The Excellence Conference 2007

Conference Thoughts from Vision Alignment Partners

It was a pleasure to sponsor Public Sector Excellence 2007 and to meet so many delegates.

We heard a number of thought provoking views, challenges and successes from the platform. Here's what we took out of it:

Two refreshing view points from the centre ...

Aspirational Targets: the idea that targets shouldn't be a pass/fail exam but should stretch us to achieve - was so good to hear - as was a six fold reduction in targets and an understanding that not all matter equally to each organisation - pass/fail targets suppress innovation and progress, aspirational targets can inspire it.

Portability of Best Results: equally positive was the suggestion of portability of best results - "maybe you could achieve this too and here is a way of doing it that worked for them and may or may not help you" - again aspirational, flexible and with understanding that "one size doesn't fit all".

... after an era of mindless pass/fail targets and imposed standardised "best" practice.

Some interesting outside perspectives ...

Systems Thinking: the possibility of extraordinary results if you take the time to think about the organisation as a system and organise transactional processes against demand - from a transformational point of view it makes sense to see if the processes add any value first!

Power of the Future: the need to think in the longer term, be open minded and ask "what would we do if the future looked like this" - plus the power of applying it to today and doing a Shell "if we may have to do it so much cheaper/better then what is stopping us doing it now".

... so much opportunity for step improvement, if only we think in different ways.

Models need Vision ...

Public Value: the model of Politically Authorised - Operationally Deliverable - Delivering Significant Public Value shows real promise and identifies the need to tick all three boxes. However, to avoid being driven by the problem of the day it needs a compelling vision at its centre.

Shared Vision: on that subject the idea that even taxi drivers in India have a clear vision of the future their nation is trying to create for their children - highlights for us the power of a compelling vision to align innovation, activity and behaviours

... to create alignment and drive success.

We enjoyed offering our clinic sessions as a chance to discuss a problem or opportunity. Our thanks to those who took up the offer - it certainly gave us an enjoyable challenge and from feedback provided benefit from another view point and a challenge to your thinking.

We think it is more valuable than an exhibition stand, but it is only valuable if you think so too - so tell us your thoughts.

Please remember if you now have a problem you want to explore in more detail we offer Taster Sessions in all our areas of expertise, all year round, not just at conference time.

To get in touch go to our Let's Talk page.

You need both compelling vision and alignment in all you do to drive real success.

Remember too that whatever you are trying to achieve - The Power is in the Thinking