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UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL
Transforming Leadership, Teams, and Organizations for Breakthrough Results
With over 35 years of developing High-Performance Teams for iconic brands, our integrated approach encompasses:
We specialize in building high-performing, horizontal teams and organizations, empowering leaders, and driving strategic alignment to achieve rapid results and long-term competitive advantage.
Organization Development
Elevate Your Success with Tailored Organizational Development (OD) Solutions
At Guttman Development Strategies (GDS), we recognize that every organization possesses unique strengths and untapped potential.
With over 35 years of experience collaborating with iconic brands, we specialize in crafting Organizational Development (OD) solutions tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
Our approach begins with aligning your organization through comprehensive assessments, stakeholder interviews and data analysis.
We co-create strategies that resonate with your vision, applying best practices that have propelled the growth and influence of leading companies.
What to Expect
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Short-Term Solutions (3–6 Months): Perfect for quick wins, these initiatives include targeted actions such as Developing High-Performance Leaders (DHPL), Conflict Resolution and Mediation, New Leader/Team Assimilation, Enhancing Leadership Presence (ELP), Process Observation, Leadership Alignment, Stakeholder Management, and Decision Making that deliver immediate results.
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Medium-Term Projects (6 Months–2 Years): These focus on larger-scale objectives, such as Change Management, Performance Management, Cultural Transformation, Multi-tier Alignments, Cross-functional Team Alignments, Executive Coaching, Negotiation Readiness, Conflict Resolution and Team Coaching, ensuring impactful and lasting changes.
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Long-Term Transformation (2–5+ Years): Comprehensive programs that revolutionize strategy, culture, and operations. These solutions are ideal for organizations ready to embrace continuous improvement and long-term growth.
Our proven OD process will be tailored to focus on your unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes, built to deliver measurable results. Each of our services is allocated a specific duration to ensure optimal results. These elements are customized to align with your objectives, enabling your organization to adapt, grow, and excel in today's dynamic environment.
Why Choose Us?
Our proven collaborative approach ensures that every solution is tailored to your needs, backed by data-driven insights, and implemented with precision and alignment. With us, you're not just investing in development—you’re building a roadmap for proven success.
Elevate your organization
Let’s work together to create a future where your organization thrives. Schedule a free consultation today to start the conversation!
Ann Christenson -
Aimbridge
June 2023 - We have been on a significant growth journey through acquisitions and a merger. We had a transformation at the top of Aimbridge.
I love the GDS’s down-to-earth, non-theoretical, no-BS approach to organization development and change. GDS has been a great partner, resource, and ally in helping to move our organization forward. GDS does real work that gets real results.
I love the GDS’s down-to-earth, non-theoretical, no-BS approach to organization development and change. GDS has been a great partner, resource, and ally in helping to move our organization forward. GDS does real work that gets real results.
David Best - Newman's Own, Inc.
October 2022 - We’re a small company. Everyone, at every level, needs to be a leader and a doer.
The high-performance approach is the correct way to go, regardless of how you work: in the office, remotely, or in some combination of both. You get better results. Holding peers accountable, being candid, and breaking down silos is the best way to engage teams throughout the organization to achieve faster growth.
The high-performance approach is the correct way to go, regardless of how you work: in the office, remotely, or in some combination of both. You get better results. Holding peers accountable, being candid, and breaking down silos is the best way to engage teams throughout the organization to achieve faster growth.
Nathaniel Davis - Drinkworks
September 2019 - The GDS tools enable our teams to excel. GDS provides the perfect methodology for us as a cross-functional leadership team and organization to drive to higher performance. I’m spending much less time navigating issues within the team because members are better equipped to deal with these between and among themselves. We had to carefully allocate inventory, hoping it would last six months. It sold out in six weeks. That’s 30,000 pods sold! The pilot was wildly successful.
Gianni Pieraccioni - Maesa
October 2021 - We’ve moved quickly from talk to action. The company was undergoing a rapid transformation. My vision was to build a more decentralized and interdependent organization, more horizontal, and with less silo thinking and fewer lines of demarcation. Moving to the horizontal, high-performance model is essential, especially given the current new, younger generation of leaders coming up through the ranks. It takes willingness to be open, transparent, and vulnerable and the strong belief that when you build an organization of high-performance leaders you do create lasting value.
Risa Cretella- Sovos Brands
June 2021 - Millions of new consumers discovered our products for the first time and have stayed as buyers in our brand franchise.
Our greatest asset is our people, and key to maximizing the impact of our people is being highly organized around strategic priorities and being clear about who are the right people to make decisions. We have focused on embracing conflict and challenges to ensure that we work toward achieving the right outcomes for the business.
The GDS Team Development Wheel is one of my most useful tools. Progress comes from setbacks and from confronting issues. HPT enables you to get through the obstacles and come out stronger on the other side.
Our greatest asset is our people, and key to maximizing the impact of our people is being highly organized around strategic priorities and being clear about who are the right people to make decisions. We have focused on embracing conflict and challenges to ensure that we work toward achieving the right outcomes for the business.
The GDS Team Development Wheel is one of my most useful tools. Progress comes from setbacks and from confronting issues. HPT enables you to get through the obstacles and come out stronger on the other side.
Marc Speichert - GSK Consumer Healthcare
September 2018 - During my first year, I changed virtually every member of my leadership team. There’s much more enterprise-level thinking. We’re much better at putting hard issues on the table and vocalizing the issues that the team is facing. The horizontal, high-performance way of working and technology are great enablers of each other. The high-performance, horizontal approach creates a deep understanding of who you are as a leader and how best to rally the troops around you. It gives you the right toolkit to stay ahead.
Jeff Bak -
Imagine360
January 2024 - We’re getting 25- to 30-percent more done in a given quarter than we once did. There’s a greater sense of purpose to the way we approach a day, a week, a month, and a quarter. I would highly recommend GDS’ HPT journey! I would enthusiastically rehire Howard Guttman and his team.
