Employees do it their way

Your employees are like a pack of business owners. They look at what they have to do, think for a moment about how they are supposed to do it, and then do whatever way looks easiest for them. Think I’m wrong? Try spending some time going through their records and watching them work. (If they know you are watching, it doesn’t count! Even if you are friends with your employees, the power disparity creates an immediate reality distortion field.) I’ve spent many hours lurking (Ok, spying) behind people on the shop floor, office, and warehouse. Many a time I’ve thought “Why in the world did they do THAT?”

And every time, when I earned their understanding of the task, they had a good reason. Sometimes they misunderstood what they needed to do, but most of the time they were right. After all, who has spent more time doing their job than they have?

Everybody wants to do the best they can. If you try to force them to do it your way without respecting their intimate knowledge, you keep them from doing the best they can. Even if you have done the very same job, you have to understand it is their job, not yours. ( You already know they behave like your children, don’t respect what they want and, well.. )

How do you make sure "their way" makes you money?

Management by culture relies on the belief that two people with similar values and facing the same problem will make compatible choices. If you believe your employees would rather make the choice that secures their job and future pay increases, then that leaves understanding the problem as they see it and the tools they have. This can be hard and if it takes you away from generating more profitable business, it is expensive. It takes more than your time, it consumes your energy and creativity.

I work with you to understand your unique view of your business and understanding of what makes it profitable. Combining this with my experience with other businesses and employees, I work with your people to understand them and their jobs.

Increased Efficiency is NOT the biggest benefit!

Completing jobs faster and with less expense is not just about saving money. Your improved reputation and capacity free you to go after new business.

Even that isn't the biggest benefit. Your balance sheet tracks resources measured in money. It is hard to grow a business without enough assets on a balance sheet. It is impossible to grow a business without careful allocation of executive time and energy. Stress is a business and sales killer. A smoother, more efficient workflow with powerful metrics can free up your management team and put more positive energy in the bank.