How to grow Exponentially !

Every company wants to grow exponentially unless the management is in the top quadrant of Maslow’s Hierarchy.  And even if the company’s promoters are in the top quadrant, they may inspire the teammates to grow the company exponentially.

To make it happen, we need to create a culture of Learning Organisation in the company. Let’s see what all needs to be created for exponential growth as a Learning Organisation.

1. Top Management Development Program

It has been generally seen in the end of 20th century that manny Indian companies have been growing with their ever growing experiences and not getting the support of the whole team.

So there arises a need for the Top Management Development Program to further groom the management skills of the top management with a clear focus on the team building and retention skills especially in the long run.

As it’s easier to build the team for the short run, but for the long term, there should be clear strategies for the same, which is the first and foremost requirement to develop a Learning Organisation.

2. Middle Management Development Program

A culture of round the year learning and development has to be created for the teammates, which keeps the team setting higher and higher standards to achieve.

In house team could be trained to further measure the skills of late entrants in the company or similar services could be outsourced.

As there are experts and management consultants which customise the modules of training and development program as per the skill matrix of the team. It builds the base for the Learning Organisation.

3. Mission, Vision & Values

Most critical role of the Top Management of a company is to create the mission statement, for which the company should be known for. Then the long term vision, which decides the pathway for the future course of action.

And last but not the least, core values for which the management stands for and accepts no deviations. Earlier the management does it, faster shall be results as well as the pace towards success and exponential growth. Mission, Vision and principles act as the strong pillars for developing Learning Organisation.

4. Six S

One of the very simple tools to implement in any organisation is Five S which is now upgraded to Six S. This tools takes organisational performance to next level. Full form of Five S is Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain.

And the Sixth S added is for Safety. It’s all about a well organised workplace which has everything sorted, well placed, in the best condition.

As per required standard and consistent without having any mishaps or accidents at the place during the work process or even afterwards. Implementation of Six S tool saves any unwanted delays in the manufacturing process and supply chain.

5. Appraisal System

To perform well on what is expected from each teammate. Job Description should be crystal clear, followed with KRA Key Result Areas and KPI Key Performance Indicators creating the base for appraisal system.

Clear Job Description saves management from any future differences or low retention ratio. Whereas clear Key Result Areas safeguard any inter-departmental conflicts.

Key Performance indicators support team in analysing their performance at their own without regular follow-ups from seniors. Also as a comprehensive process, the appraisal system gets implemented and reduces the workload of HR Team at the end of financial period.

6. Kaizen

Kaizen is one of the simplest tools to keep the culture of Learning Organisation alive. It means “Change for Better”. Kaizen is just about continual improvement in the work processes at the ground floor.

It cuts on any time lapses or unwanted delays in the supply chain caused due to human or mechanical reasons. It can be implemented at all levels from CEO’s office to workers on the ground floor and in all departments from HR, Purchase, Quality or Packaging to Dispatch. Once imbibed as part of the culture produces manifold long term results.

7. Quality Circle

Create Quality circles in the organisation. Creating competition amongst the team is of the finest tools for performance. And that too when combined with Quality Circle gives multiplier effect.

Holding Kaizen and Quality circle competitions builds healthy competition and acts as a Team Building Activity. It inspires team to continuously upgrade their skills to outshine with Team support.

Create a structure for teams to meet at regular intervals for Brain storming, identifying challenges, creating action plan with deadlines and implementing the same.

8. Six Sigma

Once all of the above are implemented, it’s high time to move towards Six Sigma. it’s also a tool for Process Improvement.

It identifies and removes all the reasons behind variability in business or manufacturing processes resulting into highest levels of customer satisfaction.

Standardises the internal processes with continual efforts and a strong MIS Management Information System with quantifiable financial gains and reduction in costs. It emphasises on strong management leadership with a clear vision for sustainable growth pattern.

It has been observed many a times that the top management is aware of all these tools. But is not able to get them implemented because of no direct intervention in operations.

And having just knowledge makes no difference, unless implemented. And that’s why an outsourced intervention is generally required to get it implemented.

Coach Sushil Arora
Management Consultant