Episode Description:
This episode focuses on practical strategies to tackle bottlenecks effectively. By prioritizing one bottleneck at a time, brainstorming solutions with your team, and testing ideas systematically, you can resolve issues without adding complexity. We also discuss how fixing one area can often lead to improvements across the board, streamlining your business naturally.

Key Discussion Points.

1. Focusing on One Bottleneck:

   • Narrowing Down: The team suggests choosing one bottleneck to work on, as addressing a single issue can sometimes relieve multiple bottlenecks.

   • Collaboration: It's crucial for team members to work on the same bottleneck simultaneously to avoid counterproductive efforts.

2. Avoiding Overwhelm:

   • Incremental Problem Solving: Rather than attacking multiple bottlenecks at once, experiment with one solution at a time.

   • Illustration: This approach is likened to adjusting a car's air conditioning gradually, rather than changing all settings at once.

3. Brainstorming Solutions:

   • Collecting Ideas: The team emphasizes brainstorming solutions with a team to create a list of possible strategies.

   • Testing Strategies: After selecting an initial strategy, test and refine based on results, layering additional strategies only if needed.

4. Working Sequentially in ACDC:

   • Identifying the Root Cause: Analyze the business in reverse order if needed (Collect, Deliver, Convert, Attract) to pinpoint where the initial bottleneck is truly impacting operations.

   • Continuous Flow: Each stage (Attract, Convert, Deliver, Collect) supports the next, creating a cyclical system that should be regularly monitored.

5. Using Dashboards for Monitoring:

   • Regular Meetings: Weekly dashboard reviews are recommended to track performance and bottlenecks.

   • Ownership Viewpoint: For owners stepping back from daily operations, dashboards offer a "pulse check" on the business's health.

6. Setting Up a Dashboard:

   • Start Small: New dashboards should focus on one or two metrics per ACDC category to avoid overwhelming the team.

   • Decision-Centric Metrics: Only track metrics that directly aid decision-making. Avoid excessive data that doesn’t provide immediate insight into bottlenecks or efficiency.

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If you're a business owner struggling with bottlenecks or dashboards, Lia and Briar are available for discovery calls to help you balance your team and optimize your business. Visit Our Services page for more information on how to work with us.