Losing sight of the forest!

The old adage reads that "One cannot see the forest for the trees!"

However, I was fortunate enough to work with a new operations manager at BBI Enzymes SA for the past two weeks whose insights and ideas clearly showed that sometimes "One cannot see the trees for the forest!"

Being involved in the re-engineering* of a business which has required financial, operational, construction, technical, quality assurance and process development input, notwithstanding the CRM and marketing issues required, there are so many issues that require attention that one loses sight of the detail. This is a serious challenge when the management of detail is necessary.

It was pointed out that it should not be the CEO's responsibility to focus on the detail. This becomes very difficult when the organization is small and the management structure flat allowing everyone the opportunity to interact with the CEO.

What it did highlight to me though, is that at times I am too trusting. I expect people to complete their alloted tasks without requiring constant attention and micro-management. A lesson which was difficult to learn as it focuses attention on the self, which is always uncomfortable. But a lesson well worth remembering when working with management (or other) teams.

* Whilst I am generally not in favour of using the the term "re-engineering" in this case it was quite literal focussing on new processes and equipment as well as including the redirection of the organization.