8
Give them room and fresh air to bring their ideas forward and grow. In hindsight, isn’t this how most of the processes were created years ago? They will find this refreshing. This is also true for your mid-level managers. In our office, I promoted a term called “structured flexibility.” I would set requirements (every project needed a budget, schedule, and work plan) without forcing a particular format. This provided flexibility for managers to find the best way forward without hindering them with restrictions. “Much like how the open space in a forest can help young trees, as you clear out the unnecessary in your office you will find that the additional freedom starts to grow new ideas.” As with most improvements, the best time to start was yesterday. But it is never too late to begin working on the health of your business. If you can clear out any of the unnecessary underbrush, you will benefit from a staff that finally can breathe, see new paths, and start moving the company forward again. Greg Sepeda, retired, was formerly chief engineer and vice president of operations at Sigma Consulting Group, Inc. (a Waggoner Company). Contact him at gpsepeda@gmail.com.
GREG SEPEDA , from page 7
provides a concise and needed summary for leadership who don’t have time to read the full report. 2. Once you have made this initial purge of the unnecessary, take a harder look at the remaining items and see if there is a more efficient way to accomplish your goal or provide the information. Can a brief memo provide an update and replace the regularly scheduled meeting where managers recite the same financial information? Does software you are already using provide a report similar to that circulated spreadsheet that clutters everyone’s inbox? 3. Finally, you need to have the same conversation with your clients. Looking back, some of my greatest efficiency frustrations come from outside the office. For starters, this often includes too many review submittals. We all know each submittal takes time to assemble, check, and document changes in addition to the future follow-up and client meeting that will be necessary. But before you complain to your client, be ready to understand their needs and be prepared to explain how streamlining the process is beneficial to their schedule and plan. Much like how the open space in a forest can help young trees, as you clear out the unnecessary in your office you will find that the additional freedom starts to grow new ideas. This is especially true of the younger staff who up until now have felt hindered by “this is the way we have always done it” responses.
© Copyright 2024. Zweig Group. All rights reserved.
THE ZWEIG LETTER JANUARY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1522
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker