Season 2 – Episode 010: The Magic Bullet This week, we discuss the often shortsighted cost-cutting measures companies adopt to hit their targets and the flawed logic behind these strategies. What might appear to be an immediate saving usually leads to more significant issues down the line. Instead of superficial cuts, we will explain the catch-all strategy to fix all your operational and financial woes. Are we snake-oil salesmen, or do we know the solution? Listen in and decide for yourself. To find out more, contact James, Jimmy. … [Read more...]
How Can Systems Thinking Help You?
Season 2 – Episode 9: Changing People's Thinking is Hard. With Rob Wilson. A second episode, in which Rob Wilson (Co-Founder of Service Economics) shares his insights into Systems Thinking – an approach that can help transform how businesses work. We discuss how you can change the way you think about your system (or organisation) to improve customer and staff outcomes. Rob's advice is easy to understand and pragmatic, and it's immediately apparent how it will radically improve performance. Plus, you don't need to wait for the next Apple Event (pun intended) to find out what the must-have gadget is this Autumn, as James shares his latest acquisition! To find out more, … [Read more...]
Unlocking the Power of Analysis
Season 1 – Episode 32: We All Need to Understand the Data Welcome to Unlocking the Power of Analysis, where we explore data’s transformative potential for improving work performance. You only have an opinion without data, so analysis is critical to the workplace. In this episode, James dredges through his 20+ years of being called an ‘analyst’ to help practitioners fine-tune their skills, whilst Jimmy discusses how front-line managers, executives and board members can sharpen their skills to get the most out of data. We discuss everything from how analysis stopped a cholera outbreak in 19th-century London to the way the “Head of Colouring In” produces informative reports. Data analysis … [Read more...]
The Trials and Tribulations of Transformation
Season 1 – Episode 12: Why Your Transformation Projects Fail This week, we discuss the trend for transformation. What do we mean when we talk about 'Transformation'? Whilst we agree that the need to 'transform' is a given in the ever-changing world, does this need to be done via large-scale IT projects? We bring to life some of the pitfalls and lessons we've learned from past experiences and discuss alternative approaches that may get you the outcome you need without the cost of an extensive programme. We then conclude with some hints and tips for running successful transformation programmes if that's the route you decide to take. If you have any questions, would … [Read more...]
The Cleaner Who Knew More Than the CEO: The Power of Continuous Improvement
Season 1 – Episode 4: Your People Hold the Answers This week on A Job Done Well, Jimmy Barber and James Lawther dismantle the myth that continuous improvement is just for process geeks. Using examples from British Cycling’s marginal gains to the chaos of NHS operating theatres, they reveal how small, strategic tweaks—backed by data, observation, and a willingness to challenge convention—can transform performance. No buzzwords, no grand transformation programmes, just practical, often counterintuitive ways to get better at what you already do. The hosts expose the pitfalls that derail improvement: the HiPPO (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion) syndrome, the fear of looking stupid, and the … [Read more...]