To effectively evaluate the status quo within an organization, as we discussed in our most recent newsletter, it is most effectively executed through a team effort. Obtaining team buy-in and commitment reaps results. Vince Lombardi said it well: “Individual commitment to a group effort–that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

Aldridge Kerr has found that the Staff within an organization has great ideas but so rarely is asked. Sometimes it is as simple as asking that will generate innovative ideas that can reap amazing change and outstanding results. Here are some hints to engage your Team in assessing the status quo:

• Create Teams of Staff to work together to come up with ideas for improvement. Then create some competition, selecting those with the most innovative ideas. Ideas, partnered with competition often produces amazing rewards.
• Nurture a culture where Teams are encouraged to push the buttons on status quo. Establish a formal program for Teams to provide recommendations for change. Reward input!
• Hold routine meetings with Teams across the organization with the idea to communicate and obtain input. It can strengthen communication and encourage innovation.

We can assist you with utilizing your Teams to tackle the status quo. Contact Charlene Aldridge at 972.447.9787 or CharleneAldridge@aldridgekerr.com to discuss how we can assist you.

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As our recent newsletter encouraged, looking at the status quo can lead to innovation. One way to do this is to evaluate “before and after” as to what is and where the organization would like to go. This can be done by:

• Obtaining clarity on the strategy for the next 2 or 3 years and evaluating how processes may need to change to align with that strategy
• Evaluating what processes do – or do not – align with that strategy. Those are the ones that would most benefit from the “refresh” exercise we discussed in our previous blog
• Testing any changes made to existing processes to assess whether the changes are truly valuable
• Recognizing that change is actually positive and being willing to “shake things up”

As Edward Whitacre, Jr said: “Be willing to step outside your comfort zone once in a while; take the risks in life that seem worth taking. The ride might not be as predictable if you’d just planted your feet and stayed put, but it will be a heck of a lot more interesting.”

Need help taking those first steps? Contact Charlene Aldridge at 972.447.9787 or CharleneAldridge@aldridgekerr.com to discuss how we can help you get started.

Sign up for our newsletter here.

If you prefer a do-it-yourself approach, check out My COO Resources.