I realized over the past few weeks that our results are directly related to our efforts, not to our desires. I have had several business owners frustrated by the lack of results only to slowly realize we do not have the environment, systems, processes, and sometimes people to get our desired results. I know it sounds silly but you never get the results you desire if your efforts, systems, processes and teams are not doing what it takes to get those results. You get the results from the environment you create. Good intentions do not equal results. We cannot hope, dictate, micromanage, or push to get results we have not planned and strategized to achieve.
I also realized that the stuff you have does not create the results you want. Just because we have great computers, great software, super fast internet, or the latest and greatest apps that our team members can use, does not mean we will get the results we want. This can be very frustrating. We spent time and money setting up a productive environment but we are still not getting great results. Having great stuff does not equal results. (With proper planning and strategy, technology can really accelerate results).
Lastly, you must keep pulling the weeds out of your environments so your team can produce. Work on removing distractions or confusion in the company. Work on identifying and removing any obstacles that are holding back our team from performing at a high level. You might ask, “What are those distractions?”. Ask your team members. Review your metrics and see if you see sliding metrics or a drop in customer satisfaction or profitability. Then go figure out why and adjust processes as needed. Measure, review, adjust. Repeat.
So, what do we do?
- Move from intentions to intentional. Clarify what you are trying to achieve and begin putting the process, people and resources in place to move toward those results. Don’t forget to measure, track and review your results weekly or monthly.
- Equip the company with the resources they need only when you know these resources will help move us quicker, more efficiently and more profitably to our desired outcome.
- Identify and remove distractions and obstacles. Review your process for maximum results. Review what jobs are needed to achieve our results. review our current team to confirm we have the right people for the job. Adjust, measure and keep moving forward.