It would be strange for me to not be a Lancashire boy if I wasn’t a fan – or a aficionado – of pies. I can recall many happy moments munching on a Greenhalgh’s steak pudding in Bolton.
While I am happy to make the case in favor of pastry, I didn’t realize that PIES would be so important in my business life later on.
Because PIES stands for Plan, Implemente, Engage and Succeed. This acronym can be applied across a business and can make all the difference in having a clear purpose, achieving your desired outcome and living in hope.
Let’s look at each ingredient a little more.
PLANNING
A strategy is the roadmap for your journey. Businesses and leaders who don’t have a strategy tend to try to be everything to all people. They fail to achieve too much or are average at best.
In many ways, the plan’s value is embedded in the act itself. According to the military, “No plan survives contact against the enemy.” It is a fact that things can change and throw the best laid plans into chaos.
Planning takes time, effort, and expertise. You will be better equipped to understand the key elements and interdependencies. This will allow you to make adjustments and make the right decisions so you can move forward.
IMPLEMENTATION
Once the changes are identified and defined, this is the effective delivery. People resist change because they are human. However, businesses must adapt to keep up with the times or risk losing their edge. As Benjamin Franklin said: “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.”
Although it can seem daunting to start a program of change, small steps can go a long way. These are three important things to keep in mind:
You must ensure that everything you do is based on the customer’s needs. Would they change their mind if given the option?
Focus on the end results and not the process.
Remember that change is only possible with people, not when it’s forced upon them.
To avoid unintended consequences, all aspects of the program must be considered. Transport Scotland ordered a ferry to the Western Isles. However, it was too large for the Skye pier. This led to a PS23 million upgrade.
ENGAGEMENT
Everyone knows how important our employees are. If you ask any leader, they will all tell you that people are their greatest asset. Many leaders don’t invest enough in them, don’t consider their needs or treat them as disposable tools.
I have spent a lot time helping leaders create a culture that is high-performing. Empowerment, communication, meaning, trust, and trust are all key ingredients to engagement. This takes effort and time. We need to listen to our employees, adapt and be patient.
These things are what leaders want to do in principle. However, it is not prioritized enough so that other things can get in the way. Make your people the number one priority.
Engaged employees are 20% more productive. They are also more productive, have great ideas, and will engage customers like no other. They will take your company to new heights that you never thought possible.
SUCCESS
Planning, implementing, and engaging with clarity of thought, foresight, and determination are all rewards.
It could be called the gravy on the PIE.
Neil Bradbrook is the Managing Director at Ahead Business Consulting.
