EP34 Building a systems lead business with David Jenyns
Sep 9, 2024
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David Jenyns, a thought leader in business systemization, shares keen insights on the vital role of structured processes in achieving operational success. He discusses the principles from his book 'Systemology,' emphasizing the difference between systems and processes. The conversation covers how robust systems can reduce reliance on key individuals while balancing creativity and efficiency. Jenyns also addresses overcoming resistance in teams and the importance of having a systems champion to enhance accountability and streamline operations.
Establishing strong systems and processes is crucial for improving accurate reporting and reducing individual dependency in businesses.
The role of a 'systems champion' is vital in larger organizations to foster a culture of process adherence and documentation.
Systemology focuses on capturing and making processes repeatable, differing from traditional methodologies that emphasize process improvement.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Moderation in Business Success
Building a business and maintaining personal relationships alongside personal health can be complex challenges. This effort focuses on finding practical tools and strategies that help achieve moderate success rather than extreme achievements often portrayed by highly successful individuals. Unlike the content generated by billionaires or super athletes, this approach values creating a balanced life that aligns with individual goals and aspirations. The message emphasizes that success does not need to be about extreme optimization but finding a path that works for each person.
Importance of Clear Systems and Processes
Two common issues are identified within small to mid-sized businesses: the lack of accurate and timely reporting of metrics and the absence of clear systems and processes. Establishing strong systems provides the foundation needed to generate better data and understanding of business performance. Central to this discussion is the book 'Systemology,' which introduces methods to create efficient operating systems that clarify the relationship between systems and processes. By developing a systematic approach, businesses can mitigate confusion and build a culture that emphasizes clear operational guidelines.
Defining Systems vs. Processes
A key distinction is made between systems and processes, where systems encompass a broader structure while processes represent specific steps within that framework. Systems provide an overview that includes tools and methods for achieving consistent results, while processes focus on the detailed steps needed to execute tasks effectively. This clarity helps illuminate the roles each plays within an organization, ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities and how their tasks contribute to overall success. Using consistent terminology can enhance communication and reduce misunderstandings among team members.
Building a Culture of Systems Stewardship
For businesses with larger teams, establishing a 'systems champion' becomes essential in fostering a culture of process adherence and documentation. This role focuses on rallying team members to contribute to the development of systems and making it easier for them to document their work. A collaborative approach can help build momentum and showcase the importance of following defined processes. Celebrating early successes creates positive reinforcement, encouraging a gradual shift toward a systems-driven culture within the organization.
Overcoming Resistance to Systems Implementation
Facilitating the transition to a systems-oriented organization often presents resistance from team members who are accustomed to less structured environments. Identifying and collaborating with individuals who are supportive of systems integration can lead to initial wins that motivate others to get on board. It’s vital to create an onboarding process that emphasizes system importance to attract employees who value structured workflows. By emphasizing the role of systems in enhancing efficiency and productivity, businesses can gradually align all team members with the overarching goal of becoming system-driven.
The conversation explores the importance of systems and processes in businesses, with a focus on the book 'Systemology' by David Jenyns. The main themes include the definition of systems and processes, the ideal businesses for systemization, the role of systems in reducing dependency on individuals, and the starting point for systemization in a business. The conversation also touches on the balance between systemization and creativity, the value of capturing tasks and processes, and the role of a systems champion in larger organizations. In this conversation, Mike Scott and David Jenyns discuss the importance of having a single point of accountability for systemization in a business. They emphasize the need for someone who has the most knowledge about a particular system to be responsible for documenting it. They also discuss the challenge of getting people to follow systems and offer strategies for overcoming resistance. David explains that Systemology is different from other process improvement methodologies because it focuses on capturing and making processes repeatable, rather than improving them. He encourages business owners to fall in love with the results that systems and processes bring to the organization.
Takeaways
Clear and timely reporting on numbers and metrics is essential for businesses.
Strong systems and processes can solve reporting problems and reduce dependency on individuals.
Systemology is a valuable resource for understanding and implementing effective systems.
The definition of systems and processes can vary, but they are interchangeable for the purposes of this discussion.
Systemization works best in small to mid-sized businesses with involved business owners.
Building a systems-driven culture is important for long-term success.
Systems are the most valuable asset in a business, as they are not dependent on individuals.
Systemization should aim to create consistent outcomes and cultivate a systems-driven culture.
Systemization is not about over-optimization, but about capturing the most probable outcomes.
Great talent is important, but businesses should not rely solely on individuals.
Systemization can increase the value of a business and reduce risk.
The starting point for systemization is to record and capture tasks and processes.
Creating a culture of recording and documenting tasks is crucial.
In larger organizations, a systems champion can drive the systemization process.
The role of a systems champion is to make it easier for team members to document and capture processes. Having a single point of accountability is crucial for successful systemization in a business.
The person with the most knowledge about a system should be responsible for documenting it.
Resistance to following systems can be overcome by celebrating wins, showcasing successes, and recruiting team members who are receptive to the systems-driven approach.
Systemology focuses on capturing and making processes repeatable, rather than improving them.
Business owners should fall in love with the results that systems and processes bring to the organization.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Common Problems in Businesses
01:33 Introduction to Systemology and Guest Introduction
03:32 Defining Systems and Processes
09:13 Reducing Dependency on Individuals through Systemization