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The Power of Three: Solving Critical Issues

By: Dave Berkus

 

Power of 3 Solving Critical Issues

Let’s say you have been told by your board, by your chairman, CEO, or direct leader to solve three problems you identify and report back within a month showing progress—or that you have solved these three.

First, you’d worry that this is an artificial way to focus management. Why three? Why now? After a short moment, you’d turn into action mode, perhaps calling in senior staff for a brainstorming session.

So you identify the three most critical issues, perhaps with the help of the group. What next? Here comes the important part.

Define success: Think of what an ideal outcome would look like and find metrics to measure progress along the route.

Create milestones: Make them public, easy to identify when reached, and follow progress toward each, again publicly posting the progress and achievement.

Simplify the process: Reexamine the definition and milestones. Find ways to make each step clear and simple enough for all to understand and follow. Err on the side of oversimplification. Remember that this exercise has a time limit for completion.

Set expectations for each participant, clearly listing the expected outcome for each person and department, asking them to define the steps they will make toward completion and how they will measure each.

Measure the outcomes. Was the intent to remove a barrier? Increase marketing effectiveness? Increase sales closing rate? Reduce manufacturing or shipping errors? Speed the processes? Measure how each of the three resulted in a gain, and publicly report the outcome.

Finally, celebrate the wins with the whole team. Never forget to celebrate, compliment, reward. Just three critical issues that will have led to three positive outcomes. Now that would be a good month for any of us. Why not try it now?

Published: April 29, 2016
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Source: Berkonomics

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Dave Berkus

Dave Berkus is a noted speaker, author and early stage private equity investor. He is acknowledged as one of the most active angel investors in the country, having made and actively participated in over 87 technology investments during the past decade. He currently manages two angel VC funds (Berkus Technology Ventures, LLC and Kodiak Ventures, L.P.) Dave is past Chairman of the Tech Coast Angels, one of the largest angel networks in the United States. Dave is author of “Basic Berkonomics,” “Berkonomics,” “Advanced Berkonomics,” “Extending the Runway,” and the Small Business Success Collection. Find out more at Berkus.com or contact Dave at dberkus@berkus.com

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