Achieve Business Results

Management’s primary role is creating a source of success by developing a path of distinction for an organization. Management needs to ask and answer two fundamental questions in order to begin creating a distinctive path.

What are individuals, groups and the organization capable of achieving and are we accomplishing what is possible?

This question helps management think about envisioning broader success for the organization. A clear picture or path is created of what is possible to achieve in tangible and measured outcomes. Management works backwards to determine what goals are required to achieve the path. At the heart of creating a distinctive path is management’s ability to communicate a shared interpretation of what is possible. Management translates and communicates what is possible into a compelling direction and operational reality. It is difficult for GAPS to form when the organization deeply understands the path or management’s direction and the actions necessary for execution.

HOW do individuals and groups need to distinguish their performance in executing and achieving strategic plans and operational goals?

This question helps management think about what needs to change in order to achieve a path of distinction. Management does this by establishing a performance tone for the organization. Performance tone is the intangibles such as commitment, creativity, cooperation and teamwork in how individuals work together. At the core of creating a performance tone is management’s ability to demonstrate distinguished performance in the working relationship between all members of management. It is difficult for performance issues to develop when management demonstrates or models the performance they expect from others.

A distinctive path is created when management learns to:

• Integrate different ideas and thinking into plans and goals
• Translate vision into executable actions
• Take a stand for the future and expect extraordinary results both in the short and long term
• Speak with clarity of vision, diminish ambiguity and communicate what is possible by creating new opportunities for action
• Adapt to and resolve unexpected changes along the way
• Engage individuals and groups to translate issues and concerns into executable action
• Demonstrate a level of commitment that inspires individuals and groups to move towards achieving a path of distinction
• Manage reporting structures by articulating priorities and expectations
• Build internal coalitions by unifying and mobilizing divergent elements

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