Organizations are like societies, they each have their own culture that has developed over time due to the actions of their personnel (leaders and employees/volunteers). When working to bring about change within an organization, one of the biggest mistakes leaders make is that they discount the impact that the existing culture has on their efforts….
Tag Archive: Operations
Don’t Confuse Efforts with Results
Recently I heard a couple of client employees commenting on how hard they are working to be noticed. I could tell by their conversation that they were both trying to position themselves for a favorable performance review and consequently, a raise or promotion. I never once heard them talk about their accomplishments. Effective employees (leadership…
Using Debt to Finance the Organization
Organizations can finance their missions in several ways, but the two most common methods are equity and debt. Equity means you sell a portion of the organization in the form of stock or units of ownership, and the buyer now owns part of your organization. The other way to finance your organization is by Debt. …
A New Organizational Model
There is a new model that organizations need to consider in order to function successfully for the future; The model is summed up in two words- “Relationships” and “Collaboration”. Relationships are key for your success, whether a supply chain or wholesale, retail or services organization. The “relationship” you have with the stakeholders of your organization…
Traning-Investment or Expense
Organizations that frequently call their greatest asset their “people” should view the training of these critical skills as an investment in the future. Training is usually the last item added to the operating budget and the first item cut during a down cycle. Training should be increased in down cycles, not reduced. Training makes your…
Hibernate or Renovate
A recession is not a time to hibernate and wait for inevitable upturn of the business cycle. A recession is an ideal time to renovate your organization-addressing the current economic climate with a new operating strategy that positions you to perform more effectively in either an up or down business cycle. Create a Plan If…
Supply Chain Management Failures-Suggested Solutions!
Earlier this year I had the pleasure of presenting at the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Association Convention. Since most of the attendees were small to medium size manufacturing and supplier/vendor organizations, I felt this was an opportunity to get firsthand feed-back on how well their supply chain management processes were benefiting their organizations; a subject I…
Strategic Plan Failure? How to fix it!
There seems to be more evidence that strategic plans are failing. Why is that? Maybe it is due to more organizations finding themselves in survival mode, or perhaps corporation leaders are less certain of the future due to the current shakey nature of the economy. Strategic plans are still critical to any organization, so determining…
Performance Issues? Look for the Signs-of-Cause
Today’s economic climate may be amplifying unsatisfactory performance. There are usually many reasons for an organization’s sub-par performance. Taking the time to identify the causes can be expedited if you know which signs to look for. Here are a few examples to look for within your organization. Start at the Top Any organization is subject…
Recessions: Back to the basics
As organizations work their way through the current and future recessions (yes there will be more), it is a time to think about getting back to the basics of what makes the organization work most effectively. The basics start with six areas that the ownership/leadership should focus on; Goal Setting, Delegation of Responsibilities, Knowing the…
