At the core of our work with organizations is the introduction of simple but powerful new models for thinking about and discussing what really creates value for customers and stakeholders. As mental models change, language and speech patterns inevitably change – because language reflects thought. We find that as we work with core groups within any type of organization, their adoption of new patterns of thought results in new patterns of speech. When others find these new patterns of speech useful or illuminating, they tend to adopt the new vocabulary and idiom. Soon, we hear nearly everyone in the organization using new ways of describing current reality, their work and customers’ needs. Our models for thinking about how (and whether!) work creates value for anyone - in any important way - are simple, powerful, and universal.
We began to describe this innovation as the Language of Value. Although applying our technology is always focused on solving clients’ real-time problems rapidly, inevitably new language sprang up and quickly spread within the client teams. Many times the words were the same ones we coined as part of our models. Client teams formed their own organizational dialects as they developed aspects particular to their customers and operations. One day as we gathered for a session the top executive remarked with amazement that marketing, finance, operations, and supply chain were all communicating more openly and frequently. And they seemed to be speaking the same language for the first time. The question: Had we formulated this new language? Not really. Rather, the language created itself – we just supplied the building blocks.
A new language – one that helps focus everyone on aligned goals – is needed today. Here’s why.
What is needed today is a paint-by-the-numbers approach – something that works for everyone and in every situation. The exciting news about the Language of Value approach is that, so far in every test, it does just that. We’ve seen it make a difference in every application. Short-term ROI has never been less than 10:1. Our highest achieved ROI was 180:1 – just on the basis of measurable and credible results. Most people believe the lasting and ongoing effects are incalculable. Our average ROI to-date has been 72:1 on the basis of short-term results alone.
If these results interest you, please give us a call. We are in the midst of writing a book about this new technology and language. In the meantime, we have formed select, core groups of executives who are interested in applying this to their organizations. Groups typically meet twice a month for three months to learn and apply this new system in their organizations. We are continuing in-house engagements for organizations involving client teams of practitioners – not all of whom have made it onto this website yet. If you just have an interest in learning more, give us a call. We are constantly looking for new ways to spread the word about practical applications for Language of Value.