Season 2 Episode 8: Rob Wilson Explains This week, we are lucky to have Rob Wilson, Co-Founder of Service Economics, as a special guest. Rob has 20+ years of experience leading and transforming service operations across various sectors and is an expert in Systems Thinking. This approach can help transform how you think about doing your job, and it has some stunning results. However, it has been surrounded by mystique and cynicism, as highlighted by the first rule of Systems Thinking – never talk about Systems Thinking! Rob breaks this 'rule' and shows us behind the curtain to understand more about this method and some of the challenges it can help us solve. You'll also get … [Read more...]
Why Good Analysis Beats Gut Feel Every Time
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 Surprisingly Simple Way to Find Cost Savings
Season 1 – Episode 21: James's Magic Formula This week, we unlock the mystery of cost savings with James's formula for making savings thoughtfully without damaging service—doubters, listen on! We argue that this is something we will all face at some point in our careers, so it's best to get on the front foot and do it the right way. James has spent decades (he is that old!) working out the most effective way of approaching cost saving, and here he shares his approach so you can avoid some of the mistakes we've made in the past. If you need help becoming more efficient and effective and reducing costs, contact jimmy@ajobdonewell.com or james@ajobdonewell.com. … [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...]