Conquering Dysfunction
It is essential that dysfunction be eliminated in a business to free the owner to focus on his/her primary functions - being the visionary of the business and being the primary revenue generator. This generally requires that processes be established for every important function of the business without the owner's input.Developing good processes that will produce a smoothly running organization generally requires that the owner be removed from the exercise because owners have a tendency to want things MY WAY rather than what's effective and efficient.
Commitment to Change
For the business to rise to the vaunted "next level" the business owner must be committed to becoming the leader that will take the company there.Note, I used the term "leader" not "manager." The definition of commitment is "I accept no excuse that does not happen." Change and growth are not easy. There will be challenges. If the business owner thinks it's just a "good idea," or it's just "very interesting" he/she probably won't make it past the first couple of obstacles or hard lessons to be learned. Being committed makes things easy because you're focused on the results not the obstacles.
Getting a Coach
Getting a coach to help you plan strategically and get your business working for you is crucial. Why? Because you can't see yourself in the performance of what you do. Ask yourself this question. If you knew how to do this already, why are you reading this book? Hint: because you don't know how. A good coach or guide to shorten your learning curve and increase your effectiveness exponentially in a relatively short period of time.
Process, Process, Process
If you want to have the business working for you, you're going to need these three basic changes in your business. 1. You're going to need a steady and current flow of actionable financial data so you can "manage by the numbers" for real. 2. You're going to have to eliminate dysfunction in your business by having it run off of well documented processes AND you need to step away from the day-to-day management. 3.You're going to have to install long range strategic planning as a regular process in your business.
Navigating and Dashboards
An effective method of "managing by the numbers" includes getting actionable financial data. We produce this in the form of weekly dashboards for the owner and leadership to monitor the business and getting warning signals when something is not going well. Like the dials and gauges on the dashboard of your vehicle, you notice them from time to time, and what you want is to be notified if something is going wrong - engine is overheating, oil needs changing, fuel is almost empty, tire pressure is too low, battery is not charging, etc. Dashboards help you navigate your business without you having to address every warning sign. That's the job of your leadership team. Keep moving forward without flying blind.
Empowering Your Employees - Step Back So They Can Step Up
Your employees can run and manage your business effectively.You need the right talent and the right environment that will allow them to step up and do that. It requires that you as owner step back and give up the insistence of doing things MY WAY.
Strategic Planning
Plot your course. Make the necessary commands to get there to your leadership team and monitor your progress.
