It’s January 2018. People everywhere have ushered in the new year and are generally in good spirits. Regardless of their resolutions, they’ve made all kinds of plans to make it a great and successful year. To achieve this all-important goal, it is paramount to have a beacon: a distant yet clearly visible point that you’re sailing towards. It so happens that this is also the case in Visual Management. Allow us to explain!
Towards the lighthouse with captain and crew
Ameland, one of the Dutch Wadden Islands, is traditionally characterized by its distinctive lighthouse. Historically, it has served as a beacon for sailors coursing towards their destination. A landmark throughout the seasons and tides, the lighthouse has provided both captains and their crews with a bright spot on the horizon that gave them something to hold onto – a prerequisite for turbulent journeys. Because of the lighthouse, they knew the main directions: where they came from and where they were going. Subsequently, good maps and solid teamwork were required to reach their destination.
Visual Management: sailing the right organizational course
When guiding and managing an organization, you need an annual objective that you strive towards throughout the year. Such an overarching goal encompasses all aspects: from KPIs to team building activities such as the summer barbecue. At the start of the year, you basically embark a ship to sail towards your beacon, or end goal. Along the way, however, you need to get the team on board – whether it’s your Sales, Finance, Logistics, or Customer Service Department.
Two things are crucial here. First, keep in mind that your organization is one of a kind. To draw a parallel, Ameland’s lighthouse has its own rhythm and light which set it apart from other lighthouses. Second, it is important to communicate in the right way. Through Visual Management, you can set a final goal and subsequently determine smaller steps that will appeal to your employees. By showing each department and employee relevant information at the right time in the right (visual!) form, you will get everyone on board. This allows you to sail a solid organizational course – like a true captain and his committed crew!
Would you like to deploy Visual Management to define your overarching goal as well as in-between steps? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to perform a Quick Scan and discuss your opportunities.