The Three Pillars of Sustainable Business

The “Three Pillars of Sustainable Business Growth are: But why….

Pillar 1 – Numbers What is it about “numbers” that makes them so important. Numbers are the back bone to any business, they’re also the driving force. We’ve all heard the saying “if you cant measure it how can you improve it” and that’s your starting point. It’s not just about sales, profit etc. Numbers are the thread throughout the business, any objectives/priorities can be measured by numbers. They can be used to understand and improve customer services, employee moral, efficiencies within business, financial performance and to measure and improve our internal processes. Any question or query you may have can be answered using numbers. In a world of constant change being data driven isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. Numbers allow you to provide financial forecasts, production forecasts, make strategic decisions, plan your workforce, ensure relevant and valuable KPI’s and much more…

Pillar 2- Systems and Processes Systems and processes, effectively ensure that your service is consistent, meets your desired standards of quality and it can be improved. Getting this right also means that regulatory compliance is met and your risks are managed. The right systems encourage innovation by promoting regular improvements whilst also ensuring maximised productivity and reduced wastage. You are looking for your business to run as “lean and agile” as possible and it your systems and processes that will ensure that you do. Your customer service can be improved by having the right systems in place. A “Diary of issues” for example is a system that drives quality and customer service, as this can be followed up and reviewed highlighting what can be improved. Without continuous improvement you are running in autopilot, the only reason to change is when you have been criticised. This is pure reaction as opposed to planning. We need to make sure that we embed a cultural aspect of systems and processes. Systems and processes can also protect you against wrong decisions, hr polices etc.. as well as improving your customer service. How can you manage your systems and polices - Appraise, Amend, Approve, Apply

Pillar 3 – The Winning Mindset What is a winning mindset? Firstly emotional intelligence, an understanding of self awareness. To be in a position whereby you know where your areas for improvement and of seeking continuous growth. Being open minded and taking ownership, accountability and responsibility rather than blame, excuses and denial. Other key elements of a winning mindset are being able to react and adapt quickly and being prepared to take action. A winning mindset would rather fail than not try at all. We’ve all heard the saying, well some of us may regard it as a cliché, that the only constant is change. Business is constantly changing and in addition, the way we learn changes. With this comes the acceptance that XX years of experience doesn’t mean anything. What was 10 years ago might not exist any more, (technology for example), What is now, I can almost guarantee is not going to be the case 3 years from now and what will be in 5 years might not even exist yet. If we are all open minded, starting with getting rid of the “I know” mentality, we can see that learning from others is as important as helping others learn. We can be both the mentor and the mentee.