While most mid-market executives rate themselves highly on operational effectiveness, many report having difficulty making improvements stick. More than two-thirds of respondents in a recent survey by the National Center for the Middle Market at Ohio State University said that they have difficulty sustaining gains they make in operation. The good news? Research suggests that there are steps that business leaders can take to boost success and increase the staying power of initiatives, such as:
• Manage operations as a four-part system. Operational improvements tend to last longer when they are comprehensive and systematic. Breaking operations into four parts—problem-solving, daily management, strategic alignment and people development—and fine-tuning them both individually and in concert can help ensure better performance.
• Stay close to the front lines. Companies where top managers are visible and engaged on the shop floor generally have a better understanding of customer needs and are able to solve problems faster.
• Identify and employ a formal method. While many mid-size companies rely on informal methods of pursuing continuous improvement, research shows that those who use formal methods, such as Six Sigma, get excellent results. (For more information on formal methods, see tables.)
• Communicate the larger strategy across operations. Widespread understanding of what an organization is trying to achieve is critical to ensuring that people working in operations can do their part to make sure the strategy is successful. They can act on their own initiative and make suggestions to keep costs down.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
0
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
