If you're looking to solve your organization's people challenges, the first step is scheduling a call with one of our advisors. But what exactly happens during this conversation?
Perhaps you already have an idea of the issues at hand. Maybe you’re a busy business leader hoping to move forward quickly. We understand. As small business leaders ourselves, we know your time is valuable. At the same time, making informed decisions about talent solutions is crucial. That’s why this exploratory call exists — to determine if we’re the right fit for each other.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- The Purpose of the Exploratory Call
- How the Conversation Flows
- Why the Right Solution Might Surprise You
- Why We Ask Foundational Questions
- Why We Use Zoom with Cameras On
The Purpose of the Exploratory Call
Most leaders who book a 15-minute exploratory call with us don’t come with a fully defined problem. They just know something isn’t working.
Unlike taking a car to a mechanic because of a strange noise, diagnosing leadership and talent challenges is far more nuanced. The underlying issues aren’t always obvious.
Some leaders sense their team is underperforming but can’t pinpoint why. Others recognize their hiring process is ineffective but aren’t sure how to fix it. Or they know there’s a leadership gap but struggle to define the core issue.
This call helps unpack these challenges. It’s a chance to talk through concerns, explore the underlying causes, and determine whether we can help.
How the Call Unfolds
After quick introductions, your advisor will ask open-ended questions such as:
- What’s been happening in your organization?
- What has worked (or not worked) in the past?
- What have you liked or disliked about previous talent solutions?
- What were you hoping to accomplish?
You don’t need to come with a solution in mind. This conversation is an opportunity to share challenges and frustrations, and from there, we can begin discussing potential solutions.
The Real Issue May Be Different Than You Expect
One of the most valuable aspects of this call is uncovering the true root of the problem.
For example, we once spoke with a leader who believed their workplace culture was deteriorating. They assumed the solution was a culture survey. However, after asking the right questions, we discovered that their organization hadn’t clearly defined its culture in the first place. Measuring it wouldn’t help — clarifying and articulating cultural expectations was the real solution.
This is why we take the time to listen before recommending an approach. You might start the conversation expecting one answer and leave considering an entirely different one. That’s normal, and it’s part of the process.
Why We Ask Basic Information Questions
We may also ask logistical questions such as:
- What industry are you in?
- How many employees does your organization have?
These aren’t just casual inquiries. The size of your team and the industry you operate in significantly impact leadership dynamics. A company with eight employees faces different challenges than one with 300 or 3,000. Your responses help us assess whether your challenges stem from individual leadership gaps or broader, systemic issues.
What Happens at the End of the Call?
If we determine that one of our solutions aligns with your needs, we’ll provide a general cost estimate by the end of the call. If you’re interested in moving forward, we’ll schedule a follow-up conversation to refine the details and provide a more precise pricing quote.
This initial call isn’t meant to finalize every detail — it’s about assessing whether we’re the right fit for each other. That’s why we keep it brief, typically around 15 minutes.
Why We Use Zoom with Cameras On
We conduct these calls over Zoom, and we ask that you join from a quiet, distraction-free environment with your camera on.
Here’s why this matters:
- Eye contact enhances communication. Long pauses are inevitable in thoughtful discussions. Being on camera helps us distinguish between a thoughtful silence and a technical glitch.
- Visuals play a role. We use process maps and graphics to illustrate our solutions, so having your camera on ensures you can fully engage with the conversation.
Ready to Start the Conversation?
If you’re struggling with leadership or talent challenges and don’t know the next step, this call is a great place to begin. You don’t need to have all the answers—just an openness to explore possibilities.
At The Metiss Group, we respect your time. If we determine early in the conversation that we’re not the right fit, we won’t pressure you into a sale or waste your time. That’s not how we like to be treated, and it’s not how we do business.
If you’ve already scheduled your call, we look forward to speaking with you. If you haven’t yet, the next step is filling out the Meet Your Advisor form below. Once completed, you’ll be redirected to your advisor’s calendar to choose a time that works best for you.
