The Streamlined Business Blog is all about getting—and keeping—Operations Under Control by implementing good business systems, processes, and standard operating procedures. Our staff experts blog regularly on a range of topics including: Operations Mapping approaches, systems-based management, standardizing operations, calculating costs and ROI for systems improvements and a whole lot more.
Operations Management
Standard Operating Procedures: Straight jacket or Lifeline?
You can divide most people into two categories when it comes to standard operating procedures: those who see them as a lifeline for effective operations and those who see them as a negative force, a straight jacket constraining creativity and innovation. How do you achieve the positive results SOPs provide and turn around the negative […] READ MORE
SOPs for Process Improvement? Absolutely!
Recently an Executive coach we’ve been working with commented about how our Operations Mapping method – linking processes to detailed standard operating procedures, work instructions and policies — is a perfect fit for improving organizational performance, process improvement and re-engineering applications. We agree. Our clients do too. Yet, some people resist this idea. The resistance […] READ MORE
3 Ways to Motivate Employees When Everything’s Lousy
Motivating Employees When Things Are Dyre According to a Gallup researcher quoted in The Wall Street Journal article, “How to Motivate Employees in Tough Times” there are 3 things organization’s can do to keep employees motivated and focused during tough times. Communicate more—not less. Set clear expectations—make sure people know what they’re supposed to do […] READ MORE
Standardizing operations by systemizing business processes (Systems Thinking)
There is a NEW way of managing operations and thinking about process that leads to better results. The concept of standardizing operations by writing policies and procedures and distributing a corporate training manual that’s been around since 1887 doesn’t cut it anymore. To really achieve results we found that you must take a look at […] READ MORE
Standardizing operations by systemizing business processes (Good Systems and Good People)
It’s critical to understand the connection between Good people and Good Systems. Good systems support good performance and drive good outcomes. Systems represent best practices which allow good people to excel. Systems provide consistency and predictability, eliminate waste and guesswork, and free people up to perform at their best. Good People and Good Systems have […] READ MORE
Systems Work! How standardizing operations in Sales paid off big.
BusinessWeek’s SmallBiz magazine offered another example of how standardizing operations and streamlining business processes really works. As the CEO of Sales 2.0, puts it, “. . . sales need to be managed just like any other business function. . . . It’s not black magic and backslapping!” The case story describes how V12 Group ended […] READ MORE
Got too much on your plate! – Create a Delegation System (Part 1:)
Does it seem like you never get to the really strategic, important things in your business because you’re so busy? Are you stuck doing things you know you really shouldn’t be doing just because no one else can do them or you don’t have a way to delegate? If you find yourself repeatedly saying “I’ve […] READ MORE
Create a Delegation System (Part 2:)
As they say, the first step towards solving a problem is recognizing you have a problem. Stuck in your routine you may be “blind” to what’s limiting you and solutions that might exist. With the New Year just ahead, its a perfect time for the following quick exercise to help you streamline business processes and […] READ MORE
Create a Delegation System (Part 3:)
Even if you’ve only identified one thing you need to get off your plate, its time to get to work on it and figure out how you can either get rid of it or delegate it. Now, don’t get me wrong, there “may” be things you truly CANNOT delegate. You may think you don’t have […] READ MORE
The Importance of Execution: Why Don’t Companies “Get This”?
It’s the foundation of our business at COMPROSE from Operations Mapping to Zavanta software. We write about it. We preach it. We’re passionate about it. We help our clients do it. It’s the underlying theme in some of the most popular business books on the market today – executing your mission. The really great companies […] READ MORE
