1. All consulting assignments start with the key question: Are we shooting the right target?
Exhibit 1: Clear problem definition is the focal point of every assignment
Simmtex initiates every client assignment by challenging his definition of the problem he wants to solve. Without clear understanding where the client is today (the current state), and what problem we are trying to solve, Simmtex cannot define the future state of the client business which is better than the current state. We start by asking the following vital scoping questions:
- Which problem(s) are we solving?
- How shall we measure the progress?
- Can we set “SMART” targets?
- Who are the key decision makers and sponsors of the initiative?
Without clear scoping of every assignment, it is not possible to pursue a meaningful solution.
2. Start with the “SMART” targets
Target Setting & Success Criteria enables performance management and clear measure of the client success. Simmtex can help in defining the right metrics and in challenging the targets relative to the client ambition.
Simmtex is a client performance driven consultancy. We start every client journey by setting the “SMART” targets first. A “SMART” target is:
- Simple
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Time limited
“SMART” targets enable the client and Simmtex to talk the common language right from the start of the assignment. Any change starts when the client’s leadership is ready to recognise the need to change, and also by them having an inner gut feeling that the change is inevitable. Successful businesses have one thing that is constant - change. Change management requires tools and processes in place in order to be able to formulate and follow a structured, disciplined, and purposeful change management project leading to a future state that delivers better performance than the current state. Simmtex has the know how to enable the client to succeed in its journey of change.
Exhibit 2: Three enablers of Business Improvement
3. Your success is our success
Simmtex will join forces with the client on a joint journey of the client success. Simmtex can help the client with creation of an extended vision beyond everyday reality, which sets the foundation for the “SMART” targets as a representation of the future state of the client business. The change management part is where Simmtex utilises the experience of its partner network in enabling the client to withstand the challenges and prevail in its journey of success. The soft part of the change journey is the key: how to develop a self-belief at all levels in the organisation, remain persistent when it is difficult, become accustomed to the ever-changing environment, set the direction top down but also expect actions and initiatives to follow from the bottom up. Simmtex possess the project leadership and on-the-job coaching know-how to help the client to prevail in this journey. Simmtex will not leave the client at the first measurable glimpse of success: the natural end to our involvement in the client project is when we set the client to a journey of continuous success.
Exhibit 3: Ambition to change initiates success
4. Business Change Program must strike the balance between the soft and the hard targets
Successful change management initiatives must have two key dimensions:
- Behavioural (soft) change
- Economic (hard) measurable improvement
Both are equally important and support each other in creating a balanced approach to managing the change.
Exhibit 4: Balancing between soft and hard targets drives change management results