When it comes to projects in the manufacturing, processing, or construction industries, there are many moving parts at any given time. Overall, this is the sign of a healthy project, but only if the various factors and components are working in unison. This is where the concept of improving organizational effectiveness comes into play.
Organizational effectiveness is a gauge of the pulse of a project, making sure its various moving parts are aligned to attain whatever goal or result the business has established. Companies in the food, pharma, and parcel industries have a lot of factors and variables at play at any given time, whether they are currently undergoing a particular project or simply moving through the day-to-day operations. And since organizational effectiveness is the system by which these processes stay on track, then the focus for the business quickly becomes improving organizational effectiveness, a task which everyone is responsible for. So how can this be achieved?
Measuring Organizational Effectiveness
As mentioned, organizational effectiveness is a concept that measures how effectively a business, industry, operation (or any productive entity) reaches its organizational goals. This is achieved by assessing and highlighting an organization’s performance and considering everything from internal processes to leadership development, talent management, the organization’s structure, and many other factors.
Furthermore, just as each industry or project is unique with its own set of end-goals and specific procedures, measuring organizational effectiveness is not done the same across the board. Each industry or business looking to improve its organization’s effectiveness should do so to best align with its organizational goals and culture.
What Do Organizational Effectiveness Consultants Do?
As the saying goes, “it’s always best to get an expert opinion,” and that’s precisely what organizational efficiency consultants provide. On a basic level, organizational effectiveness consultants work with project leaders and teams to not only identify their strategic goals and objectives, but also to help establish a path toward reaching these goals. Additionally, since some aspects of a project require different procedures and scopes of work, and different teams carry out various objectives, an organizational effectiveness consultant will help put a strategy in place that aligns these goals, so that all parts of the project or business are working toward the same larger end-goal.
The role is similar to that of an operations consultant, which provides outside expertise toward various business or industry optimization initiatives. These professionals evaluate operations, assess the utilization of resources, and assist in the development and implementation of improved strategies.
What are 5 Strategies that Improve Organizational Effectiveness?
There is not a single best approach to improving organizational effectiveness, but there are best practices to consider. As mentioned, organizational efficiency consultants assist in developing and implementing strategies that are unique to each business or project, but this doesn’t mean there is no room for familiar methods of approach. Here are a handful of strategies that provide a good basis for improving organizational effectiveness.
- Consult with HR
The operation and strategy of a particular project are not all about the processes and workflow. Building a strategy from the ground up is essential, which means hearing the insight from HR teams. HR teams understand certain factors such as worker personnel, morale, hiring, and insights and help design new business strategies. Implementing strategies that consider these insights will bode well for a business.
- Be clear about goals and objectives
Improving organizational effectiveness is not a switch that can be turned on. It is the establishing of new processes and considerations. While some of these processes might be similar (or extensions of) processes that are currently in place, some might be entirely new. If these new processes or workflow parameters are not clearly defined and established, it can lead to confusion.
- Open lines of communication
Improving organizational effectiveness across a business or project takes time, and there are going to be questions along the way. These questions, however, aren’t just going to be geared toward the organizational effectiveness consultant, but also to leaders, managers, contractors, HR, and just about everyone involved in the project. Therefore, clear lines of communication need to be established and kept open.
- Be flexible
Establishing news goals and procedures that are measurable is only part of the process for improving organizational effectiveness. These metrics will be looked at throughout the process, and decisions will have to be made pending the results. The important thing to remember is that these strategies are not always fool proof, and sometimes adjustments have to be made.
- Don’t lose sight of the big picture
Bringing an organizational effectiveness consultant on board is a step in the right direction when it comes to improving operational efficiency, but this doesn’t mean handing over the keys to the kingdom. Businesses are built on values and goals, and their leaders and workers identify with the roles they play. It is important not to lose sight of the overall business objectives, and remember the reason for bringing an organizational effectiveness consultant on board in the first place. Rather than thinking of this expert as a “temporary,” think of them instead as a fresh set of eyes who can assist the business in reaching its intended goals.
Contact the Experts at EAD Today
There is a lot to consider when it comes to implementing new strategies to improve organizational effectiveness, but the experts at EAD have you covered. Make sure your business is on track to reach your goals.