Dallas' public transit agency is considering rehiring outside consultants to assist with goal setting and communication among its top executives.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors held an ad hoc meeting to discuss the pros, cons, and costs of hiring McKinsey & Company consultants to achieve set goals and improve communication among its CEO and CFO.
At a prior meeting, DART’s goals and metrics were presented to McKinsey to seek their help in benefiting the company. However, after reviewing the firm's performance, DART’s board members are reassessing whether to extend their contract with McKinsey.
Some board members say the CEO and CFO's official job descriptions do not match their actual scope of work. Others say there are more significant underlying issues that are hindering progress in the organization.
The current contract amount with McKinsey is at $50,000 and subject to modification if the contract is brought back to the board. However, board members are reluctant to proceed with a new contract if they disagree on what benefit McKinney provides.
Nadine Lee, DART’s CEO, said McKinsey’s initial work with DART was ineffective. Lee felt that the board should not be concerned about what is written in the job description,, considering the board discusses expectations and goals yearly in performance reviews. Paul Wageman, a member of the DART board of directors representing the city of Plano, expressed similar circumstances.
“The consultant did a very good job under challenging circumstances, and I don’t think the process is concluded yet,” Wageman said. “Maybe we should consider some kind of additional scope for McKinsey to help us go through that part of it.
Flora Hernandez, another DART board of directors member, says she strongly supports the organization’s continued work with McKinsey. She feels the consulting firm could adequately analyze the gap in job description from requirements with tools provided by McKinsey's team, such as industrial and organizational psychology.
“It is to honor our employees by having a transparent and fair process that is true to their job description,” Hernandez said.
Board members will meet with McKinsey in November before performance reviews to discuss further action.