Management Tip of the Day: 3 Ways to Improve Performance Without a Re-Org

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 2, 2010 3 Ways to Improve Performance Without a Re-Org More than half of CEOs reorganize their companies during their first two years on the job. For many, these re-orgs are a way to address breakdowns in execution and decision making. Yet, most re-orgs don't fulfill their intentions, and some make the situation worse. Instead of changing your company structure, consider doing one of these three things to address the issues that commonly spur re-orgs: Define decision-making roles. Breakdowns in decision making can often be the result of confusing responsibilities. Simply clarifying who decides what and with whom can eliminate critical bottlenecks. Improve information. Specify upfront what information is required to make a decision. Know what type of data will be most easily processed and digested. Change the people. If the above two don't make things better, it may be that you have a talent issue. Be sure you have the right people in the right roles, and bring in new talent if you must. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "The Right Time to Re-Org" by Michael C. Mankins. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Picking the Right Transition Strategy Harvard Business Review Article Leaders in transition reflexively rely on the strategies that worked for them in the past. That's a mistake, says Michael Watkins, whose research shows that executives moving into new roles must gain a deep understanding of the situation at hand and adapt to it. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Create Great Strategy with Stories, Not Plans Win the Sale by Winning Your Customer's Heart 3 Ways to Bring Out the Best in Your People Take One Minute to Control Your Temper 3 Ways to Manage Clashing Leadership Styles 3 Tips for Achieving Short-Term Career Goals How to Craft the Job You Want 3 Elements to Include in Your Next Change Campaign 3 Tips for Resolving a Conflict with Your Coworker How to Ask for a Reference Letter BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)