Designing Work to Optimise Performance. Part 1
The pace and load of work are real, and the ever-present need to process existing work, while simultaneously ensuring the pipeline remains healthy, demands constant vigilance.
Some of my most enjoyable work has involved helping businesses discover how to get more out of their current situation, and better still, to make more out of less.
Partnering with leaders to tailor work design to the unique needs of each person, team, and business is where I see maximum value achieved at minimal cost.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll share examples of where I’ve seen this in action. The results in improved productivity, profitability, better relationships between colleagues and reduced staff turnover speak for themselves.
You will notice eight work design areas with the word conditions—something that influences behaviour and results. To illustrate this, consider a simple example. If it’s a hot sunny day (condition), I apply sunscreen (behaviour), and I don’t get sunburnt (result).
In an organisational setting, we design work to create conditions that shape behaviour and improve performance.
I worked with a woman who was only about 60% productive. She started work at 8 am but couldn’t concentrate properly until late morning. I discovered this was due to her medication. We adjusted her start and finish times (the conditions), and she was then able to work full, productive days.
You will also notice I have included leadership coaching. This serves to guide and ultimately embed behavioural adjustments, learning, and consistency.
I have found that optimising performance is often a function of design, not pure effort. When you change the conditions around the work, you unlock significant gains in productivity, well-being, and business outcomes.
I trust this was helpful, and next week I will provide more examples to keep you thinking and to help you take action at your workplace.
Until then…
Rayism of the week (and your homework): If someone isn’t thriving as they could be, look at the conditions directly influencing them.
Ray
I help good leaders traverse tough times by aligning the conditions that drive performance.
ray@rayhodge.com.au; www.rayhodge.com.au; +61 403 341 105
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Thank you. Russ