The efficient and productive organisation
Over the break, I’ve been reflecting on my work and the contribution I bring to organisations and their people. As I typically think visually, I sketched it out to help clarify things for myself, which I thought you might also find helpful.
Thoughts…
The integration of efficiency and productivity comes together as each area takes its lead from the organisation's strategic direction. This, in turn, drives cohesive actions in people, time, and process, feeding back to fulfil the strategy.
Some of the more prominent breakdowns occur when:
The best technology is in place, but people aren’t using it consistently, holistically, and accurately, or, outdated technology is still being used.
Data is being captured, but the key metrics remain elusive or are not used to govern ongoing decision-making.
The strategy has been determined but other areas are misaligned to its fulfilment.
No strategy has been determined, so the business operates in an ad-hoc fashion.
Leaders aren’t leading their people with the appropriate balance of supportive care and authority.
People’s time and task focus aren’t aligned with strategic priorities, and they don’t adequately understand time management. (Most people I coach gain back a day per week through upskilling in this area).
For leaders…
Take time out frequently to review the overall state (as depicted above) of the organisation. Too many leaders get caught up in the day-to-day operations without taking time to review, reflect, think, and plan.
If you don’t have a clearly defined strategy, do that first.
Identify the key elements that are the major contributors to fast-tracking your success and focus on strengthening these.
Identify current actions and time allocations that have little or no impact on your ideal future state. Take a knife to these.
For employees…
If you see something misaligned (with the strategy) or you feel that something could be done more efficiently, tell your boss. If they have a desire to be better and do better, they will love you for this.
Support your leaders. They have a tricky job and the more they know you have their backs and want to make their lives easier, they will appreciate it.
Here’s to an efficient and productive year ahead and to help the process, you can take my new (free) Organisational Efficiency & Productivity Assessment here
Ray
Please feel free to comment on the graphic above. I typically try to untangle the complex so any feedback would be appreciated.