Helping You Prepare for the Unexpected
                                                                                                                     November 2011

Ignite Blog

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Reshaping for Decision Making
In my first job out of college, I worked for a very successful manufacturing company. They had great products, strong markets, and were constantly working to create positive changes. Being in finance, I dreaded the grinding nature of the budget, but I was always excited to see the "moves" they made with people. It left a lasting impression on me, and shaped how I viewed the decision making skills and abilities among my teams.

There was one thing this leadership team did that made me think they were crazy like a fox. It was the way they were bold enough to reshape the organization. It wasn't simply moving people around to shake things up. It was much more than that. This reshaping was based on decision making! People were moved to new areas based on how they thought, and not just on what they knew.  Those with strong problem solving skills and the ability to make decisions faster than others were often the ones with the new and challenging assignments. Talk about getting people pumped up to make a difference. These moves really did it.

How do you know if you are ready for this kind of reshaping or reorganization? First, your financial results will provide direction. If you aren't doing well financially, there's a good chance it's a function of poor execution and decision making. Second, your employees and customers will tell you where you are falling short. Do any of us have employees or customers who never say anything?  I don't think so. The third, and maybe the most effective way, is to ask your team directly. You can assign a scale to each statement to help calculate the results. Create some statements in the areas of process, people, and decision making.   Here are a few examples:

1. Employees are placed in positions to utilize their strengths.
2. Decisions consistently result in success for the company and team.
3. Processes are in place to promote quick & effective decision making.
4. Decision makers have accurate information to make the right decision.
5. Measures and incentives are focused on making the right decision.

This exercise is about placing people in the right spots to make the right decisions, and execute with speed. You are making sure that the important decisions that create the most value are being made by those with the right skill set. If your team is short on those skills, help them develop the talent and behavior necessary to execute more effectively. Lastly, don't shake things up just for the sake of creating change. Keep the goal in mind. Your team needs to make decisions more quickly and effectively than your competitors. Taking this approach gets you there!

 

Question of the Month:
With the economy still tight, people have asked for the top three (besides working longer hours) ways to increase productivity.  Here ya go!
               1.  Process Improvements
               2.  Improve teamwork - productivity & positivity
               3.  More training to improve skill sets 
Focus on these three, and you should see huge improvements.  If you need help, a coaching session can get you started.   

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20 Minute Pinpoint Session  

Want to discuss ways to create better and faster decision making?  Call Ignite for a free "20 Minute Pinpoint Coaching Session," and let's work on it together.   

859.420.5950  

www.BusinessIgnite.com