Volker Kuhn -
Reckitt
October 2024 - We’ve significantly improved top- and bottom-line business growth, consistently delivering top-tier industry growth and profitability. The Guttman approach to coaching “in the flow” of meetings had a huge impact. It was an eye-opening experience. Our skepticism soon dissolved as we saw the magic.
Kevin Keane - American Beverage Association (ABA)
January 2025 - We are influencers. They see us leading and driving forward. They see us solving problems and scoring tough wins. The team is more willing than we were to raise issues, including ones I or they might not like to hear. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for elevating our performance to the next level. We don’t have one person running around claiming all the credit. We win as a team. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for elevating our performance to the next level.
Edgar Huber -
Nest NY
June 2024 - GDS’ HPT is a game-changer. The GDS focus on performance is crucial. We are evolving from a smaller, founder-focused business to a more significant one. Team members are much more engaged and empowered. Decision-making time is much shorter.
Suzana Kubric -
Nubank
September 2023 - The GDS HPT approach has a significant organization-wide impact. When you are at stake for one another, when you increase trust, focus on the priority issues, and manage conflict to avoid underground behavior, better results will follow. When senior leaders become high-performance players, you elevate the performance of the entire organization.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
David Bensadoun -
Aldo Group
January 2023 - I have measurably more time than I used to. I certainly would not recommend HPT to our competitors! I don’t want them to have the HPT-level of performance. To CEOs of other companies, I would say that HPT is a way to unleash the full potential of your executive team and save time.
Liam Butterworth - GKN Automotive
June 2022 - I never have had so much time on my hands! I can now focus on company strategy, dealing with shareholders, and talent management. I like to be pragmatic, transparent, and direct. I’d recommend the GDS approach without hesitation to any senior team.
GDS came in with a very practical, hands-on, human approach and worked intimately with the team. It has made a huge difference for me, my team, and our organization.
GDS came in with a very practical, hands-on, human approach and worked intimately with the team. It has made a huge difference for me, my team, and our organization.
Dean Patras - Horizon Therapeutics
February 2022 - We have experienced rapid growth in a short period of time and have nearly doubled our number of employees.
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
David Swers - Glen Raven, Inc.
February 2021 - We moved from being a traditional textile company to where we are today because of our ability to adapt and adjust. I’ve become clearer and more concise in communicating the vision and strategy of the organization, along with my goals, expectations, and the tactics needed to get there. I’m much more focused and results oriented. The team has also become much more focused. We’re pushing ourselves.
Paul S. Michaels - Mars, Inc.
October 2020 - The high-performance process helps break down silos. GDS fosters honesty and truth-telling; it encourages learning agility, and inquisitiveness. The horizontal, high-performance approach sped up everything fourfold: communication, alignment, decision making, and performance.
Charlie Jacobs - Delaware North Boston Holdings
January 2020 - Our C-suite executives are all on the same page. They have the “eyes” and ability to identify the best-of-the-best talent, who can play world-class hockey, lead, and win. Early returns from the fans have been extremely positive. We’ve hit our goals! The approach that GDS took was “This is all about empowering you. If you’re open, willing, and able to bring in a professional firm like Howard Guttman’s, I’d highly recommend that you do. I’ve used other processes, and they’re nowhere near as effective.
Dr. Loren Skeist - Spellman High Voltage Electronics
March 2019 - This has been our best year by any objective measure, with 18% growth in profitable sales and steady progress in improving processes. The high-performance process improves dialogue and communication by clearing away interpersonal issues and creating a safer environment in which to give and receive feedback. These changes open the management group to new perspectives, helping them develop fresh insights.
Lisa O'Driscoll - Sovos
April 2018 - It is evident in our cross-functional, enterprise-wide mentality. I don’t see any leaders sitting around with functional hats on, thinking, “I’ll be a superstar by just focusing on my function.” You’d see a great sense of accountability and depersonalization not only in handling conflict but in how we assess progress in meeting business goals and in succeeding together as a team.
Todd Lachman - Sovos
March 2018 - High-performance, horizontal teams are a key competitive advantage.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
Derek Hopkins - Keurig Green Mountain
November 2017 - The HPT process begins with the leader.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
Paul T. Parker - Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
June 2017 - We put on more shows nightly than does Broadway. We move more people around the world than most companies. Growing the workforce in five years by 30 percent, on a base of 70,000 employees, is a tall order, one that required us to become a high-performing, horizontal team. We’re running small floating cities. It’s very complex and requires figuring out what’s relevant to all our internal and external stakeholders. The horizontal, high-performance journey has helped me to build a cohesive, focused team and organization that set priorities and remain focused on what keeps us ahead of competitors.
Mary Beth DeNooyer - Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
March 2017 - We are leaner, scrappier, less system and process driven, less bureaucratic, and more entrepreneurial. Operating horizontally won’t happen organically; you have to engineer it! That takes being deliberate about what you want to accomplish and setting aside time to make it happen. We’ve used the HPT framework as an enabler for both performance and career development. HPT has brought us a common language and framework to talk about our expectations of leaders.
Ann Christenson -
Aimbridge
June 2023 - We have been on a significant growth journey through acquisitions and a merger. We had a transformation at the top of Aimbridge.
I love the GDS’s down-to-earth, non-theoretical, no-BS approach to organization development and change. GDS has been a great partner, resource, and ally in helping to move our organization forward. GDS does real work that gets real results.
I love the GDS’s down-to-earth, non-theoretical, no-BS approach to organization development and change. GDS has been a great partner, resource, and ally in helping to move our organization forward. GDS does real work that gets real results.
David Best - Newman's Own, Inc.
October 2022 - We’re a small company. Everyone, at every level, needs to be a leader and a doer.
