Every year thousands of business books are released covering an enormous range of topics. Over the course of a year I can usually get to at least a couple of the top sellers and a few books from my personal bookshelf.
The books and articles listed here are ones that in way or another had an important impact on the way I think and act. Some of them will be new releases and some will go back 20 plus years but, their message is as poignant today as it was then.
Yes they are and, most will never realize the impact their mistake has on the organization. They pay for their future by trading away their human assets. They do this in many ways but today I am only addressing one; eliminating heads to pay for a new system. A new system can be many things; it can be a new people system, a new piece of machinery or even a replacement software system.
The selection, procurement and installation/implementation of these systems are usually very costly. Companies typically do not justify and approve large purchases based on management’s belief that the benefits of the solution are equal to or greater than the cost. The more common practice is to use a Return on investment (ROI) formula to measure and evaluate the magnitude and timing of gains from the investment directly to the magnitude and timing of the investment costs. If the ratio exceeds the established financial thresholds the new system will usually get funded.
There are many reasons but, the most common, yet easiest to overcome, is the absence of a common language between the participants. I am not referring to a spoken language; I am referring to the absence of a common understanding of the situation being discussed.
Here is an example of how ineffective communication can impact your organization:
A company needs to replace their purchasing system, so they assemble a team of software technicians and purchasing personnel. Next they task them with defining technical parameters and functionality requirements. After the team completes that task they will start a software selection process or make a decision to create their own software. Then a few months later after a quick implementation they are enjoying the benefits of a new purchasing system.
Ok so I know everyone thinks they are outstanding but are they really? And if they are not then do you know how to manage them thinking they are outstanding? Or better yet do you know how to manage them it they are outstanding?
Let’s discuss a few of the key points.