The Friction Audit
A structured operational diagnostic
You are running a firm that is performing. Clients are served, work gets done, revenue is stable or growing. But beneath that, things feel harder than they should. Simple changes require more effort than expected. The same topics resurface. Teams are stretched, and no one can quite point to why.
That friction has a source. The Friction Audit is how you find it.
Why this is different
Most operational diagnostics start with a framework and fit your organisation into it. This one starts with how your organisation actually works.
The Friction Audit is built specifically for established boutique L&D consultancies — organisations with history, capable teams, and operational complexity that has accumulated quietly over time. That specificity matters. The signals that indicate structural strain in an L&D consultancy are distinct from those in other professional services firms, and recognising them requires more than a generalist lens.
The output is not a presentation of observations. It is a prioritised, written assessment of where friction is coming from, what is sustaining it, and where senior attention is likely to make the most difference. Something you can act on, share with your leadership team, or use as the basis for a more substantive conversation.
What this creates
At the end of The Friction Audit, you will have a clear written report covering what is working and what is not across people, operations, and technology; where the friction is coming from and what is sustaining it; a prioritised set of recommendations on where to focus your energy first; and an honest view of what requires senior attention and what does not.
The report is the deliverable, which comes with the offer of a findings call — a chance to walk through the outcomes together, ask questions, and think through implications before any next steps.
The Friction Audit identifies and prioritises what needs attention. It does not implement solutions. The value is in clarity: understanding what is actually happening before committing to change.
Should the findings point to a need for sustained operational leadership, an advisory relationship, or executive coaching support, I would welcome that conversation — on your terms, without obligation.
How it works
Method
Structured conversations with 5–8 key people across seniority levels, e.g. senior leadership, team leads, and key operational roles
Review of relevant documentation
Structured overview of how work flows across the organisation.
Duration
Approximately 2–3 weeks, subject to availability.
Format
Conducted remotely. In-person available by arrangement; travel costs apply.
Investment: £4,500 fixed fee
Let’s work together
To discuss whether The Friction Audit is the right starting point for your organisation, let's have a conversation.
