The 6 Principles for Effectiveness

Effectiveness means producing desired results. In this way, so long as a business manager plans effectively to reach the desired results, the business will grow. In collaboration with Dr. Heinz Palasser, we developed 6 Principles for Effectiveness for RBI Group Marketing. Here’s what we came up with together: 

1. Be results-oriented

Being results-oriented means precisely defining the expected result before starting to work towards it. Before you start a task, ask yourself what the desired outcome should be. Being results-oriented also means learning from your mistakes and improving continuously. To do so, and to make things happen, it is also vital to embrace change. 

Example:

Manage expectations from the beginning: Is it more important to have the best process in place or to reach your goal as fast as possible? 

2. Contribute to the whole

If you delegate a task, explain why it is important and how it contributes to the success of your company. If you receive a task, be aware of this contribution to the whole. It’s important that everyone in the company understands the big picture. Transparency and communication play a major role here. 

Example:

Explain your team why some tasks are important for the company, even if they seem less important for them as individuals (Why do we do it? Whom is it for? What should be the result?).

3. Find your strength

Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and accept that they do not always correlate with what you like. While the aim is that you have a good share of tasks that you like, sometimes you need to do what you are good at, even if it is not your favorite thing to do. Every individual in a team has their own strengths and weaknesses, and in the best case, they complement each other.

Example:

Agree with your team that everyone should focus on their strengths and try to further develop them. After all, that’s what they can control and use to their advantage.

4. Focus on your priorities

Accept that you cannot do everything and focus on the important things. Remember: If you focus on everything, you focus on nothing. A good rule of thumb is to keep things between the magic numbers 5 and 9 (tasks, agenda points, etc.)

Example:

We use OKRs to keep our focus on the big things and to actively prioritize what’s important and urgent.

5. Build your trust

Successful business requires collaboration and teamwork. For team relationships to work well, we need high levels of trust. Trust is usually given in advance and if it holds true, we call it reliability.

Example:

Lead by example! Guide others through your behavior instead of worlds. Someone who leads by example can expect to receive trust and respect from their team.

6. Think positive

While it is just human to complain sometimes, it will reduce your energy and not lead to a solution either. Try to stay positive and look for solutions instead of complaining. Positive thinking can make you a better problem-solver and helps you reach your goals. A positive mindset can transform your entire life.

Example:

If there is something that bothers you, talk about it to the person that can help you improve the situation, rather than just complaining about it to a coworker.