Superperformance
The author considers the performance of ten organizations that represent a cross section of industries and makes a compelling presentation in which he explains why their long term performance is “super”. Here is the evidence:
Guerra’s explanation of this is developed through a discussion of 8 Rules. Here’s the first:
Rule 1 Process x Culture = Superperformance
- Process is associated with: Systems, Structures, Methods, Strategy
- Culture is associated with: Commitment, Values, Engagement, Inspiration
He explains that process and culture are polar-complements; “they oppose each other but also need each other for completion. Superperformers treat process and culture as dual hemispheres – two halves of one outperforming whole.” It is commonly accepted that business is perpetually disappointed by attempts to elevate performance with fad-flitting techniques de jour like TQM, empowerment, flattening the organization, customer focus, continuous improvement, and reengineering.
Alternatively, Superperforming organizations place equal attention to culture. From the Visible Applause perspective, this is the good stuff. Guerra writes: “Superperformers truly, genuinely care about their people. This deep regard for the spirit of the organization is nuclear in superperforming companies. It comes from deeply rooted company values and ideology. Every individual matters. Every job counts, regardless of its position in the organization chart” ( see our review of Soul of the Firm ). The result is that everyone knows what the company priorities are and feels a personal sense of ownership for the company and its success.
[ At Visible Applause, we salute Dave Guerra’s work and passion for superperformance and servant leadership … for more about Dave Guerra, his work and his book, go to www.corpusoptima.com. ]