We are impressed by what our clients have achieved and we are proud to have been part of their process. Here’s what a few of them have shared about working with us:
Paula and Lorraine are great people – very knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. They produced an atmosphere that encouraged open ideas and communication during our strategic planning project. They were very willing to modify the process to meet the needs of the organization and the libraries we serve. Though our group had many disparate ideas, Paula and Lorraine were able to help bring these all together into a coordinated plan. They honestly cared about creating a plan that is both forward thinking and achievable.
Joe Thompson, Director of Western Maryland Regional Library
Throughout our HR Audit project with The Singer Group I was very impressed with the availability of both Paula and Lorraine. They consistently answered my requests for help in a professional, yet caring way. They were always willing to listen, to understand our culture, and to help us sort out our challenges. The results and recommendations of our HR Audit were very clearly stated and included a high quality, step-by-step plan for improving service that will be easy to follow. I continue to be impressed by the level of follow-up provided by Paula and Lorraine. Not only do they offer excellent professional guidance, but they genuinely care about the organization and our results. The relationship we established during our project has enabled us to continue our development toward being a first-class organization. We have learned to think of The Singer Group as part of our team, even when they are not working on a specific project. In that sense, the value we received from our investment was not just in the finished audit report and plan, but in the knowledge that we have in The Singer Group a trusted partner.
Kathleen Teaze, Library Director of Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
Our culture change is a direct result of the Singer Group’s skills and patience, and an approach that was right on the mark. Laura has been so helpful with the design and implementation of our Pay for Performance program. Managers at all levels go out of their way to make mention of her skill and ease of communication. Paula, Laura and Gail are all very sensitive to individual staff members of all levels. You have helped immeasurably with the Library Board and are particularly effective with the finer points of labor negotiations. You consistently provide multiple options for consideration and all projects are well documented. I would absolutely recommend you to colleagues; your warm and caring personalities have made all the difference. Every dollar I have spent with the Singer Group has come back tenfold.
Ed Szynaka, Library Director of Peoria Public Library
The Singer group does excellent work and we enjoyed working with them very much. Research and analysis was very sound and made it much easier for administration and board to make needed adjustments. A majority of staff bought into the process and appreciated the expertise that the Singer Group brought to the project.
Donna Morris, Metropolitan Library System
The Loyola/Notre Dame Library has engaged the Singer Group for three successful consultations over the last five years. The first engagement required the Singer Group to assist with a major library staff reorganization effort, involving thirty-two positions, which produced successful results. The Singer Group developed excellent rapport and trust with the library staff through each step of the reorganization process.
Subsequently, the Library asked the Singer Group to develop a pay for performance evaluation system and a revised salary structure based on levels of responsibility and years of service that would support progressive accomplishments across the organization.
The third consultation, also successful, utilized Paula Singer’s coaching skills on optimizing executive performance.
Our experience with the principals of the Singer Group has been informed by proactive response to the library’s specific needs, customized solutions for our work environment, timely interventions and reporting, valuable advice on personnel management and effective communication with administration and staff. Fiscally, the Singer Group fees have been great value for the high quality of the services provided.”
John McGinty, Director of Loyola/Notre Dame Library (MD)
The Singer Group not only provided a professional and knowledgeable assessment of our HR department, gaining the trust and cooperation of a diverse group of staff, but have followed up with clear and caring advice and support. We feel our investment in The Singer Group’s services will pay dividends for years to come.”
Kathleen Teaze, Director of Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (MD)
In every respect of their work, The Singer Group exceeded our expectations. Both projects they undertook on our behalf were completed on schedule and within budget. Most significantly, the results were thorough and credible. The Singer Group won the acceptance of our employees, organizational leadership and the respective elected officials in each jurisdiction. They were able to quickly establish their credibility, and earned the trust and confidence necessary for success right from the start.”
Thomas J. Calo, HR Director City of Salisbury/ Wicomico County (MD)
PROJECT: Compensation/Classification Studies
The Singer Group used their experience to effectively analyze and understand the issues, needs and culture of Talbot County Government. They provided valuable technical expertise and guidance and in meeting with our County Council and Department Heads, and facilitated helpful dialogues about potential issues and challenges.”
Jim Urbanczyk, Assistant County ManagerTalbot County Government (MD)
PROJECT: Compensation, Employee Manual, Performance Management and Job Description Studies
As Board Chair of Magic Me, I saw The Singer Group transform a disparate group of new board members into a cohesive, unified and focused machine. The organization (which became a model for grassroots non-profits) can trace its success to the board and staff facilitation The Singer Group performed many years ago.”
Julie Mercer, Managing PrincipalColumbia Consulting Groupm (MD)
The Singer Group raised important questions about our philosophy of executive compensation and rewards that will serve us well for years to come.”
Ed Pauly, The Wallace Foundation, Board Member, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
PROJECT: Executive Compensation Study
Your work provided good insights into areas requiring improvement. You have strong knowledge of HR and the business of libraries. You’re extremely easy to work with and have great interpersonal skills. The Singer Group makes you feel like you’re the only customer they have because of their accessibility.”
Barbara Kirvin, HR DirectorDC Public Library
PROJECT: HR Audit and Consulting
Thanks to Paula and her team, I have witnessed the sharing of great ideas, the thoroughness of careful planning and organized follow-through and follow-up. The Singer Group’s breadth of knowledge and experience in organizational development and strategic planning make them the natural choice for leading a strategy session or working through the tactical plans that accompany the planning process.”
Milli Pierce, Ed.D., Chief Operating OfficerFund for Educational Excellence (MD)
PROJECT: Strategic Planning Project
It is amazing when consultants with expertise, understanding, creativity and insight can take all of the ideas, opinions and comments of a very dedicated group of people and develop them into “our future.”
Member of Strategic Planning Committee for a Non-Profit Organization
