Goodfriend & Associates: Michael R. Goodfriend

Q: Describe Your Background.
A: I graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Accounting. In my initial employment experience with Price Waterhouse as an Audit Manager and then as a Human Resources Manager, I learned that every financial solution must consider the human impact and every human solution must consider the financial impact.

Q: Why Did You Start Goodfriend & Associates?
A: In 1989, when I founded Goodfriend & Associates, it was clear to me that organizations were more open than ever for "out-of-the-box" solutions to improve business performance. My success in developing organizational solutions and my focus on client service made the risk of self-employment one worth taking.

Q: How Would You Describe Your Consulting Philosophy?
A: We facilitate solutions for clients using the "they buy-in to what they create" philosophy. We link our solution processes to a client strategy that is market-driven, competitively-focused and employee-centered. We believe participation that is properly designed can be very effective at creating "shared ownership" and greater commitment to initiatives/improvements. Our goal is to help clients increase revenue, profitability, satisfaction, quality and/or efficiency.

Q: Describe Your Greatest Strengths?
A: My clients have seen how valuable it is to the organization to have an independent consultant who is an advocate for the best interests of the organization and its stakeholders. Another strength is in "building relationship capital" where mutual value is created in the relationship. Our firm has strong relationships with client representatives and those who make referrals. However, what strengthens our firm is the other strong relationships we have with other consultants, survey providers, CPAs, attorneys, executive recruiters, financial advisors, etc. which we are able to share so people think of Goodfriend & Associates when they need a solution or resource.

Q: What Common Problems and Opportunities Do You Observe Across Organizations?
A: Leadership Teams often operate in silos and are not able to leverage the unlimited potential of those leaders working together. We help those leadership teams realize the value of working together to achieve collective business results. Most leaders in today's organization have to work at such a rapid pace, balancing many priorities for different stakeholders while trying to balance their work and home life. Leaders can often use more space/time for developing as a leader. The one-on-one coaching we provide to leaders can provide them with that opportunity to become a more effective leader.

Q: Describe your professional and community involvement.
A: I have been certified in the Birkman Method for over 20 years and currently serve as the Chair of the Houston Birkman User Group (a knowledge sharing community for certified consultants). I have been a manager and coach in First Colony Little League and have helped the players on these teams to raise money for the First Colony Dream League - a baseball league for children with special needs. I have also served on the Boards of Directors for the Houston CPA Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston.

"Your facilitation, guidance, advice and training helped instill out-of-the-box thinking while building our skills in workplace redesign and self directed teams."

Carl Rogerson
Plant Manager
Boring Specialties, Inc.