5 ways to focus on results instead of process

One of the great lessons I learned as a submarine officer was how to focus on results.

On a nuclear submarine, the crew performs many tasks to keep the ship on mission. With the exception of those jobs where split-second errors can cause massive problems (e.g. the nuclear reactor operator, the helmsman, the planesman), jobs on a submarine are performed with little direct supervision.

A big reason for this is metrics, reported via logs. The crew is trained to know what to look for in those logs, and each supervisor understands what the logs are telling him. By focusing on results, and through periodic observation, leaders can ensure that the ship will succeed in its mission. Micromanaging is impossible given the staffing level.

In comparison, most small business owners focus primarily on their processes, not their results. If you ask those owners, they’ll assert that they do focus on results.

So, why the disconnect with reality, and how do you fix it? Read the rest at The Business Journals.