We work with C-Suites, top executives, decision makers and change agents.
For nearly 30 years we have assisted a wide range of companies, from precision engineering to software houses, from multinationals to nursing homes.
In all cases, adopting a systemic approach through the Decalogue methodology has led to significant improvements, including:
REAL RESULTS FROM REAL COMPANIES
Manufacturing: Metal Foundry Unlocks “Impossible” Capacity
Challenge: Invested in new plant designed for 100,000 tons/year capacity. Despite 70 years of industry experience, stuck at 80,000 tons. Managing multiple interdependent bottlenecks inefficiently with no clear path forward.
Solution: Identified the actual physical constraint in production process. Scheduled production around it. Subordinated all other processes to optimize the constraint.
Results:
- Reached 100,000 tons in 6 months
- 25% capacity increase with zero additional capital investment
- Eliminated chaos of managing multiple bottlenecks
- Predictable, reliable production scheduling
Complex Turnaround: Multinational Corporation Saved
Challenge: Failing American multinational facing serious financial difficulties and potential bankruptcy. Performance declining across all metrics.
Solution: Implemented Decalogue methodology globally over 3-year period. Systemic transformation of operations, innovation processes, and organizational thinking.
Results:
- Stock price increased 7-fold
- Measurable productivity increases across operations
- Significant untapped capacity unleashed
- Award-winning patents generated from new innovation process
- Company saved from bankruptcy
Mining: From $50M Burned to Break-Even
Challenge: Junior mining company sitting on bonanza-grade precious metals deposit. Burned $50M over 4 years trying to transition from small prospecting team to full-scale mining operation (150 people). Located in area where no one had succeeded in mining for 40 years, near villages of historical value.
Solution: Analyzed mental models blocking the massive scale-up. Created Future Reality Tree mapping the transition. Built masterful project plan covering capital raise, hiring, training, and full operations setup.
Results:
- Started producing metal in under 1 year
- Reached break-even within months after production began
- Successful transition from handful of geologists to 150-person mining operation
- Overcame “impossible” regulatory and operational obstacles
- Transformed from prospecting company to profitable mining operation
M&A: Fastest SEC Approval on Record
Challenge: New York holding company (SPAC) raised $150M for acquisition. Time-critical SEC approval needed or lose entire $150M from investors. Conventional “best practices” timeline would miss deadline.
Solution: Instead of following standard benchmarking approach, analyzed all assumptions about the approval process. Studied connected laws and aligned all interactions with SEC thought process rather than industry conventions.
Results:
- Fastest-ever recorded acquisition by a SPAC
- $150M investment saved
- Completed in time-critical window
- New approach to regulatory navigation
Government: IT Agency Transformation
Challenge: Government IT agency bogged down in bureaucratic processes. Projects consistently late; stakeholder frustration mounting; budget overruns common. Poor service delivery to citizens.
Solution: Identified blockages in thinking about nature of work. Shifted from overly bureaucratic hierarchy to managing commitments as Network of Projects over 4-month engagement.
Results:
- Project delivery time reduced 45%
- On-time completion improved: 40% → 90%
- Resource utilization improved without adding headcount
- More effective and efficient service to citizens
- Stakeholder satisfaction dramatically increased
R&D: Award-Winning Innovation Breakthrough
Challenge: World-leader graphite electrode manufacturer unable to eliminate stub loss in production—a major competitive disadvantage. Problem had stumped their scientists despite deep technical expertise.
Solution: Guided team of scientists through rigorous analysis of underlying assumptions and mental models about the problem. Surfaced hidden constraints in their thinking.
Results:
- Breakthrough solution identified
- Award-winning patent for stub-loss-free electrode
- Significant competitive advantage gained
- New innovation methodology embedded in R&D process
Supply Chain: 10 Weeks to 2 Weeks
Challenge: Steel mills, service centers, and manufacturers trapped in lose-lose relationships. Physical production time: 3 days. Actual delivery to manufacturers: 10+ weeks. Gigantic capital immobilization in inventory throughout chain.
Solution: Analyzed cause-and-effect relationships across all three supply chain links. Surfaced non-verbalized mental models creating the delays. Redesigned interdependencies.
Results:
- Total process time reduced: 10+ weeks → 2 weeks
- Massive capital freed from inventory
- Win-win relationships established throughout chain
- Entire supply chain synchronized around flow
Family Business: Successful Succession
Challenge: Well-established, highly profitable business stuck in emotionally complicated succession phase. Founder unable to delegate to next generation. Business continuity at risk.
Solution: Rigorous yet emotionally intelligent cause-and-effect analysis. Systematic process to delineate detailed solution, strategy, and roadmap for transition satisfying all parties.
Results:
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- Smooth transition of leadership
- Business continuity preserved
- Profitability maintained
- Family relationships strengthened
- Next generation empowered
My experience with the Decalogue approach has shown me how to reach a profound analysis of complex situations quickly and effectively. It enables decision makers to access new insights, to verbalize their goals transparently and accurately, to create a roadmap, and to roll out effective, system-wide solutions in a robust way. Karen Narwold, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate & Government Affairs, Corporate Secretary at Albemarle Corporation.
Domenico not only got me to think harder than I have ever done about how to grow my business, he helped me to become a better person in the process. He has a unique ability to enlighten the people around him and, fortunately, I have been one of those. No matter my concern or worry, talking to him has always helped me think and understand better. I am currently developing the most ambitious project of my life. It’s a venture where my business sense and who I am as a person are becoming one, and Domenico’s constant input is yet again invaluable. Livio Brachetti. CEO Social Nation. Owner, Cuordimela, Milan, Italy.
Working with Intelligent Management has been transformative for Sierra Nevada Journeys. The Decalogue process gave us a model to glean tremendous insight into our markets’ needs as well as a clear, collaborative method to plan how to meet the market need. Intelligent Management gave our team the confidence and guidance to make the community impact we have been dreaming of. Eaton Dunkelberger, MBA. CEO Sierra Nevada Journeys, an outdoor science education non-profit delivering high-impact critical thinking development programs to over 10,000 students in California and Nevada annually.
The following article by the CEO of Comstock Mining from ‘Energy & Mining International’ Magazine describes how Intelligent Management and the Decalogue methodology helped transition a Junior gold mine to full production. Click to enlarge.
Some recent feedback on LinkedIn
