Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

Tag: approval process

  • Listen In -> Playing Favorites #4: Favoring Certain Policies and Procedures

    “The purchase order is on the computer, why do we still need to distribute four hard copies?”

    “You have to get these two approvals before I can look at your request.”

    Some policies and procedures served a specific and necessary purpose when they were first implemented, but they make absolutely no sense now.

    The boss is hesitant to make any changes, because since those policies or procedures were put into place for a reason there will be some unforeseen disaster if they are no longer present.

    Maybe an efficient streamlining initiative would result in less control for a key decision-maker which they don’t want to give up.

    In this week’s show, Claudia and I look at the cost of playing favorites with certain policies and procedures.

    Could you be holding on to methods and practices that no longer serve their intended purpose?

    What might enforcing the status quo be costing you?

    Listen in.

    Just now joining the conversation? Catch up on the entire series here.

  • Redundant Approvals Killing You?

    My favorite crazy redundancy is the budget process that requires multiple approvals.

    Here’s how it works. You have your annual budget process and request funds to purchase new equipment during the year. The budget is approved. But then a few months later when you are ready to replace a piece of equipment, a second approval is required to make the actual purchase.

    In other words, the approval given at one point can be reversed at any other. Now, of course things change and an investment that seemed feasible at the beginning of the year may not be prudent eight months later. But most of the time, this second approval is unnecessary and debilitating for managers.

    We inadvertently create multiple opportunities to squash action. It only takes one “no” to stop an initiative, while it takes as many “yeses” as there are approval layers. Not good odds.

    Slim down and trust your managers with the timing and execution of your original approval. What do you think?