Why Systems Don’t Work

by | Business, Level Seven Principles, Principle of Creating Replication

22 years ago, I was on the forefront of an important conversation that was emerging within the business world. Specifically, it was a recognition that having systems was critical to building an effective business operation. And thus, the systems revolution, started.

Back then, people loved the notion and idea of ‘having systems’. But ‘having systems’ is not the answer.

Even today, most people lack understanding what ‘having systems’ in their business really means. I recall a conversation with a business owner who was proud of the fact that they had documented systems in their business and proudly pointed to them, dusty and unused in three-ringed binders, on his shelf in his office.

Tonya, a Certified Level 7 Implementation Specialists, once commented that you hear people talking about systems at conferences, workshops, Zoom calls, webcasts and anywhere people are talking about business, but the fact is there’s a vast amount of confusion of what it is to ‘have systems’ in the business.

And even more disconcerting is the fact that businesses struggle with how to do it effectively that will have positive impact on the business.

We want them, systems, because we believe they will make a difference, and they will, but we just don’t know how to do it effectively. That is where the tension exists!

Thinking that ‘having systems’ is the solution is the very reason why systems don’t really work.

Regardless, an effort is made and, in the best case scenarios, fall short of expectations because ‘having systems’ is vastly different than being Systems-Driven.

The Level 7 System is all about is creating a Systems-Driven Business which is vastly different than just having systems in your business.

Having a Systems-Driven business means that you have adopted the idea that the key to success in your business is dependent on the quality of your systems and, if you want to improve your business, you must improve your systems.

Let’s take a moment to discuss the second part of that quote. Specifically, if you want to improve your business, you must improve your systems. Having a systems-driven business creates an environment where you have quality, results producing documented systems that are used daily in the business. It also means that if something isn’t working, or you wish to improve something in your business, your company knows how to actively engage in improving the systems. This is the beginning of being a Systems-Driven business.

Having a Systems-Driven Business becomes THE WAY of doing business that gets results and ensures that your entire team is on the same page an actively supporting the process of building an extraordinary operation.

Here are some of the critical elements necessary to becoming a Systems-Driven Business.

1-     Installing the Systems Development Cycle is a fundamental part of the process. The Systems Development Cycle supports the reoccurring cycle of activity from the initial documentation of the systems, their periodic review or evaluation and the eventual innovation of the system when an improvement is required or beneficial.
2-     Systems have a clearly defined results statement.
3-     Systems performance must be measurable.
4-     Every system must have accountable operators that actually use the system.
5-     Innovation and improvement of systems must be organized and appropriate in their timing. No interrupt innovation allowed.
6-     Systems must be housed in an easy to locate and accessible place. People need to be able to find them.

When seeking to build a business that solves the problems that most business experience while fostering a high-growth and stable environment that provides certainty of sustainable, having documented systems is simply not enough. Building a Systems-Driven Business is the way to creating certainty of continual improvement in their business.

Interested in exploring how you can become a System-Driven Business? Click Here to schedule a 30-Minute Strategic Session to determine if your business is a good fit to become Systems-Driven.