Execution and Consistency

We could be referring to lethal injection or just the process of getting things done. We could also be referring to the viscosity of a liquid or the regularity with which something is accomplished in a particular manner. Really, we are just discussing the frightening lack of both general execution and consistency in meeting standards. Things like distributing the payroll budget, writing work schedules by the due date, and holding communication meetings seem simple. Not so. Whether I work with 90 locations or 16, you would think that these expectations are akin to lethal injection. Even more interesting, the vast number of excuses provided for not doing these things. My favorites include: I was waiting for a budget increase, schedules are done and I'll review them next week, and we communicated, I left them all notes somewhere on the desk. What will it take to get folks to do what is expected and do it regularly? One way is the "informational meeting" held every week for managers that aren't meeting standards, usually held after they have worked a full shift that day. Another is the "training call", held every week for those not meeting expectations usually held at an inconvenient time of day. These meetings or calls include a fun shout out section, where there is an opportunity to explain why we suck and how we will suck less next week. For the bosses trying to fix the execution and consistency issues, it is like the show "Grounded for Life". We are on punishment until our teams learn how to do their job correctly or accrue enough documentation to be invited to become a valued customer. I welcome any input that would increase the time to effectiveness for these efforts. It would be nice to get the viscosity closer to cake than batter.