Leverage: Systems for Boosting Team Productivity & Elevating Service
Coach Marlene Powell
October 4, 2024
In business, systems are often viewed as rigid tools in the form of checklists, software, and procedures that are meant to keep things running smoothly. However, they are the very foundation of a successful business. Their true power lies not just in their structure but in how effectively your team uses them. Are your systems empowering your team, or do you find they merely add to their workload?
Productive or Just Busy?
Many business owners express their frustrations with a busy team that fails to deliver tangible results. You might have heard it yourself saying "My team is always busy, but we are not seeing the outcomes we expect."
There’s a critical difference between being busy and being productive. Picture this: two workers are assigned to paint rooms. One rushes to finish, leaving smudges everywhere, the other paints carefully but ends up in the wrong room. Both are busy, but neither achieves the intended result.
Now, let’s apply this scenario to your business. Are your team members just checking boxes, or are they delivering the precision and quality that distinguish your brand? This is where systems designed for productivity and service excellence come into play.
Turning Your Systems into Performance Drivers
Even the most sophisticated systems are useless if your team doesn’t fully understand them. The real value of a system is not in its complexity but in how well your team integrates it into their daily tasks. They need to grasp not only how to use the system but also why it exists and how it contributes to the bigger picture of your business.
Training shouldn’t be a one time event it should be an ongoing journey. Continuous education that focuses on the how and the why fosters a sense of ownership and accountability within your team. Here are some key elements for success:
Clarity: Ensure your instructions and expectations are clear, so your team knows what success looks like.
Measurement: Provide tools for your team to measure their performance through metrics and KPIs.
Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture where falling short isn’t viewed as a failure but as an opportunity for growth. When your team understands how to improve, they thrive.
Beyond Checklists: Systems That Build Relationships
Systems aren’t just about automation and efficiency, they’re about relationships. Effective systems create a rhythm that connects your team members, enhances customer service, and aligns with your business goals. They help your team anticipate needs, deliver consistent results, and build lasting relationships with your customers/clients.
However, even the best systems will not succeed if your team is not aligned with them. Real leverage occurs when people and processes work together, creating a synergy that drives growth.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
When was the last time you reviewed your training processes? Are your team members not just equipped, but also confident in how they operate within your systems? Often, the gaps lie not in the system itself but in how your team interacts with it.
Refining the human element through communication, training, and accountability can unlock the full potential of your systems.
Time for a Systems Review?
If your systems are not producing the desired results, it may be time for a review. By revisiting the fundamentals and your team's understanding of your systems within your business, you can transform your systems into powerful drivers for business success. It is not just about having the right tools, it is about ensuring your team knows how to use them effectively.
Are you ready to start steering your business with precision, book a 10-minute call with me today to explore how we can turn your targets into triumphs?