Operations to Results

I’m not a car guy. I can handle basic maintenance. But I don’t geek out on fixing cars.

Once in a while, when I get lucky, I can diagnose a problem. However, I’ve learned to stop trying to fix things myself.

All I really want is to be able to drive where I want to go. I don’t want to think about how the car is running.

There is a trick to spending less time thinking about how my car operates. That is: Spend a little time thinking about it.

When I spend a little bit of time doing (or getting) regular maintenance, the large issues remain few and far between.

The same is true for your organization.

Operations Matter – Get Them in Order

I recently attended a conference. I noticed something.

Most leaders were focusing most of their energy and attention on improving operations. Because of the operational issues they faced, they weren’t free to produce results.

I also noticed that they weren’t clear on the results they would produce if they could produce those results.

There is a connection. Organizations that are clear on what they are trying to accomplish find it easier to improve their operations and get running.

Organizations that aren’t clear on outcomes, tend to fixate on operations.

It’s a little like talking to the guy who is always tinkering with his car. At some point, you have to ask, “Are you going to drive anywhere?”

Do Maintenance but Not All the Time

Every organization needs regular maintenance. This includes things like accountability to the strategic plan, reviewing your budget or improving staff performance.

It also includes periodic maintenance such as interventions when there is a conflict, an unexpected dip in revenues or a shift in the market.

But most of your time shouldn’t be spent on maintenance. If it is, you aren’t leading. You are being led by the problems in your organization.

Don’t abdicate leadership to problems.

Fix Problems Early

When the “Check engine” light comes on – it’s usually a good idea to stop and get it checked. When you are due for an oil change, you should get the oil changed.

Automobiles are heavy, there is a lot of movement and a lot of structural stress in their operation. When everything operates correctly, it is designed to be able to handle all of that well.

When things are not operating correctly, and you don’t correct it, it’s often only a matter of time before there’s a breakdown.

Organizations are similar. However, many leaders have grown accustomed to ignoring the squeaks, drips and dashboard lights.

Don’t do this. Basic maintenance in your organization helps prevent most problems. But problems will still occur. Deal with them quickly, while they are small. Don’t wait for a breakdown.

Prepare for Big Trips

Any responsible auto owner knows that you should check on the condition of your vehicle before taking off on a cross-country journey.

The same is true if you are planning a major change or push in your organization.

Prepare in advance. Make sure that people are working well together. That the systems are operating smoothly. Invest in preparation.

Too many leaders start a change process or new initiative and then find themselves bogged down in issues they should have seen coming. They are too impatient to get going.

It doesn’t take that long to check your tires. It doesn’t take that long to make sure that your team or organization is ready. This doesn’t mean that you’ll get lost in preparation or that everything needs to be perfect.

But make sure you are ready for the demands of your journey.

Focus on What Matters

The best leaders are good at knowing what matters at any given time. That’s really one of the great distinctions of a great leader from all the rest.

The rest of the leaders confuse urgency or outputs with what matters. In most cases, there are only two things that matter:

1. Outcomes: This is your goals. Your effectiveness. What you are trying to achieve. Leaders can get so wrapped around the axle talking about tactics or strategies that they forget what they were trying to accomplish.

Be clear about your goals. Make sure you are making progress towards them.

While the ends don’t justify the means – the means mean nothing if they don’t accomplish the ends.

2. People: Every organization in the world serves people and works with people in some way. Treat people well. Take care of people.

If you pursue and accomplish your goals while taking care of your team and the people you serve – there is very little that can cause you to break down.

And if you do, there will be a lot of people to help you get back up and running.

Take good care,

Christian

Would you like to feel more focused in your leadership? Contact me to set up a call 30-minute call. We’ll identify the top issue you are facing and clarify the top 2 or 3 strategies for you to consider.

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