Models

"The Cube is, at the same time, a symbol of simplicity and complexity" - Erno Rubik

Models

I recently had an interesting conversation with someone who told me that they didn’t like models in business, but had found my use of them very helpful.

I don’t want you to think that I’m using this newsletter as a way to stroke my ego, but I believe the point that was being made was that I used models in an accessible and relevant way.

Perhaps this is opposed to the way that they can sometimes be used: to make the user of them sound smart (smarter than they are, maybe).

Or maybe not. This person can let me know whether I’m right or not once they’ve read this newsletter. (Another ego thing; why do I assume that they will read this?)

Anyway, I think that models, when used appropriately, are wonderful things. The important point in that last sentence is when used appropriately.

Before we go any further, let’s just describe what I mean by models for the purpose of this article.

Of course, I don’t mean literal, physical models like the Airfix ones that I used to build and hang from my bedroom ceiling.

I also don’t mean it in the terms of a fashion or glamour model (that’s a post for my other newsletter*)

a representation of how to go about doing something

You’re all professional people, so you know that I mean the type of thing that is a representation of how to go about doing something, particularly in a business environment.

Here are three things that put people off models:

1. They can sound highfalutin or pompous – often people with big egos and a low capacity to communicate effectively use models to try and elevate their image in the eyes of others

2. They can be over-simplistic – real-life is complex, especially when people are involved (and people are always involved). Models can run the risk of making things sound too easy or unrealistic.

3. They can be taken literally – I’m going to reference Peter Senge’s quote “the map is not the territory”. However, there is a risk that people see the map as the territory and then find all the reasons that the model isn’t accurate and throw the whole thing out on this basis.

The map is not the territory

So what is good about models? Well, here are three things to get you going:

- They provide clarity & structure which is helpful for articulating complex things in a more understandable way

- They support effective and efficient decision-making by providing guard rails and shortcuts

- They help maintain the focus on the right things and minimise the risk of drifting away from what should be core.

Love them or hate them, models exist and have a useful role to play, when wielded appropriately. And in a final boost to my ego I can claim credit to converting at least one person on this planet to a more positive view of them.

*Of course I don’t have a newsletter on this topic – it got taken down by the LinkedIn police.

How I Can Help You?

If you are an HR leader in an SME there are a number of ways that I can help you:

1. I run a group coaching programme focussing on HR strategy in smaller businesses. You can find out more about this here.

2. I also do one-to-one coaching and mentoring for new and aspiring HR leaders in SMEs. Book in a chat here if you would like to know more about this.

3. Company culture is a topic very close to my heart and an area that I’ve done a lot of work in. If you need help or guidance with establishing or changing your culture then book in a call here.