Even though we know the benefits of systemising more of our business, who really wants to do it?
Here are 3 easy ways to get your team systemising more of your business:
1. Start small
Ask staff to draw up a checklist or flowchart that shows the key elements of the process. This is easier than writing a detailed procedure (ugh!), and the summary checklist or flowchart can be used as a discussion tool to flesh out more detail where needed.
2. Start positive
Resist the urge to focus on a problem area. Start with a process that works well as your team will be more comfortable showcasing an area they feel good about.
3. Use their efforts
Make sure you use what they have prepared positively, ...
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22nd of April, 2015
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In: Department Manager, Financial Management, HR Manager, KPIs, Large Business, Leadership, Medium Business, Middle Manager, Owner Operator, Self Management, Senior Manager, Small Business
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How to make better decisions standard
In these crazy-busy times, it is easy to develop a knee-jerk approach to decision-making. So what can you do to make it easier to 'hop in the helicopter' to gain a more informative perspective?
Hop in the helicopter
'Hopping in the helicopter' means getting above the noise and busyness to gain a clearer understanding of an issue. Being in the helicopter enables you to see things you couldn't when in the thick of things. From the helicopter you can see patterns, opportunities and even the significance of the issue. So how can you make it easier to hop in the helicopter?
Track your KPIs over time
Assessing a single measure in time gives no indication of the direction it is taking.
It is essential ...
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How to make discussing performance easier
John Petry, a participant on one of our training courses, gave us this great idea and has generously allowed us to pass it on ever since.
Every Friday, John gives out the 'Chocolate Fish Award'
A chocolate fish is given for the most outstanding act by an employee during the week.
Outstandingly good, or outstandingly bad.
The Chocolate Fish Award is usually fun and has some serious benefits, it:
recognises achievement regularly and positively
makes it OK to acknowledge mistakes, and encourages "what to do next time?" thinking
provides staff with a neutral name and way to discuss performance - “oh you must be aiming for this week's chocolate fish" Or "what a doozey! That will be this week's winner for ...
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There is a lot of hoo-ha around 'strategy'. But is strategy really that complex to understand?
Simply put, 'strategy' is how, in general, you intend to achieve your goals.
As there are many ways you could achieve your goals, it is important to clarify how you specifically plan to achieve your goals. That is, what will your strategy be?
Defining your 'how' facilitates engagement, efficiency and differentiation from your competitors.
Strategy is HOW, in general, you intend to achieve your goals.
Strategy requires deciding what you will and won't do
"Business strategy is the creation of a unique and valuable position, involving a different set of activities." (Michael E. Porter)
In business, your strategy defines how you uniquely intend to achieve your goals which differentiates you from your competitors.
To have clear strategies ...
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