Creating a W.A.R. (With All Resources)

Exciting Results for Your Biggest Business Challenge

I have been asked, “George, how have you been able to achieve immediate impact with teams?” My military experience has helped me tremendously with the ability to get in quickly, understand the challenges, prioritize the key results—and then rally the entire organization around a common goal. One of those is creating W.A.R.s in organizations. 

 Given the challenges in business today, it’s a wonder you can decide where to start. And just as important is what process you use: 8-D, 5-Whys, Process Map, Lean Strategy, etc. What about a W.A.R.? I learned in my military days that if you create a W.A.R.; With All Resources— ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Remember I’m an experienced veteran of boots on the ground in Desert Storm—so just like a War, you need a common focus (One Big Business Challenge). With a cross-functional team (like having your own Special Forces), and a clearly defined 8-week process, you reach incredible improvement with a clear path to sustainable success. No stone is left unturned when you have increasable support throughout the company and/or department.  

Results like this can be achieved in 8 weeks:

• $1.2 million in Past Due to the customer
• 143% improvement in On-Time Delivery
• 51% Reduction in Employee Turnover in a post-pandemic environment (proven)
• 36% growth plan in year one (proven)

Good news is that this process can accomplish more—in 1) bringing a culturally challenged company together, 2) increased employee engagement ten-fold, and 3) used in multiple companies set each on a “True North.” We focus on the DMAIC (it’s a Lean Six Sigma) process as one of the tools, however, it focuses on culture (at the core), breaking down silos, increasing cross-functional collaboration, in 8 weeks the results: INCREDIBLE SUCCESS.

The group comes together; we agree on the biggest challenge, for example, Past Due. We then break down the functional areas and identify the potential causes of that Past Due. You create a problem statement: Our $1.2 million in past due is of concern to our business and customers.  Let me tell you, it’s never one Silver Bullet.  

Each DMAIC group creates its Problem statement as to how it supports the overall problem. That’s when the team goes to work, using as many tools as possible and resources to:

·        Define the problem in their area, 

·        Measure the problem, on all fronts (again no stone left unturned,

·        Analyze the Data—what tells you the root cause, 

·        Improve those root causes, and

·        Control (most important) those things put in place to sustain, and an escalation path when trends go in the wrong direction.

After 8 weeks, you achieve results like the above, with a follow-up week of Lessons Learned, to apply to your next W.A.R. It’s simple, clear, and understood by all, and engages the entire company/team. It also creates accountability, team weekly report-outs, and escalation paths to ensure no one fails. Comradery, Collaboration, and Celebration are emphasized. In one year, you can have four major accomplishments that are transformative to the overall business. Want to know more about creating a W.A.R. in your own business, connect with me, and watch for the summer launch of my new book “IGNITE-RETAIN-ENGAGE” that outlines the W.A.R. process in more detail.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

George Murray is a Global Operations, Supply Chain Leader & Army Veteran | Award-winning Author: HIRED: CUT YOUR CAREER SEARCH TIME IN HALF | George’s Why: To inspire business owners and professionals to go from where they are today to where they want to be tomorrow and #getbetter A keynote speaker, training and workshops on career, job transition, business transformation. George is self-described as Tenaciously Optimistic.