Killing Good Systems To Find Great Ones.

First, Thank you, Billy Joel, for blessing us with the catchy tune “Only The Good Die Young.” The incredibly talented and legendary songwriter takes us on a time-traveling journey to remind us that great songs can stand the test of time. The message is about the drive and desire to take big risks when young and not settle for just good.

This message not only applies to the song but also applies to business. More often than not, I am reminded that organizations like to push things to “acceptable” or “good” performance levels. This specifically applies to their systems and structures. But let us be reminded that to survive in 2023, you need to embrace the fact that you need to regularly evaluate the systems that are giving you only “good” results and be willing to go for “great’.

Why Leaders Should Consistently Evaluate, Test, and Change Their Systems.

1. To Ensure Alignment with Goals: Leaders should primarily evaluate and test their systems to ensure they are aligned with their goals. Organizations set goals to achieve specific outcomes, and systems are implemented to support these goals. However, over time, the goals of an organization can change, and its systems may no longer be aligned with its new objectives. By consistently evaluating and testing their systems, leaders can identify areas that need improvement or modifications to ensure they are still aligned with their goals.
2. To Identify Inefficiencies: Another reason why leaders should evaluate and test their systems is to identify inefficiencies. Inefficiencies in systems can slow down processes, reduce productivity, and increase costs. By regularly evaluating their systems, leaders can identify areas that need improvement or modification to make them more efficient. This can result in significant cost savings and increased productivity for the organization.
3. To Enhance Adaptability: The world is constantly changing, and organizations must be able to adapt to these changes to remain competitive. Leaders who regularly evaluate and test their systems can identify areas that need modification to make them more adaptable to changing circumstances. This can help an organization respond more quickly to changes in the marketplace, customer needs, or other factors that may impact its success.
4. To Enhance Innovation: Leaders who consistently evaluate and test their systems are more likely to identify opportunities for innovation. By identifying areas that need improvement, they can brainstorm new ideas that may result in significant improvements in their systems. This can lead to new product or service offerings, increased efficiency, or other benefits that can help an organization stay ahead of its competitors.

Why Leaders Are Sometimes Afraid to Evaluate, Test, and Change Their Systems.

1. Fear of Change: One of the biggest reasons leaders sometimes fear evaluating, testing, and changing their systems is the fear of change. Change can be disruptive and can create uncertainty within an organization. Leaders may be hesitant to change their systems if they believe it will cause disruptions to the organization’s operations or if they believe their employees will resist the changes.
2. Fear of Failure: Leaders may also be afraid to evaluate and test their systems if they fear failure. If a leader has implemented a system that they believe is effective, they may be hesitant to evaluate and test it for fear that it will reveal flaws or inefficiencies. This fear can prevent leaders from identifying areas needing improvement or modification, limiting the organization’s success.
3. Lack of Resources: Evaluating and testing systems can be time-consuming and require resources. Leaders already stretched thin may hesitate to devote the time and resources needed to evaluate their systems. This can result in missed opportunities for improvement, increased inefficiencies, and decreased adaptability.

Leaders are responsible for designing and implementing effective systems to support their organization’s goals. However, creating a system is just the beginning. Leaders must consistently evaluate, test, and change their systems to ensure they deliver the desired results. While there may be some fear or hesitation to engage in this process, the benefits far outweigh the risks. By being open to change and committed to continuous improvement, leaders can help their organizations stay competitive and achieve their goals.