are we going to implement the very things that will ensure progress and growth. Are you an owner, CEO or shareholder and do you recognize these issues? Contact me if you are in doubt about something.