Leading with Value: Focus on End Users, Not Executive Demands, for Greater ROI
Aurelien MANGANO
Transforming Managers into Leaders with Clear Vision & Strategy to Execution | EQ, IKIGAI, Kokorozashi, Communication, NLP, Leadership, Executive Presence Expert | EVL? & CQLM? | CEO of DevelUpLeaders | Keynote Speaker
In the realm of project management and strategic initiatives, it's all too common to prioritize tasks based on the urgency and desires of executives.
What if we flipped the script and centered our efforts on the needs of the end-users?
What if, instead of catering to executive whims, we focused on capturing the real business case and maximizing value for all stakeholders?
Reimagining Prioritization
Imagine a scenario where initiatives are driven not by executive wills, but by the needs of the plenties—the end users whose daily tasks and experiences shape the success of the organization. Instead of hastily rushing to fulfill executive mandates, we take a step back to collect and capture the needs of the broader user base. By prioritizing initiatives that directly address these needs, we not only enhance user satisfaction but also drive tangible value for the company as a whole.
Some Statistics
According to Gallup, only 13% of employees worldwide are engaged at work. This low engagement rate often points to a significant disconnect between what executives and middle management believe employees need and what employees actually need to feel engaged and satisfied.
In a 2020 report, Deloitte found that while 80% of executives rated their employee experience as important or very important, only 22% believed their companies were excellent at building a differentiated employee experience. This suggests that executives recognize the importance but often overestimate their effectiveness in meeting employee needs.
HBR's research indicates that 58% of managers think they give enough feedback, but only 28% of employees agree. This discrepancy highlights a blind spot where middle management overestimates their communication effectiveness.
McKinsey found that 77% of executives believe they understand how their employees feel about major organizational changes, but only 55% of employees agree. This gap underscores the misalignment between executive perceptions and employee realities.
SHRM's findings show that while 72% of executives think their organizations provide a good work-life balance, only 50% of employees agree. This indicates a significant blind spot in understanding employee needs concerning work-life balance.
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Calculating Value
To prioritize initiatives effectively, we must go beyond subjective judgments and quantify the value they bring to the organization. This involves analyzing the frequency, duration, and cost of tasks performed by end users, as well as the potential cost of continuing to operate under existing conditions. By calculating the cost of solving the identified issues and estimating the value added by implementing solutions, we can objectively assess the return on investment (ROI) of each initiative.
Focusing on ROI
Rather than relying solely on executive sponsorship, we seek out sponsors who understand the importance of maximizing ROI and are willing to support initiatives that offer the highest Time Return On Investment. By aligning initiatives with strategic business objectives and prioritizing those that deliver the most significant value to both users and the organization, we ensure a higher ROI for all stakeholders involved.
Driving Sustainable Growth
Prioritizing value over executive wills not only leads to immediate improvements in user experience and operational efficiency but also lays the foundation for sustainable growth. By continuously seeking out and addressing the most important and pressing needs of end users, we foster a culture of innovation and responsiveness that enables the organization to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
In a world where executive directives often dictate the course of action, it's time to shift our focus to what truly matters: delivering value to the end users who drive the success of the organization. By prioritizing initiatives based on the needs of the plenties and maximizing ROI, we not only ensure a higher return on investment for the company but also create a more inclusive and user-centric environment where everyone benefits. It's time to prioritize value over executive wills and pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.
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