The high-performance approach is the correct way to go, regardless of how you work: in the office, remotely, or in some combination of both. You get better results. Holding peers accountable, being candid, and breaking down silos is the best way to engage teams throughout the organization to achieve faster growth.
The high-performance approach is the correct way to go, regardless of how you work: in the office, remotely, or in some combination of both. You get better results. Holding peers accountable, being candid, and breaking down silos is the best way to engage teams throughout the organization to achieve faster growth.
Nathaniel Davis - Drinkworks
September 2019 - The GDS tools enable our teams to excel. GDS provides the perfect methodology for us as a cross-functional leadership team and organization to drive to higher performance. I’m spending much less time navigating issues within the team because members are better equipped to deal with these between and among themselves. We had to carefully allocate inventory, hoping it would last six months. It sold out in six weeks. That’s 30,000 pods sold! The pilot was wildly successful.
Gianni Pieraccioni - Maesa
October 2021 - We’ve moved quickly from talk to action. The company was undergoing a rapid transformation. My vision was to build a more decentralized and interdependent organization, more horizontal, and with less silo thinking and fewer lines of demarcation. Moving to the horizontal, high-performance model is essential, especially given the current new, younger generation of leaders coming up through the ranks. It takes willingness to be open, transparent, and vulnerable and the strong belief that when you build an organization of high-performance leaders you do create lasting value.
Risa Cretella- Sovos Brands
June 2021 - Millions of new consumers discovered our products for the first time and have stayed as buyers in our brand franchise.
Our greatest asset is our people, and key to maximizing the impact of our people is being highly organized around strategic priorities and being clear about who are the right people to make decisions. We have focused on embracing conflict and challenges to ensure that we work toward achieving the right outcomes for the business.
The GDS Team Development Wheel is one of my most useful tools. Progress comes from setbacks and from confronting issues. HPT enables you to get through the obstacles and come out stronger on the other side.
Our greatest asset is our people, and key to maximizing the impact of our people is being highly organized around strategic priorities and being clear about who are the right people to make decisions. We have focused on embracing conflict and challenges to ensure that we work toward achieving the right outcomes for the business.
The GDS Team Development Wheel is one of my most useful tools. Progress comes from setbacks and from confronting issues. HPT enables you to get through the obstacles and come out stronger on the other side.
Marc Speichert - GSK Consumer Healthcare
September 2018 - During my first year, I changed virtually every member of my leadership team. There’s much more enterprise-level thinking. We’re much better at putting hard issues on the table and vocalizing the issues that the team is facing. The horizontal, high-performance way of working and technology are great enablers of each other. The high-performance, horizontal approach creates a deep understanding of who you are as a leader and how best to rally the troops around you. It gives you the right toolkit to stay ahead.
Jeff Bak -
Imagine360
January 2024 - We’re getting 25- to 30-percent more done in a given quarter than we once did. There’s a greater sense of purpose to the way we approach a day, a week, a month, and a quarter. I would highly recommend GDS’ HPT journey! I would enthusiastically rehire Howard Guttman and his team.
Volker Kuhn -
Reckitt
October 2024 - We’ve significantly improved top- and bottom-line business growth, consistently delivering top-tier industry growth and profitability. The Guttman approach to coaching “in the flow” of meetings had a huge impact. It was an eye-opening experience. Our skepticism soon dissolved as we saw the magic.
Kevin Keane - American Beverage Association (ABA)
January 2025 - We are influencers. They see us leading and driving forward. They see us solving problems and scoring tough wins. The team is more willing than we were to raise issues, including ones I or they might not like to hear. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for elevating our performance to the next level. We don’t have one person running around claiming all the credit. We win as a team. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for elevating our performance to the next level.
Edgar Huber -
Nest NY
June 2024 - GDS’ HPT is a game-changer. The GDS focus on performance is crucial. We are evolving from a smaller, founder-focused business to a more significant one. Team members are much more engaged and empowered. Decision-making time is much shorter.
Suzana Kubric -
Nubank
September 2023 - The GDS HPT approach has a significant organization-wide impact. When you are at stake for one another, when you increase trust, focus on the priority issues, and manage conflict to avoid underground behavior, better results will follow. When senior leaders become high-performance players, you elevate the performance of the entire organization.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
David Bensadoun -
Aldo Group
January 2023 - I have measurably more time than I used to. I certainly would not recommend HPT to our competitors! I don’t want them to have the HPT-level of performance. To CEOs of other companies, I would say that HPT is a way to unleash the full potential of your executive team and save time.
Liam Butterworth - GKN Automotive
June 2022 - I never have had so much time on my hands! I can now focus on company strategy, dealing with shareholders, and talent management. I like to be pragmatic, transparent, and direct. I’d recommend the GDS approach without hesitation to any senior team.
GDS came in with a very practical, hands-on, human approach and worked intimately with the team. It has made a huge difference for me, my team, and our organization.
GDS came in with a very practical, hands-on, human approach and worked intimately with the team. It has made a huge difference for me, my team, and our organization.
Dean Patras - Horizon Therapeutics
February 2022 - We have experienced rapid growth in a short period of time and have nearly doubled our number of employees.
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
David Swers - Glen Raven, Inc.
February 2021 - We moved from being a traditional textile company to where we are today because of our ability to adapt and adjust. I’ve become clearer and more concise in communicating the vision and strategy of the organization, along with my goals, expectations, and the tactics needed to get there. I’m much more focused and results oriented. The team has also become much more focused. We’re pushing ourselves.
Paul S. Michaels - Mars, Inc.
October 2020 - The high-performance process helps break down silos. GDS fosters honesty and truth-telling; it encourages learning agility, and inquisitiveness. The horizontal, high-performance approach sped up everything fourfold: communication, alignment, decision making, and performance.
