Engagement + Execution = EDGE (E + E = E)

Business Briefs At any given time there are several business trends emerging within the business community. This has been going on for what seems like forever. Many have passed the test of time and are still being utilized by organizations large and small. The following list includes just a sample of those strategies available today.

JIT
MBO
PIMS
Kaizen
6-Sigma
Gap Analysis
ISO Strategies
Reengineering
Empowerment
Bench-marking
Quality Circles
Psychographics
Strategic Alliances
Pay-4-Performance
Core Competencies
Cycle Time Reduction
Horizontal Organizations

In the ever-growing quest for excellence, new strategies are constantly being formulated as a result of continual efforts. Based on current trends, emerging studies, and an array of recently published books, two powerful strategies are currently gaining recognition across industries. However, neither are new. While both have been around for a while, neither have enjoyed acceptance or support until just recently. In spite of that fact, be prepared to see and hear a great deal more about Engagement and Execution as they have both recently demonstrated great success for those who have successfully implemented them.

Effective employee Engagement and consistent Execution can and will provide the sustainable EDGE all organizations seek during today’s chaotic business environment. We’ve been providing articles on both strategies and will continue to do so as we strive to assist our clients and readers Achieve the Maximum®.

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’re probably familiar with our many references to the need to close the knowing-doing gap. This action is, in essence, the focus on Execution.

Engagement can best be summed up by a quote from Control Your Destiny or Someone Else Will. Jack Welch, himself, attempts a final explanation of what’s really needed for success:

“I think any company that’s trying to play in this generation has got to find a way to engage the mind of every single employee. Whether we make our way successfully down this road is something only time will tell—but I’m sure this is the right road. If you’re not thinking all the time about making every person more valuable, you don’t have a chance! What’s the alternative? Wasted minds? Uninvolved people? A labor force that’s angry or bored? That doesn’t make sense! If you’ve got a better way, show me! I’d love to know what it is!”

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services.