Monday, June 15, 2009

Process vs. Results - Which are you focused on as a company?

In Today's environment we are tasked with getting good results as a company...
my questions are: Are you using a good "process" to get there?
One may also ask: What are good results?

Some choose to get their results by luck, some manage by numbers, and most just stay in the daily reactive mode thinking they are going to get "there" one day.

So what defines a "good process" you ask?

A good process, in my opinion, has several essential elements to it. When a company decides to embrace change (shifting from traditional mind-sets); their way of thinking (the way we frame) must change too. I'm going to list a few elements below that I feel could change the way a company thinks/operates. I will say --It's simple its not easy>>> :o)
1. Does your company understand the purpose behind using a good process? (Why the need for change)?
2. Are you thinking in regard to your customer?
3. Do team members within your company have a "line of sight" (previous blog subject) to the company goals and values (Key Performance Indicators-KPI's)?
4. Does your company visualize problems for all team members to see? (not hide them).
5. Does your company have work/process standards in place to understand when there is a discrepancy from the current situation?
6. Does your company use a good problem solving process (PDCA) to identify, investigate, and solve problems?
7. Does your company use a good problem solving process (PDCA) to develop/challenge its team members through on the job development (OJD)?

I've listed only a few of the elements above(in my opinion) to implement a good process that will get you "continual and repeatable" results as a company, as well as a workforce that is encouraged to "think".
Some companies and their leadership will continue to "manage by numbers" turning their heads to their responsibility as coaches, and continue to give orders "because I say so", instead of offering development and wisdom as leaders should be.
For the short-term the practice of getting results by luck or numbers may keep them out of trouble with their bosses, but this is not the proven method for long-term growth, sustainability, or building mutual trust and respect with your team members. Just look at certain industries today that have managed this way. Do your results meet customer needs? Where do you wanna be as a company? Until next time
@tracey_san
Tracey Richardson

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