Get Your Hands Dirty
Slice, dice, and dump data that doesn't matter
Measure what matters. This is good and frequent advice in a world where we are all overloaded with too much data. It takes high quality critical thought to decide what really matters and then accurately and consistently measure only that which does.
Getting the information to the people who need it to make good business decisions is the next bit of the challenge. Progressive companies are leveraging technology in ways that make it easy for people to access what they need, and only what they need, from large amounts of both assimilated and raw data. Technology tools make it easy to slice, dice and dump data.
In spite of the volumes of information that exist in every leader's data overload world, there are a few data-related actions that persistently make it tougher for leaders to do what is best for the business.
If you are suspect in one or more of the three data demands to be dumped, rest assured it isn't just about you. You have multiple partners in crime across multiple organizations, ranging from tech to manufacturing to public schools.
Tell me how Boek to Business can be improved so that it will have the greatest value to you. I hope you will forward this to a friend or colleague.
If you would like to consider the ways that improved leadership performance can drive better results in your business, let's talk.
Best Wishes,
Randy Boek
ROUTE 2, Inc.
5400 Carillon Point
Building 5000, 4th Floor
Kirkland, WA 98033
425-359-8506
randyb@route2results.com
www.route2results.com |
Some leader's data demands take regular and costly bites out of productivity, efficiency and morale. These three are non-fiction and persistently alive and well.
- The hair's on fire drop everything and do it data demand. She says, "I want a detailed report on X by the end of today." You are a manager with a full agenda. You drop everything and do it because it is easier to disappoint customers, suppliers and employees than to challenge the boss. Data is delivered by the deadline, but by then, the boss's mind is on to something else. This fire drill is over but there will be another. If you are the boss who does this, take a line from Aretha Franklin, "You better think." Do you need the info now for the best of the business or because you are the boss?
- The over-distributed, limited-use management analysis review. A lot of work has gone into creating it. Loads of data and detail that ten people need to know but it is sent to 100 people or more. "Notice me please, I'm working so hard and doing so much important stuff." If you are the producer, create a one page or less simple graphical summary for those who don't need the detail. Two conditions for actually doing this: there is value for the recipient; there is value to you for the recipient to have the information.
- The micro-manager's "I don't trust you" report. Regardless of when it is actually created, it gets e-mailed to the boss at 2am on Saturday. This report is about control, rather than results, and it is usually loaded with BS. Get rid of it now because you are a leader, not a babysitter. If you must micromanage, micromanage stuff, not people. Stop demanding reports that by their very nature damage commitment and morale while providing no really useful information. Remember, trust is a two way street. It is the foundation of people working effectively together and lack of it slows your business down. If you are a leader, you are responsible for creating and maintaining trust between the people you depend on for success.
Commitment always trumps compliance. Lack of self-awareness trumps best intentions. You simply cannot get the best results without knowing how your actions impact others.
"Things that matter most
should never be at the mercy of things which matter least."
— Goethe
A Look in the Mirror
 How do you know that people in your business have easy access to the right, accurate, real-time information they need to make good decisions?- What do you need to change about the way you get and give information so that you and your team can be more successful?
- Do you make it easier, more difficult or impossible for your those around you to be successful?
Lagniappe - A little something extra and $100 from Route 2 to a worthy charity
His granddaughter's wedding was one of those magical moments that only comes along a few times in a lucky person's lifetime. At 88 years of age, the retired minister conducted the ceremony in a nearly-cleared barrel room of a Sonoma County winery.
The temperature in a barrel room is good for wine, but not so good for an 88 year old man. He was soon overtaken and quite uncomfortable in the cold. Bride and groom, mothers and fathers, so wrapped up in the festivities didn't notice the old gentleman's discomfort.
One person did, however. Caterer Amber Balshaw, gracefully hustling to set tables and present the first course, saw Papa Bob slumping in a chair and beginning to shiver.
"Are you okay?" she asked gently touching him on the shoulder.
He looked up. "Cold," is all he said.
"Come with me."
The better part of an hour went by before Bob's absence was noted. A short search of the winery found the old man in an adjacent room, a much warmer one, headquarters for the catering crew and the cooking. Sitting in a chair where he could supervise the proceedings, he was asked to taste test each item before it was carried to the barrel room for guests. Comfortable, WARM, and smiling, one of those finest days of life was enhanced through the kindness of Amber and her crew. And that's a little something extra that makes all the difference.
If you need a caterer in the California wine country, call Amber Balshaw at Sonoma Caterers. Phone: 707-769-7208
Big thanks to reader Dave Delgardo for this story. Check him out at: http://thechurchoftheopenroad.blogspot.com |
