PICK SMART Improvements

Contractors will never have enough resources to solve all problems or take advantage of every opportunity they face.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
D. Brown Management
June 23, 2018 2 minute read
Share
Leadership Tools: P.I.C.K S.M.A.R.T. Improvements.

There are a couple tools that can be used to align the team around the best utilization of resources:

PICK Chart:

  • Brainstorm the potential improvements with a cross-functional team.  This is about creating alignment as much as prioritization.  
  • Consolidate your list down into a manageable number of items - no more than 20.
  • “Force Rank” them first in order of impact highest to lowest then on execution risk to distribute them into the four quadrants.  This is harder than it seems. Try having several people do it independently then discuss and decide.  
  • Think about this as a tool that is continuously used - what might be in the “Kill” or “Challenge” categories today may be in the “Implement” category in a few months. 

SMART Improvements:

  • Starting in the “Implement” quadrant begin identifying specific improvements that can be made within the next 1-30 days.  
  • Your focus is on making progress towards your goal - beginning to climb the mountain.  Your whole path will become clearer as you start the climb.  
  • If the improvement item is too big break it down making it more specific.  
  • Set a regular weekly meeting rhythm to review progress, identify new items, adjust and keep climbing.

This seems easier than it actually is and it takes a lot of energy to keep progress moving forward.  As you gain momentum with the team you can continue to refine the process.  

The Capability and Market Balance (The Chicken or Egg Dichotomy)
Sustainable growth for contractors requires balancing capabilities and capacity with the available market. Like balancing on the toes of one foot, balance is not a static relaxed state. It requires focus, continuous adjustments, and deliberate practice.
Related Article
Lessons from the 9th Grade
At the beginning our our lives, careers and businesses we can get into an extremely comfortable position with someone else taking nearly 100% of the responsibility. Someone else tells us what to do, how to do it and when it needs to be done by.
Related Article
7 Major Stakeholder Groups in Ownership Transitions
As contractors plan for ownership transitions, there are seven major stakeholder groups that will sometimes have competing wants and needs that must be identified and brought into alignment.
Related Article