Organizational Blood Flow

Information is the blood supply in the modern business organization. But in a world where there is an overwhelming amount of information available, we have to make sure that we are exchanging good information, and not just any information. So let me amend my opening sentence. Good information is the healthy blood supply in the modern business organization.

Therefore, intentional choices need to be made about which information is exchanged inside the organization… and how it is exchanged. Because there are lots of mistakes to be made.

Several critical success factors exist, and leaders and decisions makers need to be clear on the following:

What information is essential to decision making. What is required? What is additionally helpful? What is not needed?

How often is the information required. Do they need that sales spreadsheet daily, weekly, monthly?

What is the manner in which they want the information provided. Is it in an email? Should a meeting be scheduled? If a meeting is required, should there be a pre-read?

Once the requirements are clear, then it is incumbent on the direct reports to make sure the information flow is healthy. But it starts with clarity from leaders on what their requirements are.

Twenty years ago we lived in what could be described as an “information deficit” environment. Our problem was not enough, and not enough access, to information.

Today our problem is very different. We now live in an “information overload” environment. Which means our problem now is totally different… we have too much information, and it flows at us in overwhelming ways.

So, in this sort of an environment, the best organizations need to be very clear about what information is most important to their success, and then make sure that it is flowing in the healthiest ways possible.

Good luck, and have a great day.