How we look at things…
differently…
How we operate, what we value (care about) and the principles that define us. Our approach delivers measurable results and builds lasting client partnerships.
Thinking
Approaching a problem takes many perspectives. Time well spent for later success.
We’re not fans of leaping to an answer. Inevitably there will be a root cause and it’s not always what you see on the surface. We ask:
- What is the question we are trying to answer?
- What needs to be true to get to that answer?
- What will be the expected result?
- How do we know – what data, evidence backs up the above – can we validate it?
- Who, where and what might have that data?
This is before we have even starting thinking about possible solutions. This is how Much Better starts…
Teaming
You can ignore a good principle, rule, framework or method (many do), but ignore your people at your peril. We are not going to preach about leadership or the basics of Lencioni’s pyramid model (Link here), but a good leader does not have all the answers and needs the whole organisation to help solve the big problems. Much Better knows this, good leaders live this, we practice this.
Much Better teaming is about:
Playing to strengths
Forces you to get to know someone and their attributes. Enables you to position them in the team. Understand where you are weak and vulnerable.
Respecting others
Everyone has a role to play. No single person has all the answers. Those closest to customers are the key to delivering results. We never assume someone’s position by their appearance.
(Who is the CEO here?)
Building trust
Sustainable and meaningful results come from relationships built on a sense of mutual consequences.
We believe, trust is directly proportional to the end result.
Working with your Organisation
Each organisation brings its own culture. In our experience there are some fundamental ways of working with you that are true for all.
Opposite number
We work best when we work at all levels and have an opposite number who represents an area/level of the business.
Collaboration
Meetings are not a waste of time. Coffee chats build relationships. Workshops create alignment. We understand the power of people dynamics to drive better solutions and create the delivery coalition.
Different is better
Are you getting push back? Are people resisting the changes? Chances are you think great minds think alike, however better results think differently. We look for different.
Solving
“Solutioneering” , “Value-driven” , “Outcome focussed” , “Platform as a solution” , “Uplift” , “TenX scale” … all make consultancy sound a little inaccessible and maybe a little too strategic and un-deliverable.
Much Better solving is about:
Definitions
If we can’t define the problem how can we develop a solution? We work with you to develop an agreed understanding of the problem and its root cause.
We align terminology. We are clear on the result we are looking for in terms of performance both financial and operational.
Not jumping to templates
Some fixes are obvious. A loose nut probably needs tightening. A coding error probably needs debugging. Other fixes are more complex and deserve a different approach. We have lots of methods, templates and fixes, but we anticipate it will require a blend of these + some analysis to get to a solution.
Testing and validating
We all start to warm to our solution, it ticks all the boxes but will it work? Much better solutions are piloted and tested in a safe environment before being fully deployed. Niggles are addressed and benefits are checked.
Results
Much Better delivery comes from better results, here’s what we mean:
Defined benefits
Well defined problems/solutions lead to well defined benefits. These can qualitative or quantitative but must be measurable, time bound and on a plan. More than 10 is probably too many and will get lost.
Tracked and Communicated
Delivering results is not just about benefits, it’s about building confidence across the business. By tracking (using smart tools we have developed), early results can be used to demonstrate progress and build momentum.
Celebrate success
Every step of progress is worth an event. Whether that is a simple “thank you” or a full-on celebration. These events cement progress, grow the change coalition and drive momentum. They’re also fun to do.