Charlie Jacobs - Delaware North Boston Holdings
January 2020 - Our C-suite executives are all on the same page. They have the “eyes” and ability to identify the best-of-the-best talent, who can play world-class hockey, lead, and win. Early returns from the fans have been extremely positive. We’ve hit our goals! The approach that GDS took was “This is all about empowering you. If you’re open, willing, and able to bring in a professional firm like Howard Guttman’s, I’d highly recommend that you do. I’ve used other processes, and they’re nowhere near as effective.
Dr. Loren Skeist - Spellman High Voltage Electronics
March 2019 - This has been our best year by any objective measure, with 18% growth in profitable sales and steady progress in improving processes. The high-performance process improves dialogue and communication by clearing away interpersonal issues and creating a safer environment in which to give and receive feedback. These changes open the management group to new perspectives, helping them develop fresh insights.
Lisa O'Driscoll - Sovos
April 2018 - It is evident in our cross-functional, enterprise-wide mentality. I don’t see any leaders sitting around with functional hats on, thinking, “I’ll be a superstar by just focusing on my function.” You’d see a great sense of accountability and depersonalization not only in handling conflict but in how we assess progress in meeting business goals and in succeeding together as a team.
Todd Lachman - Sovos
March 2018 - High-performance, horizontal teams are a key competitive advantage.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
Derek Hopkins - Keurig Green Mountain
November 2017 - The HPT process begins with the leader.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
Paul T. Parker - Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
June 2017 - We put on more shows nightly than does Broadway. We move more people around the world than most companies. Growing the workforce in five years by 30 percent, on a base of 70,000 employees, is a tall order, one that required us to become a high-performing, horizontal team. We’re running small floating cities. It’s very complex and requires figuring out what’s relevant to all our internal and external stakeholders. The horizontal, high-performance journey has helped me to build a cohesive, focused team and organization that set priorities and remain focused on what keeps us ahead of competitors.
Mary Beth DeNooyer - Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
March 2017 - We are leaner, scrappier, less system and process driven, less bureaucratic, and more entrepreneurial. Operating horizontally won’t happen organically; you have to engineer it! That takes being deliberate about what you want to accomplish and setting aside time to make it happen. We’ve used the HPT framework as an enabler for both performance and career development. HPT has brought us a common language and framework to talk about our expectations of leaders.
Our OD Services Include
Leadership Training
Liam Butterworth - GKN Automotive
June 2022 - I never have had so much time on my hands! I can now focus on company strategy, dealing with shareholders, and talent management. I like to be pragmatic, transparent, and direct. I’d recommend the GDS approach without hesitation to any senior team.
GDS came in with a very practical, hands-on, human approach and worked intimately with the team. It has made a huge difference for me, my team, and our organization.
GDS came in with a very practical, hands-on, human approach and worked intimately with the team. It has made a huge difference for me, my team, and our organization.
Volker Kuhn -
Reckitt
October 2024 - We’ve significantly improved top- and bottom-line business growth, consistently delivering top-tier industry growth and profitability. The Guttman approach to coaching “in the flow” of meetings had a huge impact. It was an eye-opening experience. Our skepticism soon dissolved as we saw the magic.
David Swers - Glen Raven, Inc.
February 2021 - We moved from being a traditional textile company to where we are today because of our ability to adapt and adjust. I’ve become clearer and more concise in communicating the vision and strategy of the organization, along with my goals, expectations, and the tactics needed to get there. I’m much more focused and results oriented. The team has also become much more focused. We’re pushing ourselves.
Edgar Huber -
Nest NY
June 2024 - GDS’ HPT is a game-changer. The GDS focus on performance is crucial. We are evolving from a smaller, founder-focused business to a more significant one. Team members are much more engaged and empowered. Decision-making time is much shorter.
Suzana Kubric -
Nubank
September 2023 - The GDS HPT approach has a significant organization-wide impact. When you are at stake for one another, when you increase trust, focus on the priority issues, and manage conflict to avoid underground behavior, better results will follow. When senior leaders become high-performance players, you elevate the performance of the entire organization.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
Dean Patras - Horizon Therapeutics
February 2022 - We have experienced rapid growth in a short period of time and have nearly doubled our number of employees.
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
Paul S. Michaels - Mars, Inc.
October 2020 - The high-performance process helps break down silos. GDS fosters honesty and truth-telling; it encourages learning agility, and inquisitiveness. The horizontal, high-performance approach sped up everything fourfold: communication, alignment, decision making, and performance.
Dr. Loren Skeist - Spellman High Voltage Electronics
March 2019 - This has been our best year by any objective measure, with 18% growth in profitable sales and steady progress in improving processes. The high-performance process improves dialogue and communication by clearing away interpersonal issues and creating a safer environment in which to give and receive feedback. These changes open the management group to new perspectives, helping them develop fresh insights.
Todd Lachman - Sovos
March 2018 - High-performance, horizontal teams are a key competitive advantage.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
Derek Hopkins - Keurig Green Mountain
November 2017 - The HPT process begins with the leader.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
Paul T. Parker - Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
June 2017 - We put on more shows nightly than does Broadway. We move more people around the world than most companies. Growing the workforce in five years by 30 percent, on a base of 70,000 employees, is a tall order, one that required us to become a high-performing, horizontal team. We’re running small floating cities. It’s very complex and requires figuring out what’s relevant to all our internal and external stakeholders. The horizontal, high-performance journey has helped me to build a cohesive, focused team and organization that set priorities and remain focused on what keeps us ahead of competitors.
Mary Beth DeNooyer - Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
March 2017 - We are leaner, scrappier, less system and process driven, less bureaucratic, and more entrepreneurial. Operating horizontally won’t happen organically; you have to engineer it! That takes being deliberate about what you want to accomplish and setting aside time to make it happen. We’ve used the HPT framework as an enabler for both performance and career development. HPT has brought us a common language and framework to talk about our expectations of leaders.
