In a CEO.com post, Andrew Miller, president of ACM Consulting, shares the seven organizational efficiency strategies he encounters most frequently as he works with corporate executives to boost their performance.
1. Standardize forms and documents. Wherever possible, ensure that the different groups in your firm are using the same forms and documents and have them stored in a central repository for everyone to access electronically.
2. Use technology whenever possible. Email, web conferences, Skype and the telephone are simple and inexpensive ways to reach out to more clients, suppliers and stakeholders without incurring significant travel or marketing expenses. Transaction-processing systems (purchasing, accounts payable) reduce the amount of paper used as documents are sent electronically.
3. Use common operating processes. Using common processes ensures clarity with suppliers and clients and helps to set a common expectation of service levels.
4. Document employee responsibilities and accountabilities. Set clear expectations for everyone in the organization and how they will contribute to the organization achieving its ultimate goal, whatever that may be. Ambiguity in job descriptions leads to duplicate work and important activities being missed.
5. Solicit employee, supplier and client feedback. The best way to retain good employees is to involve them in the development of the business strategy. Clients know what they want better than anyone and suppliers can tell you what their preferences are around billing, delivery and maybe even opportunities for you to improve performance.
6. Encourage taking educated risks. Empowering employees to try new things and develop new ideas is one of the things that separates the great firms from everyone else.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 constantly. Keep reviewing the way the business is run and make adjustments.
“Organizations must be flexible enough to adjust to changes in the business environment, but also consistent in the ways the business operates,” Miller writes.
Editor's note: This is sponsored content. All text and images were provided by the sponsor company.
More from Author
Steven Burns | Jun 15, 2018
4 project management mistakes to avoid at all costs
Helpful tips for managing projects more effectively
Steven Burns | May 8, 2018
5 tips to improve employee utilization (and morale)
Ways to increase productivity and revenue, while providing a supportive workplace environment
Steven Burns | Apr 3, 2018
4 reasons to take a closer look at your project metrics
We've all heard that data is important, but what role does it really play in your business?
Steven Burns | Mar 28, 2018
6 strategies to keep your project on budget
Here are six strategies to keep your projects on or even under budget.
Steven Burns | Feb 1, 2018
If you want to improve profits, look to the numbers
Simple changes to your daily habits can help increase efficiency and profits.
Steven Burns | Jan 3, 2018
4 networking strategies to grow your business
Follow these networking strategies to grow your architectural business with the work that you want.
Steven Burns | Dec 28, 2017
Why every AEC firm needs project accounting
While standard financial accounting is essential for the health of your business, project accounting helps drive the success of individual projects.
Steven Burns | Dec 12, 2017
3 tips to address the top causes of budget overruns
The most cited issues are communication breakdowns, inadequate fees for the work provided, and unrealistic deadlines or schedules.
Steven Burns | Nov 30, 2017
4 invoicing tips that'll actually make your clients smile
There are techniques you can use with your invoices that both highlight your firm’s value and make the process more convenient for clients.
