Systemic thinking and action underpin success.
Observe any successful business or individual and you will see that they have a systemic approach. They understand that to outperform their competitors they must utilise their resources in the most efficient, effective manner possible. They also understand that they must continually assess their methods and seek to improve them.
No matter the size of the business, leaders that pay close attention to the systems in their business and continually improve them are well placed to outperform their competitors.
Examples of success through a systemic approach abound. The largest ‘burger’ chain on the planet was created by two brothers that applied strict processes to making burgers. That business then went on to global success because an entrepreneur applied innovative marketing and franchising processes. In the respective systems of the organisation, everything was planned, documented, and executed with precise measurement and corrective action where necessary. Key aspects of the systems included only hiring people that fitted their culture and continually training them to ensure optimal performance, and continually implementing the best equipment/systems to support the business.
Successful individuals operate in the same manner. Behind every ‘overnight success’ is countless concerted hours, estimated at approximately 10,000 hours of learning and practice of what they needed to do/be to excel at their chosen discipline (ref: Malcolm Gladwell, “Outliers”, 2008). They have routines that they adhere to, adjusting them as necessary to achieve their results, usually with expert coaches/managers to assist them to implement their ‘system’.
Examine your situation. Are your processes documented? If you have staff, can they refer to documented processes to ensure that they are performing appropriately? Flow charts are an excellent method of documenting processes, do you have them? Are your people (and you) continually trained on new methods as they are introduced? What is your method of innovation to ensure that your processes are competitive, efficient, and effective? Are you aware of the best technology available, are you adopting it, and are you using it effectively?
A major inhibitor to gaining advantage from systems is ‘being too busy’. “Failing to plan is planning to fail”. Making time to work on your business and its schedules is imperative. Schedule time every week to consider and adjust your systems. Devise methods to numerically monitor your systems with goals for critical performance indicators. Significant gains can be made from simple adjustments such as re-ordering workflow to reduce ‘multiple handling’, implementing technology solutions, and gaining feedback from ‘front line’ people, including customers, who often know how systems can be improved but no one asks them. If necessary, invest in expert advice to assist you with objective assessment and recommendations.
Adopt a ‘systems’ approach to your business and ensure that it is operating at its optimal level. Do so, and you are highly likely to be the successful leader in your chosen endeavours.
