How to Conduct an Unblock Audit™: A Step-by-Step Guide
Today I want to share some key insights from my forthcoming book on how to conduct an Unblock Audit™. This process is pivotal in identifying and overcoming productivity barriers in your organisation. Here are three key takeaways to get you started:
1. Choosing the Right Facilitator
The success of an Unblock Audit™ largely hinges on the facilitator. This person must be curious, impartial, and capable of asking the right questions without preconceived ideas. Ideally, an external facilitator is preferred as they can ask "naive" questions without any organisational bias. However, if using internal staff, select individuals from different departments to ensure a fresh perspective. Their role is to dig deep, ask probing questions, and gather comprehensive insights from all levels of the organisation .
2. Structured Conversations and Data Gathering
An Unblock Audit™ requires structured conversations to maintain focus and gather meaningful data. During these sessions, it’s crucial to avoid getting sidetracked. Use a framework to guide the conversation, ensuring all relevant topics are covered. This approach not only keeps discussions productive but also helps uncover hidden inefficiencies. Facilitators should also be prepared to capture and analyse data systematically, including reviewing key metrics and historical data to identify trends and patterns .
3. Identifying and Prioritising Opportunities
Once data is collected, the next step is to identify and prioritise productivity improvement opportunities. This involves quantifying the impact of identified issues and estimating the effort required to address them. Tools like the Productivity Priority Matrix can be helpful here, allowing you to categorise actions based on their potential impact and ease of implementation. This systematic approach ensures that efforts are focused on changes that will deliver the most significant benefits .
By following these key steps, you can conduct an effective Unblock Audit™ and set your organisation on a path to greater productivity and profitability. For more detailed guidance and practical examples, be sure to check out "UNBLOCK" when it launches. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to hearing how these strategies work for you.