It's your People that drive Operational Excellence

Sometimes you have to meet yourself right where you are at today. This is something I have said to many executives looking to drive Operational Excellence. And in many cases, that means focusing on your people, instead of gravitating towards process or technology.

I recently read a McKinsey piece about Operational Excellence, and they open up by talking about purpose. And how when people have a deep connection to a company's purpose, they come to work for more than just their paycheck.

It's true - I've seen it first-hand. I've been leading organizational transformation work for more than 20 years, and I know it to be true. When people have an emotional connection to what the company is trying to do, they will walk through fire to get it done. I know it's harder to tackle the people side, but trust me, it's well worth the effort. Yes, processes can be mapped & re-designed - and they don't argue and talk back while you're doing it. Technology doesn't have complicated emotions and or resist change - you need a new system to drive efficiency or excellence, you buy one, and implement it. Sure, there are complications with both process and technology change efforts, and they can and do go wrong. But I know from experience that changing people - changing attitudes and behaviors - that's the hard stuff.

What I also know, is that when you win the hearts and minds of the workforce - when you look them in the eye and help them see the kind of material impact they can have as individuals, that's where the magic happens. In fact, a recent HBR article claims that when your people are operating a potential, operating profits increase as much as 45%!

Hope you enjoyed reading!

Cheers,

Wendy