Some part of your business isn’t working

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Some part of your business isn’t working.  The hard part is identifying where the problem lies.

You may know that your products may need to be refreshed, or that you need to invest in new software to support critical functions.

Sometimes the problem is more elusive.  You can see the symptoms but can’t determine the cause.

It can help to evaluate what I consider the seven essential functions common to all businesses:

  • Leadership
  • Revenue Generation
  • Production
  • IT
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Business Preparedness

Critically, honestly, and holistically evaluate how well your business performs those seven functions and determine if your weaknesses lie in just one area.  Once you identify the issue and its root cause, you may be able to make improvements.

If not, you may need to go deeper.  You may have an organizational problem executing one layer of the OPG Operations Hierarchy.

All seven business functions have their own operational processes that can be broken into three layers:

  • Strategy
  • Structure
  • Process

If you struggle with one of the Ops layers, you will see problems in all functional areas.  For instance, if you have great plans and goals but never reach them, perhaps your team struggles in the Process layer; you aren’t able to create effective and efficient ways of doing things.  But, you could have a Structure problem – you aren’t good at implementing and driving accountability for those processes and you see that across the board.

Identifying and correcting your ability to execute all layers of the operations hierarchy are more challenging.  You must step back and really get to the root cause of the issues.

But, once you know the problem, you can address it.  What part of your business isn’t working?  If you need assistance finding out, you can CONTACT US here or find us on LinkedIn.

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Creating Clarity

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It’s true – inquiring minds do want to know, if you are talking about the people who make your business run every day.  They crave clarity.

I was reminded of this working with a client recently on some operational challenges. The client, who uses EOS, said during our discussion that it was surprising how putting a name in a box in an accountability chart gave his employees clarity.

He’s right. We forget that organizational charts, job descriptions, or a position matrix give people clarity in their roles and the roles of others.

Communicating strategy to everyone builds trust that the company has a plan for success. Scorecards inform people how they as groups or individuals contribute to that success.

Leaders can’t forget that they have access to more information about the business than other employees. Team members may feel less secure or certain about their roles and the company’s future in the absence of good communication from their leaders.

People thrive when allowed to do their best knowing what is expected and how they will be evaluated. Having the structure in place to support and guide them in decision making gives them freedom to be creative and exceed what was thought possible.

If you need help creating clarity in your organization, CONTACT US  or connect with us on https://linkedin.com/in/cmatt.

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The Silver Bullet

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Are you searching for a software solution that will transform your business?

Or maybe your company is just one great hire from kicking it into another gear.

Perhaps you are on the verge of implementing a new program rally your team.

You are hoping for a silver bullet.

The harsh reality is that no program, software solution, or employee is the silver bullet you seek.  It could be a component for creating success or moving to the next level but it is only one component. 

Success – no matter how you define it – will be a product of your hard work.  As the leader, no one is going to understand your business or work as hard on it as you do. 

You must channel your energy and vision into building success.  To do so requires a plan, determination, and accountability.  Ask yourself hard questions, be willing to make agonizing decisions, and recruit people you trust to walk the journey with you and hold you accountable. 

Start with a vision.  Create a plan.  Measure your progress.  Be held accountable.  Be ruthless in making tough decisions for the right reasons.  Treat those who have joined your journey well. 

You can’t do it alone.  Make sure to ask for help in the areas where you are not strong. 

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Structure

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When many people hear the word “structure” in a business sense, they immediately think about the organizational structure or the org chart.  That’s an important element of structure, but it is not the only one by far.

In the Operations hierarchy, Structure is any framework that allows you to measure the outcomes of your efforts or that helps protect you by planning for the unforeseen.

Structure is focused on performance, protection, and compliance.  Elements of Structure for your business may include:

  • KPIs
  • Financial reports
  • Protective agreements (MSAs, NDAs, customer and vendor contracts)
  • Business continuity plans
  • Disaster recovery plans
  • Compliance with governmental rules and regulations

Why Structure is Vital

Certain aspects of Structure are readily identifiable.  People are inherently that employees need to know who they report to or who has the authority to make decisions that affect customers and the business.

Going further, most business owners and executives know they need to measure how their business is doing.

Are you succeeding or heading for troubled waters?
Financial reports are necessary to understand the fiscal health of your business.  Look for trends in your financials to ensure a problem isn’t slowly overtaking you.

Likewise, your team needs and wants to know if they are winning.  Having good Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or published team goals allows everyone to know if they are on track.

Other aspects of Structure aren’t as obvious but just as important.  Planning ahead for a negative event isn’t fun but it cannot be avoided.  You don’t want to figure out what to do when you lose a big customer, your building burns, or the economy tanks after it happens.  If you wait until disaster strikes, you may be operating out of fear and emotion.  Having a clear plan of action determined in advance makes navigating tough events easier. 

Other elements of Structure include being compliant with rules and regulations, having strong contracts, and having good documentation so you can have the best possible outcome if a legal issue arises.

Structure connects your Process to your Strategy by gauging your company’s performance and protecting your investment.

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