EP34 Building a systems lead business with David Jenyns

The conversation explores the importance of systems and processes in businesses, with a focus on the book 'Systemology' by David Jenyns. The main themes include the definition of systems and processes, the ideal businesses for systemization, the role of systems in reducing dependency on individuals, and the starting point for systemization in a business. The conversation also touches on the balance between systemization and creativity, the value of capturing tasks and processes, and the role of a systems champion in larger organizations. In this conversation, Mike Scott and David Jenyns discuss the importance of having a single point of accountability for systemization in a business. They emphasize the need for someone who has the most knowledge about a particular system to be responsible for documenting it. They also discuss the challenge of getting people to follow systems and offer strategies for overcoming resistance. David explains that Systemology is different from other process improvement methodologies because it focuses on capturing and making processes repeatable, rather than improving them. He encourages business owners to fall in love with the results that systems and processes bring to the organization.

Takeaways

• Clear and timely reporting on numbers and metrics is essential for businesses.
• Strong systems and processes can solve reporting problems and reduce dependency on individuals.
• Systemology is a valuable resource for understanding and implementing effective systems.
• The definition of systems and processes can vary, but they are interchangeable for the purposes of this discussion.
• Systemization works best in small to mid-sized businesses with involved business owners.
• Building a systems-driven culture is important for long-term success.
• Systems are the most valuable asset in a business, as they are not dependent on individuals.
• Systemization should aim to create consistent outcomes and cultivate a systems-driven culture.
• Systemization is not about over-optimization, but about capturing the most probable outcomes.
• Great talent is important, but businesses should not rely solely on individuals.
• Systemization can increase the value of a business and reduce risk.
• The starting point for systemization is to record and capture tasks and processes.
• Creating a culture of recording and documenting tasks is crucial.
• In larger organizations, a systems champion can drive the systemization process.
• The role of a systems champion is to make it easier for team members to document and capture processes. Having a single point of accountability is crucial for successful systemization in a business.
• The person with the most knowledge about a system should be responsible for documenting it.
• Resistance to following systems can be overcome by celebrating wins, showcasing successes, and recruiting team members who are receptive to the systems-driven approach.
• Systemology focuses on capturing and making processes repeatable, rather than improving them.
• Business owners should fall in love with the results that systems and processes bring to the organization.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Common Problems in Businesses

01:33
Introduction to Systemology and Guest Introduction

03:32
Defining Systems and Processes

09:13
Reducing Dependency on Individuals through Systemization

15:04
Building a Systems-Driven Culture

19:19
Systemization: From Survival to Sellable

23:15
Star

Find out more about working with me. mike@smbmastery.com.au or https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeadamscott/