As I wrote in my last post, I’m starting this multi-part series of blogs assuming the Strategy Creation phase is complete. This is partly because my expertise is greater after this stage but also because I’m well aware of the turmoil, friction, and bitter disagreement that can arise when discussing strategy vs strategy planning vs […]
Strategy Deployment: The Forgotten Phase Read More »
Late in 2023, I wrote a series of blogs about my experiences implementing Business Operating Systems (BOS) and how their elements can be combined to ensure alignment and performance with the organization’s strategy at every level. Between some of the training material I’ve developed over the years and many of these articles and blogs, I’ve
A BOS as easy as ABC…. Read More »
When speaking with people, I often use the terms “sectors” and “industries” interchangeably and incorrectly. Despite the numerous industries I have worked in, there are countless more that I haven’t explored. Interestingly, many industries are worried about using outsiders. Meaning they’d rather rely on those with specific industry experience. Off-topic – I chuckle when I
I’ve written much about Business Operating Systems (BOS) and how they form the framework for strategy development, deployment, and execution. It is many chain-linked and aligned processes, cascading throughout a company’s functions, teams, and individuals. They operate in alignment with the organization’s core values and purpose (or mission), which are typically identified at the very
Is Your SMB ready for a BOS? Read More »
As I concluded my last series on Business Operating Systems, I mentioned how I was (over)simplifying the Operational Execution sphere. I spent much of my career in Operations, spanning multiple industries, so I feel well-versed in properly planning and executing in this arena. Realizing that no two companies are identical (people, like fingerprints, make sure
Extracting Operational Excellence Read More »
As the final installment in the series, it’s time to bring everything I’ve written together to provide a cohesive framework that supports your business. We’ve discussed some key elements to bring a company’s vision to life. Strategy development, deployment, and execution. Change management and communication tools. Individual performance management. Scattered throughout the posts have been
I’m excited about this series of blogs I’m putting together over the next several weeks. The first topic has been fundamental to me over my career. I’ve used the term “Operating System” very loosely at times. With other leaders and employees, during interviews, and in planning sessions, it is a term I’ve used often to
0.1 to 100: It’s not all about speed Read More »
There has been a seemingly greater focus over the last decade, with businesses using data to make more informed decisions about their direction and purpose. I’ve been fortunate in my career that most of the companies I’ve worked with (and to be honest, most were larger organizations) already had fairly robust data collection processes and
Making metrics meaningful Read More »
I heard a great analogy many years ago when I worked in Aerospace and we were starting a large continuous improvement activity. The facilitator, as part of the training, told us how the front-line team is the equivalent of a skilled heart surgeon, about to operate on a patient, and how those supporting the surgeon
The Heart of Technology Read More »
Since companies began introducing the philosophies of Lean and Six Sigma (with shout-outs to Henry Ford, Toyota and Motorola) to the Manufacturing world in the 1900s, the tools have been viewed both as a saviour to some and an abomination to others. I’m not going to write about all the techniques and tools where Lean
Why do Lean and Six Sigma miss the mark in Organizations? Read More »
