Content created by Ali Uren Founder of Kiikstart
With only so much time, headspace, talent and financial resources on hand it is key we ask smart questions to prioritize differently as part of transformation and change.
To focus on what matters and why, always start with understanding what the organization defines as high value work as it relates to transformation and change outcomes and impact.
High value work sits at the DNA of the organization and shapes the decisions made, including those relating to the wellbeing and development of our workforce.
While it means different things to different brands, high value work is focused on producing the outcomes and impact that matter and are in line with what both the organization, workforce and client values.
It takes into account not what is just happening now but in the coming 6, 12 and 18 months both at a local, national and global scale.
WHAT DOES HIGH VALUE LOOK LIKE IN THE REAL WORLD?
While it varies between brand some examples of high value work can include:
- developing relationships that will help the business position itself as the category leader in a certain field and space
- creating content and education that is useful and brings new perspectives not being delivered
- creating a distinctive brand with a product and service mix that continues to change to meet needs and external gaps and threats
- bringing various groups together for a united outcome that would not exist otherwise
- minimising waste and frustration but not compromising on the quality of end-to-end services provided
- taking action that can be transformational and challenge the self- limiting status quo
- evolving the client level of interaction and engagement so it builds the quality of relationships with community and other key stakeholders
- creating a different workplace experience that brings a higher level of collaboration and sharing of ideas and responsibility amongst teams
- making changes to how the business operates so it increases team wellbeing and development
- acting in the best interest of the environment and community in which it is part of – it is a genuine and active member for social betterment.
When you know what is high value work is as part of the broader transformation and change piece, you are then able to ask the questions that are most relevant to be able to prioritize differently.
The questions you ask are always linked back to your capacity and capability to be able to consistently deliver on high value outcomes and impact.
But before considering these 11 questions take some time out to reflect on the following:
What would you do different about how you prioritize to make it a more effective process?
Ok so now the 11 questions I always have project teams ask when determining what resources will go where.
The questions below are in no particular order, so please feel free to rearrange so that it reflects your own unique organization and what is defined as high value work.
1. Can it impair your ability as an organization to plan and implement transformation and change?
2. Does it impact on staff wellbeing – physically and mentally?
3. Can it negatively impact on staff performance and the workforce being able to reach potential?
4. Will it reduce team morale over time?
5. Can it impact on how long your most talented staff will stay?
6. Can it negatively impact on brand reputation?
7. Will it affect sales and ultimately profit?
8. Will it negatively impact on the quality of product and service taken to market?
9. Will it affect current relationships with customers and other business partners/collaborators?
10. Can it impact future growth within existing markets?
11. Can it impact on growth within potential markets?
So, to recap.
- Make the time to define what is high value work to your business and workforce now and in the coming 12 months.
- The questions you ask to help prioritize are always linked back into the outcomes and impact you want to achieve from high value work undertaken during transformation and change projects.
If you have an idea of what you want organization transformation and change to look like, but would like the insights, resources and personalized support to make it a reality, please reach out at kiikstart.com/contact or linkedin.com/company/17967585/admin
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