Unintended Consequences

"Be careful what you measure, because you may actually get it." In this video blog, Martin Ramsay counters conventional wisdom that says you should measure what you hope to accomplish.

There is truth in the idea of measuring what you expect to achieve, that you should "inspect what you expect." But sometimes the result has unintended consequence. Using a very real example from a CEATH Company manufacturing client, Martin suggests that measurements that are not extremely well thought out do not always achieve the desired goal and instead, drive organizational behavior toward something than is unintended, even counterproductive.



Be sure to use the cloud of tags to the right to find other related videos. For example, The Catfish Principle discusses being clear about your organization's purpose and Is Your Mission Your North Star? points out the role of an organization's mission in achieving its goals.

Be sure and check out Martin's previous blog entries.

Sponsored by CEATH Company.

Efficiency and Effectiveness

This is the second of a two-part series about processes. In this video blog, Martin Ramsay ask whether efficiency is the same a effectiveness in a process. The answer is "no" -- the two are not the same. Martin explains why, which leads to a discussion again about the importance of purpose and knowing where your processes are going.



This video blog is part two of two parts. Review Video Blog 20 for a discussion of processes in general and the components that go into making a process.

Also, be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.

Sponsored by CEATH Company.

Is Your Mission Your North Star?

In this video blog, Martin Ramsay asks a fundamental question: is your mission your north star? In other words, does your mission statement guide your organization in times of crisis, or when an important strategic decision needs to be made?

If the answer is, "Not really," or even, "I'm not sure," then maybe it is time to take a hard look at your mission statement. If your mission statement doesn't guide you through the rough waters of organizational change, then perhaps it isn't providing a mission for you at all.



If your organization's culture is not to use your mission statement to guide you in making the tough calls, then either you need a new mission statement, or you need to get back to what really matters for your organization. You need to find your organization's "Catfish Principle."

Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.

Sponsored by CEATH Company.

The Catfish Principle

The "catfish principle" is being very clear about your organization's purpose.

In earlier blogs, Martin Ramsay has discussed the importance of knowing where you're going, of having a vision for the future, of being clear about your organizational mission. While traveling on business in central Florida, Martin and his wife, the fabulous redhead, stumbled across a locally owned restaurant that demonstrates this concept clearly. The Catfish Place in Kissimmee, Florida is very clear about its purpose, and states that purpose right on its menu.

Watch this video blog to see the "catfish principle" in action.



Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.

Sponsored by CEATH Company.

Mental Models

Martin Ramsay discusses the importance of "mental models." Mental models are the models, the ways of thinking about things, that people carry around inside their heads. The way they view reality, through the filter of their mental model, greatly affects behavior and the way people are able to interact and get work done. Working hard to understand people's mental models is an important thing to do. People are often not aware of their own mental models and often end up talking past each other as a result. The role of a consultant, either internal or external, it to work to bring these mental models out into the open to increase understanding.



This video blog focuses on the use of mental models in organizational change and the importance of describing a mental model for the future, for where the organization is going. The result is often called a mission statement or a vision statement; at their heart, mission and vision statements are mental models made public.

Be sure and check out earlier blog entries from the list on the right.

Sponsored by CEATH Company.