Mix Models for traveler in Corporate Jungle - Part 1

Corporate presentation writers are fond of using jargon of mix - like 4P of marketing, 7S or creating new English acronyms like SWOT, SMART Goals. The answer to why is simple - they catch attention, are easy to remember and often successful in leaving a mark on the audience.

I thought of collating couple of interesting mix models I have used in my presentations. While most of these are inspired from writings of great authors and researchers, couple are from my corporate experience.

From the surface these may be regarded as mere jargon, however each combination in itself holds the true truths to achieve. Without further ado, I present Jargon which a traveler in Corporate Jungle would hear every other day.

• 3 Ts to achieve project goals:

1. Talent : Always have motivated talent around. Above the ladder, On the ladder & the ones holding the ladder
2. Technique: Never stop enhancing the techniques you use to deliver. Keep chiseling the processes, keep identifying better, faster and cost-effective techniques to build.
3. Tools: Always use finest of tools available. Train and motivate staff to use better tools to minimize human intervention and effort.

• 3 As to consider when we hire talent

1. Attitude: Every HR rule book will talk about it, however seldom hiring manager are able to look beyond the resume. I insist however to spend time with candidate to look for subtle clues on attitude. It's the attitude which brings in statements like "Give me a place to stand, and I will move the earth".
2. Aptitude: is inherent, though there are methods to actually improve and reach new highs. I recommend to see how good are real world problem solving and critical thinking skills person has.
3. Altitude: is something that is beyond halo effect, it's the real metal with which a person is made of. The technical acumen, the art and ease to address defines the altitude (=depth) of the person.

• 3 Goals for CEO: ABC = Attract Build Connect.

1. Attract Talent: This goal in itself  is large enough to consume new CEO's first 90 days on Job; keep him busy for most of his tenure. Great Talent on CEO's list wins all battles for him. CEOs who fail to attract and inspire talent fail too soon.
2. Build Visibility: Visibility of everything, transparency in everything being done, envisioned to be done and dreamed to be done.
3. Connect Clients: All CEOs know this goal and enjoy, however only when it's done with passion face to face it makes all the difference.

• 5 Step Transition Plan across shores.

1. Attach: Send probes (=talent with tools) across the shore and attach them close. The only task for them is to collect data and send it home.
2. Build: Bring & Build resources at home, across shore and around the ecosystem. Deep dive in data from probes and use hardened analytical techniques to formulate ahead strategy. Begin Advertising...
3. Convert: Convert both people & process for higher efficiency. Send enhanced probes further across the shore. Keep converting, deploy larger tool-set for deeper impact and flourish. Transition is complete by now.
4. Drive: Drive the culture of execution and getting things done. Bring in specialists, use data collated so far and establish models for larger than life goals.
5. Enhance:Enhance models driving excellence and building bases for next transitions. Add business values on both shores, enhance capabilities around, sharpen probes, reward, celebrate and get ready for next upcoming transition.

• The Real 5 Whys ?: These are actual 5 Whys, to which a traveler in corporate jungle must find answers. They define the reason for his existence, for his desire to move on and reach. 'Start with Why' is the first step on the journey of collective excellence.

1. Why Now ?: Is this the correct moment ? If Yes, then fire on all cannons.
2. Why Here ?: Is this the place where the mind is without fear and head is held high ? ~ Ref: Rabindranath Tagore. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitto_Jetha_Bhayshunyo
3. Why This ?: Is this what is actually desired ? Is this the real goal ?
4. Why Me ?: Am I the right person to accomplish and achieve, If not what/who is required ?
5. Why Not ?: This is what answers the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything. The "Why not?" clears the doubts and propels the function and person forward. Keep asking why not to move ahead.

• 6 Cs to form High Performance Culture:

1. Connect: with every individual on the team
2. Communicate: with passion, with enthusiasm - the reason,Answer WHYs, answer why it is so important deliver excellence, what are the differentiators, and how to achieve them.
3. Cross-train: for newer advanced tools, processes and technologies.
4. Cultivate: values, trust, energy.
5. Conclude: achievements.
6. Celebrate: with all on the floor. It's mandatory to establish sense of completion.

This is end of Part 1 of 3 part series. In part 2, I will Decode the code: Corporate Meetings and Townhalls.

You can follow me on twitter: @hirdug

This post was first published on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mix-models-traveler-corporate-jungle-part-1-hirdesh-gupta