Liam Butterworth - GKN Automotive
June 2022 - I never have had so much time on my hands! I can now focus on company strategy, dealing with shareholders, and talent management. I like to be pragmatic, transparent, and direct. I’d recommend the GDS approach without hesitation to any senior team.
GDS came in with a very practical, hands-on, human approach and worked intimately with the team. It has made a huge difference for me, my team, and our organization.
GDS came in with a very practical, hands-on, human approach and worked intimately with the team. It has made a huge difference for me, my team, and our organization.
Volker Kuhn -
Reckitt
October 2024 - We’ve significantly improved top- and bottom-line business growth, consistently delivering top-tier industry growth and profitability. The Guttman approach to coaching “in the flow” of meetings had a huge impact. It was an eye-opening experience. Our skepticism soon dissolved as we saw the magic.
David Swers - Glen Raven, Inc.
February 2021 - We moved from being a traditional textile company to where we are today because of our ability to adapt and adjust. I’ve become clearer and more concise in communicating the vision and strategy of the organization, along with my goals, expectations, and the tactics needed to get there. I’m much more focused and results oriented. The team has also become much more focused. We’re pushing ourselves.
Edgar Huber -
Nest NY
June 2024 - GDS’ HPT is a game-changer. The GDS focus on performance is crucial. We are evolving from a smaller, founder-focused business to a more significant one. Team members are much more engaged and empowered. Decision-making time is much shorter.
Suzana Kubric -
Nubank
September 2023 - The GDS HPT approach has a significant organization-wide impact. When you are at stake for one another, when you increase trust, focus on the priority issues, and manage conflict to avoid underground behavior, better results will follow. When senior leaders become high-performance players, you elevate the performance of the entire organization.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
Dean Patras - Horizon Therapeutics
February 2022 - We have experienced rapid growth in a short period of time and have nearly doubled our number of employees.
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
Paul S. Michaels - Mars, Inc.
October 2020 - The high-performance process helps break down silos. GDS fosters honesty and truth-telling; it encourages learning agility, and inquisitiveness. The horizontal, high-performance approach sped up everything fourfold: communication, alignment, decision making, and performance.
Dr. Loren Skeist - Spellman High Voltage Electronics
March 2019 - This has been our best year by any objective measure, with 18% growth in profitable sales and steady progress in improving processes. The high-performance process improves dialogue and communication by clearing away interpersonal issues and creating a safer environment in which to give and receive feedback. These changes open the management group to new perspectives, helping them develop fresh insights.
Todd Lachman - Sovos
March 2018 - High-performance, horizontal teams are a key competitive advantage.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
Derek Hopkins - Keurig Green Mountain
November 2017 - The HPT process begins with the leader.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
Paul T. Parker - Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
June 2017 - We put on more shows nightly than does Broadway. We move more people around the world than most companies. Growing the workforce in five years by 30 percent, on a base of 70,000 employees, is a tall order, one that required us to become a high-performing, horizontal team. We’re running small floating cities. It’s very complex and requires figuring out what’s relevant to all our internal and external stakeholders. The horizontal, high-performance journey has helped me to build a cohesive, focused team and organization that set priorities and remain focused on what keeps us ahead of competitors.
Mary Beth DeNooyer - Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
March 2017 - We are leaner, scrappier, less system and process driven, less bureaucratic, and more entrepreneurial. Operating horizontally won’t happen organically; you have to engineer it! That takes being deliberate about what you want to accomplish and setting aside time to make it happen. We’ve used the HPT framework as an enabler for both performance and career development. HPT has brought us a common language and framework to talk about our expectations of leaders.
Liam Butterworth - GKN Automotive
June 2022 - I never have had so much time on my hands! I can now focus on company strategy, dealing with shareholders, and talent management. I like to be pragmatic, transparent, and direct. I’d recommend the GDS approach without hesitation to any senior team.
GDS came in with a very practical, hands-on, human approach and worked intimately with the team. It has made a huge difference for me, my team, and our organization.
GDS came in with a very practical, hands-on, human approach and worked intimately with the team. It has made a huge difference for me, my team, and our organization.
Volker Kuhn -
Reckitt
October 2024 - We’ve significantly improved top- and bottom-line business growth, consistently delivering top-tier industry growth and profitability. The Guttman approach to coaching “in the flow” of meetings had a huge impact. It was an eye-opening experience. Our skepticism soon dissolved as we saw the magic.
David Swers - Glen Raven, Inc.
February 2021 - We moved from being a traditional textile company to where we are today because of our ability to adapt and adjust. I’ve become clearer and more concise in communicating the vision and strategy of the organization, along with my goals, expectations, and the tactics needed to get there. I’m much more focused and results oriented. The team has also become much more focused. We’re pushing ourselves.
Edgar Huber -
Nest NY
June 2024 - GDS’ HPT is a game-changer. The GDS focus on performance is crucial. We are evolving from a smaller, founder-focused business to a more significant one. Team members are much more engaged and empowered. Decision-making time is much shorter.
Suzana Kubric -
Nubank
September 2023 - The GDS HPT approach has a significant organization-wide impact. When you are at stake for one another, when you increase trust, focus on the priority issues, and manage conflict to avoid underground behavior, better results will follow. When senior leaders become high-performance players, you elevate the performance of the entire organization.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
Dean Patras - Horizon Therapeutics
February 2022 - We have experienced rapid growth in a short period of time and have nearly doubled our number of employees.
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
Paul S. Michaels - Mars, Inc.
October 2020 - The high-performance process helps break down silos. GDS fosters honesty and truth-telling; it encourages learning agility, and inquisitiveness. The horizontal, high-performance approach sped up everything fourfold: communication, alignment, decision making, and performance.
