Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Firm

A major pharmaceutical firm struggled with turnover and dissatisfaction among their techs. These techs worked on project teams led by senior researchers and physicians. The techs felt bullied and undervalued, and yet these techs were well-paid and very difficult to replace. Interact developed team training that involved all team members, including the senior researchers and physicians. More than 400 people were trained. The HR staff reported that many of the most challenging leaders improved dramatically. Turnover among the techs dropped by 20%, employee surveys showed improvement in morale.

Information Technology Firm

A firm that develops enterprise-wide software wanted to improve the effectiveness of their implementation teams. These teams worked with customers in the field, installing and maintaining their software. Team members reported many problems with the support they received from headquarters, from clients, and from members of their own teams. Interact tailored a training program to make sure team members practiced solving the problems they had identified. About 200 team members were trained, and the training was so successful that employees in three of their customer organizations were trained as well.

Hardware and Software Development Teams

Project managers in this firm often missed deadlines, went over budget, and failed to meet specs. They managed teams of technology specialists who did not report to them, and had to get resources from functional managers who were above them in the organization. In addition, many of these project teams were “virtual”-they were spread across the globe, and never met face to face. Interact trained project managers and team members how to “Manage Without Authority.” This training received the highest ratings any training had ever received, and managers reported significant improvements in cycle time and overall program integration.