How will I know if the results are "real"?
Early in the program, we work with your financial
people to determine how results will be measured directly in your
financial statements. We also develop operating measurements for
the key cost and revenue drivers of the business. In this way we
are able to link the activity-based operating environment to your
financial statements. This provides you with the levers you need
to lead your organization and to drive your business performance.
Why can't we do it internally with our own managers?
In most cases, the managers we work with do not have the time or
resources required to do what we do. There is no shortage of good
ideas in most companies. Actually communicating those good ideas
throughout the organization, getting people to work across functions,
physically changing processes and systems, and modifying the skills
and behaviors of employees and managers is time-consuming and extremely
difficult. This is exactly what Carpédia does.
The inherent disadvantage is that they have a business to run and
day-to-day fires to put out, while we can dedicate our time and
attention to what needs to be done. A typical project requires approximately
2500 hours to identify, quantify, communicate, train, install and
sustain change. Our clients' managers simply do not have an additional
2500 hours to fit into their schedule.
They use Carpedia to provide them with the information and resources
required to move their business forward.
How much time is required by various levels of management?
A certain degree of time and commitment is vital from all levels
of management at our client companies during the project phase.
However, Carpédia's approach is designed to complement, not
disrupt the day-to-day activities of personnel during the project.
Our consultants are trained to gather information through observation
techniques that are designed to be non-disruptive. We will map out
the key processes and ask client staff to critique and offer their
comments/issues on a wall chart. This involvement promotes ownership
and many ideas begin to flow from this process. As we ask the client
staff to describe some of their recurring issues they begin to understand
that we are there to help improve and not hinder their progress.
How effective is the methodology for generating management ownership?
Carpédia's methodology is built entirely around gaining
buy-in from local client managers. We involve all levels of managers
and employees from the outset by working 100% on-site and out in
the working environment. We do not retreat to boardrooms or company
offices. All work is done out in the open which is designed to interest
and engage the organization.
Some of the practical ways we create local buy-in include:
- We display all process and system maps
out in the open and get managers and staff to physically write
their comments (identifying current barriers).
- We make sure all credit for ideas and
improvements are given to the area individuals (not ourselves).
- We get managers to do various studies
with us so it "demystifies" what we are doing and also
gets them to see the opportunity in their own areas.
- We get area managers to present the
findings and plans to their boss so they remain in control and
in-charge of their areas.
- We develop relationships built on trust
and mutual respect. Part of how we do this is by pre-presenting
all concepts and ideas to area managers and engineering their
involvement.
How can you find out if Carpédia can help your company?
Before we work in any business we perform what we call an "opportunity
analysis" to determine if we can improve operating cash flows
over and above what you and your managers are already doing. The
analysis is a 2-3 week business review that examines your company's
products, key processes, management systems and organizational behaviors.
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