JOHN
SWEENEY'S CLIENT CASE STUDIES Initially,
John’s work for General Mills focused on team building
and was duplicated across departments that ranged from engineering to
financial executives. At that time, the company was redefining and uniting
teams as part of the General Mills and Pillsbury merger. Both companies
had developed similar but separate corporate cultures as rivals who competed
in the same industry. With the merger, the new company had to create
a common, cohesive foundation for new growth. At one memorable session,
CFO Jim Lawrence participated in one of John’s improvisational
exercises without fear or hesitation, helping to further relax participants
and reinforce the laughter and learning points. Most
recently, as part of our work with General Mills, the company has
brought employees to our little
theatre for
training, brainstorming,
and entertainment. We’ve even done a bit of consultative work for
a lip synch contest (yes, you read that right)! On a side note, years
ago John was gifted a Wheaties box with his image -- and that of several
BNW actors -- imprinted on it. It occupies a very special place in his
office "The Brave New Workshop component of our Yoplait "off-site" was
incredibly well-received. You guys definitely did a great job on all
fronts. People thought it was great that you got a pulse on what was
going on in the division - but also had some unique ways to bring the
more academic organizational behavior things to life -- in a much more
relevant way than they had seen before. So, great work! I wouldn't hesitate
to call you again... I hope we can keep in touch, and feel free to use
me as a reference as well."
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