Dr. Loren Skeist - Spellman High Voltage Electronics
March 2019 - This has been our best year by any objective measure, with 18% growth in profitable sales and steady progress in improving processes. The high-performance process improves dialogue and communication by clearing away interpersonal issues and creating a safer environment in which to give and receive feedback. These changes open the management group to new perspectives, helping them develop fresh insights.
Todd Lachman - Sovos
March 2018 - High-performance, horizontal teams are a key competitive advantage.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
Derek Hopkins - Keurig Green Mountain
November 2017 - The HPT process begins with the leader.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
Paul T. Parker - Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
June 2017 - We put on more shows nightly than does Broadway. We move more people around the world than most companies. Growing the workforce in five years by 30 percent, on a base of 70,000 employees, is a tall order, one that required us to become a high-performing, horizontal team. We’re running small floating cities. It’s very complex and requires figuring out what’s relevant to all our internal and external stakeholders. The horizontal, high-performance journey has helped me to build a cohesive, focused team and organization that set priorities and remain focused on what keeps us ahead of competitors.
Mary Beth DeNooyer - Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
March 2017 - We are leaner, scrappier, less system and process driven, less bureaucratic, and more entrepreneurial. Operating horizontally won’t happen organically; you have to engineer it! That takes being deliberate about what you want to accomplish and setting aside time to make it happen. We’ve used the HPT framework as an enabler for both performance and career development. HPT has brought us a common language and framework to talk about our expectations of leaders.
Our Leadership Training Courses Include
Transform your organization into a high-performing entity with Tailored Leadership Training Solutions
At Guttman Development Strategies (GDS), we understand that each organization possesses unique strengths and opportunities.
With over three decades of experience, we have partnered with iconic brands to build high-performance teams and organizations.
Our Leadership Training courses are fully customizable, designed to meet your specific needs and goals. We apply best practices that have accelerated the growth and influence of leading organizations.
Our process begins by aligning with your organizational vision through comprehensive assessments, data analysis, and stakeholder interviews.
Together, we co-create a strategy that perfectly aligns with your aspirations.
What to Expect
Each course is tailored for immediate impact including targeted interventions such as team building, leadership alignment, stakeholder management, decision-making enhancement, and performance management to deliver quick results.
Our Leadership Training courses are customized to meet your unique needs to ensure the best possible results. Each course is designed to deliver measurable outcomes, empowering you to adapt, grow, and succeed in today's dynamic environment.
Why Choose Us?
Our collaborative approach ensures that every solution is tailored to your specific needs, backed by data-driven insights, and implemented with precision and alignment. By partnering with us, you're not just investing in development—you're building a roadmap for proven success.
Elevate your organization
Let’s work together to create a future where your organization thrives. Schedule a free consultation today to start the conversation!
Executive Development Coaching
Enhance Your Leadership with Executive Development Coaching
At Guttman Development Strategies (GDS), we recognize that exceptional leadership is pivotal to organizational success. With over three decades of experience collaborating with iconic brands, we offer Executive Development Coaching tailored to enhance your leadership capabilities and drive strategic alignment within your organization.
Our Executive Development Coaching Focuses On:
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Organization Strategy and Alignment: Ensuring your leadership approach is in harmony with your organization's mission and goals.
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Management and Leadership Skills: Enhancing your ability to lead teams effectively and make informed decisions.
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Influencing Skills: Developing the capacity to persuade and inspire others towards a common vision.
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Conflict Resolution Skills: Equipping you with techniques to manage and resolve disputes constructively.
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Executive Leadership Presence (ELP): Cultivating a commanding presence that instills confidence and respect.
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Coach Yourself to Win: Empowering you with self-coaching strategies to continually enhance your performance.
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Project Implementation: Guiding you through the successful execution of strategic initiatives.
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Building Organization Support: Strengthening your ability to garner backing from stakeholders at all levels.
What to Expect
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Personalized Coaching Plans: Customized sessions that address your unique strengths, challenges, and leadership aspirations.
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Practical Skill Development: Hands-on exercises and real-world applications to reinforce learning and facilitate immediate impact.
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Ongoing Support: Continuous guidance to ensure sustained growth and adaptability in dynamic business environments.
We recommend scheduling coaching sessions totaling 12 to 24 hours over a period of 6 months to 1 year, with an average of 2 hours per month.
Our executive coaching sessions are fully customized to your specific needs, including the duration, to ensure optimal results. Each session is designed to help you adapt, lead, grow, and thrive with high-performing teams in today’s dynamic environment.
Why Choose Us?
Our extensive experience and proven methodologies have empowered leaders across various industries to achieve excellence. We are committed to delivering measurable results that align with your organization's strategic objectives.
Elevate your organization?
Partner with us to unlock your full potential and lead your organization to new heights. Schedule a free consultation today to embark on your executive development journey.
Kevin Keane - American Beverage Association (ABA)
January 2025 - We are influencers. They see us leading and driving forward. They see us solving problems and scoring tough wins. The team is more willing than we were to raise issues, including ones I or they might not like to hear. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for elevating our performance to the next level. We don’t have one person running around claiming all the credit. We win as a team. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for elevating our performance to the next level.
Lisa O'Driscoll - Sovos
April 2018 - It is evident in our cross-functional, enterprise-wide mentality. I don’t see any leaders sitting around with functional hats on, thinking, “I’ll be a superstar by just focusing on my function.” You’d see a great sense of accountability and depersonalization not only in handling conflict but in how we assess progress in meeting business goals and in succeeding together as a team.
Charlie Jacobs - Delaware North Boston Holdings
January 2020 - Our C-suite executives are all on the same page. They have the “eyes” and ability to identify the best-of-the-best talent, who can play world-class hockey, lead, and win. Early returns from the fans have been extremely positive. We’ve hit our goals! The approach that GDS took was “This is all about empowering you. If you’re open, willing, and able to bring in a professional firm like Howard Guttman’s, I’d highly recommend that you do. I’ve used other processes, and they’re nowhere near as effective.
