Operational Excellence is About Making People NOT Whiteboards

Business Problems Solved's latest episode discusses the concept of operational excellence and high-performing environments. Lee emphasises the importance of engaged and empowered people in driving business performance. By focusing on the interactions and engagement of team members rather than just metrics and tools, Lee highlights the true essence of operational excellence - making people and driving performance simultaneously. Listeners are encouraged to consider the impact of their leadership style on creating a culture of growth and development within their organisations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Operational Excellence: Focus on creating high-performing environments, engaged and empowered people, and effective leadership to drive better performance.

• Purpose of Performance Boards: Emphasise that the purpose of performance boards is not just about the visuals or metrics but about driving engagement, conversation, and improvement within the team.

• Creating Engaged People: Highlight the importance of creating an environment where people feel comfortable being vulnerable, discussing feelings, and addressing challenges openly to drive growth and performance.

• Watermelon Reporting: Address the issue of superficial reporting where problems are covered up due to fear, emphasising the need for honesty, openness, and acceptance of mistakes to drive improvement.

• Focus on People and Environment: Emphasise that true operational excellence is achieved by focusing on developing people and creating an environment that fosters growth, challenge, and continuous improvement for both individuals and business performance.

BEST MOMENTS

"I believe, are working towards the same destination. Because all of these things done correctly help the team, the function, the business perform better than they are today." -

"And following observing this conversation with the two change folk, I went for a cup of coffee and I reflected on what I had just seen unfold in front of me." 

"Watermelon reporting. I've often spoke about so it's it looks green on the outside or it's green on the outside. So we're reporting green."

"Do they all feel like they've just watched the best film or TV programme that they've had an opportunity to do at the end of every meeting?" 

"You can't just keep hitting people over the head to get them to work faster. You have to help your people grow." 

HOST BIO

You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/

For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.

Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.