Almost all of our clients give us a specific type of positive feedback which is almost always a variation on the following:
"We could have never done that without your input. You made us see the problem differently. You helped us find a simple solution we didn't know existed."
Here at CAP we're a pretty modest bunch, so we tend to humbly say thanks to these comments and then say no more about it. But a recent glut of positivity and appreciation from VCSE clients we're helping through the KCC Infrastructure Fund has made us try to decipher what it is that we do that is so different.
And after a fair bit of naval gazing and self-reflection, we realised that (in addition to years of experience of helping a diverse group of clients, having invested significantly in professional development and from our commitment to working in The CAP Way) our biggest client support tool was......plain ol' objectivity, or sticking to the evidence and taking the emotions out of the decision-making equation.
Objectivity refers to an unbiased and impartial approach, where facts and evidence are the basis for forming opinions or making judgments. It emphasizes the importance of removing personal biases and emotions to arrive at a more accurate and rational viewpoint.
External objectivity (or paying a stranger to come and take a peek behind the scenes of your organisation) can help both you and your organisation thrive by providing a clear, unbiased perspective that identifies areas for improvement, recognises strengths, fosters growth, and enhances decision-making. Here’s how:
1. Unbiased Feedback
Fresh Perspective: External objectivity offers a fresh, unbiased view of your organisation or business. Internal teams may be too close to the operation to spot inefficiencies or flaws, while an outsider can highlight issues without the baggage of internal politics or preconceived notions.
Constructive Criticism: Objective feedback often comes without emotional investment, which can make it easier to accept and act upon. This is particularly useful for business owners or charity leaders who might be emotionally attached to certain aspects of the business.
2. Identifying Blind Spots
Spotting Hidden Issues: An external view can help uncover blind spots that might otherwise be missed, such as inefficiencies in operations, untapped market opportunities, or risks that have been overlooked. It ensures that your business isn't limited by internal perspectives alone.
Challenge Assumptions: External experts or consultants can challenge the status quo and assumptions that may have become ingrained in your company’s culture, allowing you to explore new approaches and strategies. We often use the 'Stupid Boy, Pike' approach in these sometimes tense situations, by asking very direct, yet simple questions that strike right to the heart of the problem, but we ask them in a very innocent way.
3. Improved Decision-Making
Data-Driven Insights: Objective external parties, such as consultants or analysts, often bring data-driven insights that provide a solid foundation for decision-making. This helps reduce the emotional bias that sometimes influences strategic decisions.
Balanced Judgement: External objectivity can offer a balanced judgement in times of conflict or confusion, guiding businesses toward making better, fact-based decisions. We often help facilitate (or more accurately mediate) static organisations into action this way.
4. Benchmarking and Best Practices
Industry Standards: External advisors or auditors can help you benchmark your performance against industry standards, ensuring your business stays competitive. They can bring in best practices and innovations from other sectors or companies that you may not be aware of.
Global Viewpoint: An external viewpoint may also give you access to global trends and innovations, helping your business or organisation adapt to changes in the industry or consumer behaviour.
5. Crisis Management
Neutral Perspective in Crisis: In times of crisis or conflict, an external, objective viewpoint can help de-escalate situations by providing neutral recommendations. This helps to ensure that the crisis is managed effectively without internal biases getting in the way.
Strategic Advice: An external party can offer strategic advice in challenging times, helping you pivot or adapt in ways that may not be immediately obvious from an internal standpoint.
6. Enhances Accountability
Performance Audits: Regular external reviews, audits, or evaluations can hold your organisation accountable for meeting its goals and objectives. This level of scrutiny can help you stay on track and ensure continuous improvement. It can also support organisations to turn around failing projects or services.
Transparent Reporting: An external auditor or consultant can ensure that your reports and metrics are truly reflective of the business’s health, preventing any internal manipulation or misinterpretation of data.
7. Growth and Expansion
Scaling Advice: External experts who have experience of growing organisations can provide objective advice on how to grow or expand your operations. They can assess whether your organisation is ready for growth and what steps are necessary for successful expansion.
Partnerships and Collaboration: External objective reviews can also help you identify potential partnerships, alliances, or collaborations that might not have been considered internally but could drive significant growth. CAP's broad network is available to every person or organisation we work with - we've built a strong network so you can benefit from it.
So, in conclusion, if you're struggling to make a decision, don't know why a project is failing, have an organisational blindspot or just need an organisational kick-start........go on, ask a stranger what they think. You'll be surprised what they come up with!
Either that or commission CAP Enterprise to come and help you out for only £345 per day! You have the answers - we help you find them.
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