Context of an Organisation – Addressing the Issues
Ian Erskine — Managing Director & CEO, ACI Global & E-Quip
ACI Podcast Episode 92: In this Episode Ian Erskine, Managing Director and CEO of ACI Global and E-Quip, draws on more than 40 years of experience working with organisations and people to explore a simple but often overlooked question: how well do organisations really understand and address their Issues? The conversation looks at the context of an organisation and why Issues should be identified and dealt with as they arise, rather than being allowed to develop into foreseeable Risks. Ian explains that an Issue is something happening now that requires attention and action, while a Risk is something that may happen in the future. Too often, an Issue is ignored, and it is only when the consequences appear that people recognise the Risk that was already there.
A central theme of the discussion is Issues and the importance of paying attention to what is happening around us. Ian looks at how simple observation, common sense and good organisational culture can make a real difference. His approach of Observation, Assessment, Act, Monitor and Evaluate provides a practical way of dealing with Issues before they become bigger problems. An Issues Log, together with regular reviews of the organisation’s internal and external context and PESTLE factors, can help people see what is changing and what needs attention. Strategy and policies are important, but they only work when people understand them and put them into practice. Regularly reviewing areas such as people, health and wellbeing, quality, environment, information and data helps keep the organisation focused on what really matters.
Ultimately, Ian’s message is about People and creating an organisation where people feel able to speak up, use their judgement and act when something does not look right. Good governance and due diligence should take account of Issues, organisational values, culture, knowledge and the way people work together. Regularly reviewing Vision, Mission and Values can help keep an organisation moving in the right direction and focused on sustained success. Through ACI Global and initiatives such as the 360 Professional Development Review (PDR) Profile and Continuous Professional Development, Ian continues to emphasise the importance of developing people and capability. The message is straightforward: deal with the Issue before it becomes a Risk. Are Issues avoidable, are Risks foreseeable, and just how surprised do you really want to be?
Comments
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts.