Month: November 2023

10 guiding principles for effective strategy execution

1. Just Do It - Focus on action rather than on endless deliberation.

2. Perfect is the Enemy of Good - Good is good enough. Don’t keep on refining, improving, testing, or analyzing.

3. You Can’t Have It Both Ways - Be prepared to make the tough choices. You can’t have it all.

4. There Are Many Ways to Skin a Cat - There are many ways to do something and there is not one best way.

5. Find 10,000 Ways That Won’t Work - Adopt an experimental mindset and build further on what you have learned.

6. Persist By Pulling Out - Know when to stop something and move on. This is not failure or giving up.

7. Speed Up by Taking It Slow - After having spent much time on analysis, impatience makes people jump to execution.

8. The Power of Simplicity - Strategy is complex. But especially strategy execution need not be complex.

9. We’re In This Together - Enforcing a strategy top-down is a recipe for failure. Involve and engage people across the organization.

10. No Place for HIPPOs - Strategy and execution flourish with a modest type of leader.

6M Framework

In the realm of business management and operational excellence, the 6M Framework has emerged as a pivotal model for diagnosing and enhancing organizational processes. This framework, which encapsulates Management, Methods, Machines, Materials, Measurements, and Mother Nature (Environment), offers a comprehensive lens for scrutinizing and optimizing various facets of an operation. Understanding and effectively implementing the 6M Framework can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, quality, and overall business performance.

1. Management

The cornerstone of the 6M Framework is Management, which underscores the role of leadership and decision-making in an organization. Effective management is characterized by strategic planning, goal-setting, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Leaders must ensure that objectives are clear, resources are adequately allocated, and that there is a coherent strategy to guide the organization towards its goals.

2. Methods

Methods refer to the procedures, techniques, and processes used in the production or service delivery. Optimizing methods involves streamlining processes, eliminating waste, and ensuring that operations are as efficient as possible. This includes adopting best practices, continuous process improvement, and embracing innovative approaches to meet evolving business challenges.

3. Machines

Machines in the 6M Framework represent the technology and equipment used in operations. The focus is on ensuring that machinery is reliable, up-to-date, and properly maintained. This also encompasses leveraging new technologies to enhance productivity and quality, while also considering the cost-benefit aspects of technological investments.

4. Materials

Materials pertain to the raw materials, components, and supplies used in the production process. Effective management of materials involves optimizing inventory levels, ensuring quality, and reducing waste. This also includes exploring sustainable materials and supply chain practices to enhance the environmental footprint of the organization.

5. Measurements

Measurements are critical for assessing the performance of various aspects of the business. This involves establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), regular monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. Accurate and timely measurements allow for identifying areas for improvement, benchmarking against industry standards, and driving strategic initiatives.

6. Mother Nature (Environment)

Lastly, Mother Nature, or the Environment, highlights the importance of considering environmental factors and sustainability in operations. This includes compliance with environmental regulations, minimizing the ecological impact, and adopting sustainable practices. Emphasizing environmental responsibility not only benefits the planet but also enhances the organization’s reputation and resilience.

The 6M Framework offers a structured and holistic approach to analyzing and enhancing business operations. By systematically addressing each of these components, organizations can achieve operational excellence, drive growth, and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly complex business environment. The implementation of this framework requires a concerted effort across all levels of the organization and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Six Thinking Hats Framework

Always approach problem-solving using the Six Thinking Hats framework, which is a valuable tool for examining issues from various perspectives:

  1. White Hat (Facts and Information): Start by gathering all the available data and facts related to the problem. What do we know?
  2. Red Hat (Emotions and Feelings): Consider the emotional aspects of the problem. How do you and your team feel about it? What are your initial gut reactions?
  3. Black Hat (Critical Thinking): Analyze the potential drawbacks, risks, and challenges associated with the problem. What are the potential pitfalls and obstacles?
  4. Yellow Hat (Optimism and Positivity): Focus on the positive aspects and opportunities that may arise from solving the problem. What are the potential benefits and solutions?
  5. Green Hat (Creativity and Innovation): Encourage creative thinking and brainstorming for new ideas and solutions. What innovative approaches can you explore?
  6. Blue Hat (Process Control): Finally, take control of the thinking process. Summarize the insights gained from the other hats, prioritize actions, and outline a plan to address the problem. What’s the next step?

By systematically examining the problem from these different angles, you can arrive at a well-rounded and thoughtful solution.

Six Hats framework