The last blog presented the first four diagnostic questions of the HPO change model – questions dealing with the definition, value, measure, and meaning of a ‘high-performance organization’. 

Those first four questions are:

1    What is high-performance for us?

2    How would we know if we were a high-performance organization?

3    According to whom are we high-performance?

4    Why should we be high-performance?

The next two diagnostic questions deal with the organization’s effectiveness and efficiency.

5:  Are we doing the right ‘what’?              This question is specific to the type of organization we are and it pinpoints the purpose of the organization, its raison d’être.  The question asks, Should we even be here doing what we’re doing?  If our answer is ‘yes’ we need to ask, Are we doing what is both expected and needed of us?  Are we filling a particular gap with an appropriate product or service?  Do we have enough reason to be in this market doing what we are doing? Is the design of what we offer appropriate and at the appropriate level of quality for the market we have?  Are we effective in the market?

6:  How good are we at doing the right ‘what’?              With question 5, we have determine whether or not our organization is doing the right ‘what’ – providing a service or product that is effective.  This sixth diagnostic question asks about how efficient we are at doing what we do.  Are we producing our product or service correctly?  Do we have the right processes, systems, structures, and strategies in place?  Are they running smoothly and efficiently?  Do we have the right leaders, managers, and employees?  Are we executing our product or service well? 

The HPO diagnostic change model is not something to run through in an afternoon or a two-day workshop, although we do offer such short opportunities for you to see the lay out and benefits of applying the model.  The first steps in applying the model – these seven diagnostic questions – may take days or weeks to answer fully.  Leaders interested in truly leading a high-performance organization must make commitments of time, people, energy, and other resources.  Those teams and individuals participating in the improvement process using this HPO model need to have a long-term view and be ready to wrestle with fundamental issues for any kind of organization, whether private, public, for-profit, not-for-profit, large or small. 

Please note:  We offer an introductory seminar to the HPO model through various ICMA mechanisms.  CMS can also help you get long-term assistance in applying the model and the principles to your organization.  Be on the look out for notices or contact Cheryl Hilvert if you would like to host an Open Enrollment session or for further information.