David Bensadoun -
Aldo Group
January 2023 - I have measurably more time than I used to. I certainly would not recommend HPT to our competitors! I don’t want them to have the HPT-level of performance. To CEOs of other companies, I would say that HPT is a way to unleash the full potential of your executive team and save time.
Edgar Huber -
Nest NY
June 2024 - GDS’ HPT is a game-changer. The GDS focus on performance is crucial. We are evolving from a smaller, founder-focused business to a more significant one. Team members are much more engaged and empowered. Decision-making time is much shorter.
Paul T. Parker - Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
June 2017 - We put on more shows nightly than does Broadway. We move more people around the world than most companies. Growing the workforce in five years by 30 percent, on a base of 70,000 employees, is a tall order, one that required us to become a high-performing, horizontal team. We’re running small floating cities. It’s very complex and requires figuring out what’s relevant to all our internal and external stakeholders. The horizontal, high-performance journey has helped me to build a cohesive, focused team and organization that set priorities and remain focused on what keeps us ahead of competitors.
Mary Beth DeNooyer - Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
March 2017 - We are leaner, scrappier, less system and process driven, less bureaucratic, and more entrepreneurial. Operating horizontally won’t happen organically; you have to engineer it! That takes being deliberate about what you want to accomplish and setting aside time to make it happen. We’ve used the HPT framework as an enabler for both performance and career development. HPT has brought us a common language and framework to talk about our expectations of leaders.
Suzana Kubric -
Nubank
September 2023 - The GDS HPT approach has a significant organization-wide impact. When you are at stake for one another, when you increase trust, focus on the priority issues, and manage conflict to avoid underground behavior, better results will follow. When senior leaders become high-performance players, you elevate the performance of the entire organization.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
Todd Lachman - Sovos
March 2018 - High-performance, horizontal teams are a key competitive advantage.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
Dean Patras - Horizon Therapeutics
February 2022 - We have experienced rapid growth in a short period of time and have nearly doubled our number of employees.
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
Paul S. Michaels - Mars, Inc.
October 2020 - The high-performance process helps break down silos. GDS fosters honesty and truth-telling; it encourages learning agility, and inquisitiveness. The horizontal, high-performance approach sped up everything fourfold: communication, alignment, decision making, and performance.
Dr. Loren Skeist - Spellman High Voltage Electronics
March 2019 - This has been our best year by any objective measure, with 18% growth in profitable sales and steady progress in improving processes. The high-performance process improves dialogue and communication by clearing away interpersonal issues and creating a safer environment in which to give and receive feedback. These changes open the management group to new perspectives, helping them develop fresh insights.
Derek Hopkins - Keurig Green Mountain
November 2017 - The HPT process begins with the leader.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
Kevin Keane - American Beverage Association (ABA)
January 2025 - We are influencers. They see us leading and driving forward. They see us solving problems and scoring tough wins. The team is more willing than we were to raise issues, including ones I or they might not like to hear. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for elevating our performance to the next level. We don’t have one person running around claiming all the credit. We win as a team. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for elevating our performance to the next level.
Lisa O'Driscoll - Sovos
April 2018 - It is evident in our cross-functional, enterprise-wide mentality. I don’t see any leaders sitting around with functional hats on, thinking, “I’ll be a superstar by just focusing on my function.” You’d see a great sense of accountability and depersonalization not only in handling conflict but in how we assess progress in meeting business goals and in succeeding together as a team.
Charlie Jacobs - Delaware North Boston Holdings
January 2020 - Our C-suite executives are all on the same page. They have the “eyes” and ability to identify the best-of-the-best talent, who can play world-class hockey, lead, and win. Early returns from the fans have been extremely positive. We’ve hit our goals! The approach that GDS took was “This is all about empowering you. If you’re open, willing, and able to bring in a professional firm like Howard Guttman’s, I’d highly recommend that you do. I’ve used other processes, and they’re nowhere near as effective.
David Bensadoun -
Aldo Group
January 2023 - I have measurably more time than I used to. I certainly would not recommend HPT to our competitors! I don’t want them to have the HPT-level of performance. To CEOs of other companies, I would say that HPT is a way to unleash the full potential of your executive team and save time.
Edgar Huber -
Nest NY
June 2024 - GDS’ HPT is a game-changer. The GDS focus on performance is crucial. We are evolving from a smaller, founder-focused business to a more significant one. Team members are much more engaged and empowered. Decision-making time is much shorter.
Paul T. Parker - Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
June 2017 - We put on more shows nightly than does Broadway. We move more people around the world than most companies. Growing the workforce in five years by 30 percent, on a base of 70,000 employees, is a tall order, one that required us to become a high-performing, horizontal team. We’re running small floating cities. It’s very complex and requires figuring out what’s relevant to all our internal and external stakeholders. The horizontal, high-performance journey has helped me to build a cohesive, focused team and organization that set priorities and remain focused on what keeps us ahead of competitors.
Mary Beth DeNooyer - Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
March 2017 - We are leaner, scrappier, less system and process driven, less bureaucratic, and more entrepreneurial. Operating horizontally won’t happen organically; you have to engineer it! That takes being deliberate about what you want to accomplish and setting aside time to make it happen. We’ve used the HPT framework as an enabler for both performance and career development. HPT has brought us a common language and framework to talk about our expectations of leaders.
Suzana Kubric -
Nubank
September 2023 - The GDS HPT approach has a significant organization-wide impact. When you are at stake for one another, when you increase trust, focus on the priority issues, and manage conflict to avoid underground behavior, better results will follow. When senior leaders become high-performance players, you elevate the performance of the entire organization.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
Todd Lachman - Sovos
March 2018 - High-performance, horizontal teams are a key competitive advantage.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
Dean Patras - Horizon Therapeutics
February 2022 - We have experienced rapid growth in a short period of time and have nearly doubled our number of employees.
