The Problem

Our UK based global finance client was under constant pressure. Projects overran and frequently had to be reworked. There were also far too many meetings that ended without any positive outcomes. Critical deadlines and regulatory reporting added to the strain so problems were either ignored or passed to someone else which just created new problems of dependency and frustration. Inefficiency slowed progress, drained energy and meant there was too much reliance on external support. So how could they sharpen focus, adopt better habits and build a culture of performance and resilience?

The Solution

The SOE® system, a structured approach designed to instil operational excellence and transform the way peoplework. More than fifty leaders were coached, which affected a further 250 people. The aim was not just a short-term fix relief but lasting improvements throughout the organisation.

The new way of working focused on:

Short, sharp sessions to speed up decision-making.

Clearer priorities – focusing on what actually matters

Proactive problem-solving – tackling issues before they become

crises.

Coaching in the moment – feedback embedded into daily

leadership.

Data-led Progress – Tracking improvements with measurable

metrics.

The Results

The transformation was visible in both culture and performance. The business changed the way it worked and the results were clear and calculable.

Fastest month-end close ever recorded – without reliance on external support.

Reduced audit queries and re-work – fewer errors and greater first time accuracy

Efficiency gains – shorter meetings with fewer people

Lead-time reduction – quicker turnaround, fewer missed deadlines, faster financial close cycles.

Cost avoidance – reduced use of consultants, fewer new hires, better use of people.

Improved wellbeing – fewer sickness absences.

20% Engagement score improvement (75% to 95%)

Alongside the data, leaders spoke of a profound shift:

“We’ve built the habit of solving problems ourselves.

It’s made us much more resilient.”

“We’re no longer just surviving deadlines —

we’re in control of them.”

Performance wasn’t left to chance. Teams built habits that

made operational excellence part of everyday life — bringing

lasting speed, accuracy and efficiency.

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