“A bad system will beat a good person every time.”
― W. Edwards Deming
I opened my first Avant salon in 1983.. , and something incredible happened. It was like a blast of energy hit Austin, and Avant Salon became the talk of the town. Austin Texas couldn’t get enough of our edgy punk stylists and the amazing environmentally-friendly AVEDA products we offered. Over the next 40 years Avant would end up snagging a whopping 16 Best of Austin Awards from the Austin Chronicle.
But here’s the twist: even though we were soaring high in 1983, I had a moment of realization. It hit me that we had perfected the art of cut and color, and our stylists were rockstars, no doubt about that. Yet, there was a missing link. Our systems were not in sync with our strategies, and to be honest, I was pretty clueless about setting measurable standards. I guess I assumed everyone would just “get it” – that we were all about creating an unforgettable customer experience.
And so, the adventure began. We decided to start from scratch, focusing on the guest experience itself. From the very first phone call to the moment our guests left the salon, we wanted every step to be a journey in itself. It wasn’t just about hair; it was about crafting an entire experience that people would treasure.
Meanwhile here is my take on….
The Power of Business Strategy, Systems, and Standards
In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, having a solid business strategy is super important. It’s like having a roadmap that guides a company towards success. But you know what makes it even more powerful? Having systems in place that support that strategy and clear standards to measure progress. Let’s dive deeper into why these elements are crucial for any successful business. For this we will start with an important exercise,… a SWOT analysis.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
“…the process by which the guiding members of an organization envision its future and develop the necessary procedures and operations to achieve that future”
Business Strategy: Your Backbone for Success
Okay, so picture this: a business strategy is like the backbone of a company. It’s what keeps everything aligned and moving towards a common goal. Without a clear strategy, a company might end up just drifting around, unsure of where it’s going. A well-defined strategy takes into account both the inside stuff, like the company’s strengths and weaknesses, and the outside stuff, like market trends and competition.
If you can’t describe your strategy in twenty minutes, simply and in plain language, you haven’t got a plan. ‘But,’ people may say, ‘I’ve got a complex strategy. It can’t be reduced to a page.’ That’s nonsense. That’s not a complex strategy. It’s a complex thought about the strategy.
Systems: Making Your Strategy Happen
Now, here’s the cool part. To put that business strategy into action, you need some reliable systems. Think of systems as the gears that make everything work smoothly. From managing supplies to dealing with customers, these systems help the company operate efficiently. They also enable smart decision-making by using technologies like data analytics and automation. Pretty neat, right?
Standards: Measuring Your Progress
So, you’ve got a killer strategy, and your systems are running like a well-oiled machine. But how do you know if you’re on the right track? That’s where standards come in. Standards are like yardsticks that help you measure your progress. You set up Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to see how well you’re doing in areas like revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and profitability. It’s all about knowing where you stand and identifying areas to improve.
Putting It All Together: The Perfect Alignment
Now, imagine this: your business strategy, systems, and standards all working together in perfect harmony. When that happens, you’ve got a winning combination. Employees understand their roles and how they contribute to the bigger picture. Decisions become clear, and everyone knows why they’re making them. This alignment helps your company be nimble and quick to adapt to changes in the market.
Driving Innovation and Staying Ahead
With everything working together, your company becomes a hotbed for innovation. You can stay ahead of your competitors by constantly improving your products, services, and processes. By keeping an eye on those standards and measuring your performance, you’ll always know where you can innovate and make things even better.
Being Ready for Anything
We all know the business world can be unpredictable. Economic downturns, new technologies, and shifting markets can happen anytime. But guess what? With a strong strategy, supported by efficient systems and measured by clear standards, you’re prepared for anything that comes your way. You can make informed decisions, pivot quickly, and navigate through uncertainty like a pro.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The power of business strategy, systems, and standards can’t be underestimated. Together, they create a winning formula for success. A well-crafted strategy gives your company direction, while systems make sure things run smoothly, and standards keep you on track. By aligning all these elements, you can drive innovation, stay ahead of the competition, and tackle any challenges that come your way. Without Clear Consistent Communication on Strategy System and Standards…
this is the result….
Everybody Somebody Anybody Nobody
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job.
Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.