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
Paul S. Michaels - Mars, Inc.
October 2020 - The high-performance process helps break down silos. GDS fosters honesty and truth-telling; it encourages learning agility, and inquisitiveness. The horizontal, high-performance approach sped up everything fourfold: communication, alignment, decision making, and performance.
Dr. Loren Skeist - Spellman High Voltage Electronics
March 2019 - This has been our best year by any objective measure, with 18% growth in profitable sales and steady progress in improving processes. The high-performance process improves dialogue and communication by clearing away interpersonal issues and creating a safer environment in which to give and receive feedback. These changes open the management group to new perspectives, helping them develop fresh insights.
Derek Hopkins - Keurig Green Mountain
November 2017 - The HPT process begins with the leader.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
Kevin Keane - American Beverage Association (ABA)
January 2025 - We are influencers. They see us leading and driving forward. They see us solving problems and scoring tough wins. The team is more willing than we were to raise issues, including ones I or they might not like to hear. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for elevating our performance to the next level. We don’t have one person running around claiming all the credit. We win as a team. This collaborative dynamic is crucial for elevating our performance to the next level.
Lisa O'Driscoll - Sovos
April 2018 - It is evident in our cross-functional, enterprise-wide mentality. I don’t see any leaders sitting around with functional hats on, thinking, “I’ll be a superstar by just focusing on my function.” You’d see a great sense of accountability and depersonalization not only in handling conflict but in how we assess progress in meeting business goals and in succeeding together as a team.
Charlie Jacobs - Delaware North Boston Holdings
January 2020 - Our C-suite executives are all on the same page. They have the “eyes” and ability to identify the best-of-the-best talent, who can play world-class hockey, lead, and win. Early returns from the fans have been extremely positive. We’ve hit our goals! The approach that GDS took was “This is all about empowering you. If you’re open, willing, and able to bring in a professional firm like Howard Guttman’s, I’d highly recommend that you do. I’ve used other processes, and they’re nowhere near as effective.
David Bensadoun -
Aldo Group
January 2023 - I have measurably more time than I used to. I certainly would not recommend HPT to our competitors! I don’t want them to have the HPT-level of performance. To CEOs of other companies, I would say that HPT is a way to unleash the full potential of your executive team and save time.
Edgar Huber -
Nest NY
June 2024 - GDS’ HPT is a game-changer. The GDS focus on performance is crucial. We are evolving from a smaller, founder-focused business to a more significant one. Team members are much more engaged and empowered. Decision-making time is much shorter.
Paul T. Parker - Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
June 2017 - We put on more shows nightly than does Broadway. We move more people around the world than most companies. Growing the workforce in five years by 30 percent, on a base of 70,000 employees, is a tall order, one that required us to become a high-performing, horizontal team. We’re running small floating cities. It’s very complex and requires figuring out what’s relevant to all our internal and external stakeholders. The horizontal, high-performance journey has helped me to build a cohesive, focused team and organization that set priorities and remain focused on what keeps us ahead of competitors.
Mary Beth DeNooyer - Pinnacle Foods, Inc.
March 2017 - We are leaner, scrappier, less system and process driven, less bureaucratic, and more entrepreneurial. Operating horizontally won’t happen organically; you have to engineer it! That takes being deliberate about what you want to accomplish and setting aside time to make it happen. We’ve used the HPT framework as an enabler for both performance and career development. HPT has brought us a common language and framework to talk about our expectations of leaders.
Suzana Kubric -
Nubank
September 2023 - The GDS HPT approach has a significant organization-wide impact. When you are at stake for one another, when you increase trust, focus on the priority issues, and manage conflict to avoid underground behavior, better results will follow. When senior leaders become high-performance players, you elevate the performance of the entire organization.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
The high-performance team (HPT) process forced the team to look in the mirror.
Todd Lachman - Sovos
March 2018 - High-performance, horizontal teams are a key competitive advantage.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
The fundamentals of high-performance leadership are doubly important in start-ups. Accountabilities and decision-making protocols must be crystal clear; There’s no time for indecision and triangulation. The cornerstone elements of HPT [High Performance Teams] - leading horizontally and holding peers accountable - are critically important in keeping us focused and directing our energy to winning in the marketplace.
Dean Patras - Horizon Therapeutics
February 2022 - We have experienced rapid growth in a short period of time and have nearly doubled our number of employees.
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
The HPT process encourages leaders to commit to their own development and to the development of those who report to them. It creates a strong leadership backbone, which is instrumental in the sustainable success of any organization. It’s been exciting to watch leaders in the organization evolve their HPT leadership capabilities. It’s exciting to see the lights go on and our leaders grow!
Paul S. Michaels - Mars, Inc.
October 2020 - The high-performance process helps break down silos. GDS fosters honesty and truth-telling; it encourages learning agility, and inquisitiveness. The horizontal, high-performance approach sped up everything fourfold: communication, alignment, decision making, and performance.
Dr. Loren Skeist - Spellman High Voltage Electronics
March 2019 - This has been our best year by any objective measure, with 18% growth in profitable sales and steady progress in improving processes. The high-performance process improves dialogue and communication by clearing away interpersonal issues and creating a safer environment in which to give and receive feedback. These changes open the management group to new perspectives, helping them develop fresh insights.
Derek Hopkins - Keurig Green Mountain
November 2017 - The HPT process begins with the leader.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
The horizontal high-performance journey made a fundamental difference in how we work together. We have a common language; we deal with conflict much more quickly; and there is a tight level of team alignment on goals and ways of working. This allows us to execute much faster.
The HPT process begins with the leader. It gives you a new lens dealing with hard issues, not playing underground games or being political, giving feedback, taking an enterprise view, and the like.
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