You know the adage, ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result.’ This is something that happens repeatedly in business. We get so used to a process or system that we just keep at it, even when it stops working. Truth is, it may never have worked. It might have been a bright idea of someone in leadership, so it was adopted without question. There is real value in reviewing processes, policies, and procedures on a regular basis to ensure they are all useful.
If we take a look at various areas of business, we can see the value in regular review.
Human Resources
In our ever-changing world we are consistently confronted with new issues that can require additions or adjustments to HR policies. Social media is a prime example. Most companies struggled to figure out if, and how to implement an effective social media policy. Many waited too long and only implemented policies once an issue presented itself.
Sales and Marketing
Too many organizations implement sales practices that don’t work. Someone, somewhere, at some time extolled the virtues of a strategy that the leadership wholly adopted. However, no one takes the time to look back and identify whether the strategy has worked. If the results aren’t stellar, everyone and everything except the strategy is blamed. It must be the salesperson. They must not be following the practice to the letter. Or it must be the prospects. After all, we all know they lie.
Word to the wise: if you are expecting results that aren’t materializing, it’s time to review your sales strategy. There’s a good chance that is the problem.
When it comes to marketing, it is essential that you monitor your processes and adjust when necessary. How we market, where we market, who we market to changes over time. It stands to reason that our tactics have to change as well.
These two areas of business are simply examples of opportunities to fix what is broken. Embrace the whole concept of questioning how your company operates and encourage others to do the same. Your staff knows what is working, and what isn’t. They are closest to the processes. When you develop a culture of egoless curiosity you will discover untold opportunities for improvement, and growth. There are few things as frustrating as engaging in practices or having to follow policies that don’t truly work.
The people on the frontlines get it. So, even if you are too far removed from the day to day, you have people who can help you fine-tune the ‘how-tos’ so the results you are seeking are realized.
