1.5 - About University

UniqueGenericHigh Value-AddedChange leadershipPeople and organization effectivenessCompensation program designSpecial expertise projectsBusiness NecessityCompensation administrationBenefits administrationReportingTraining programsAward programsYour service group will be considered a powerful contributor to your organization to thedegree that you operate from the Market Actively box. We call this work Market Activelybecause it is the responsibility of your service group to show how your work activities addvalue to your organization; thus the need to market these activities enthusiastically. However,beware that Market Actively work can often become Generic or Business Necessity work overtime; thus the ongoing challenge of keeping your service group focused on work that is highvalue-added. Only by doing this will your group be recognized for its high value contributionsto the organization.A couple of other caveats are also in order here. First, while every service group has essentialwork that must be done, far too many of these groups allow Business Necessity work todominate their activities. The goal is to do this must do work as efficiently as possible, therebyfreeing up time and energy for higher-value work. Second, be careful about asking clients andcustomers, “What would you like from us?” because they will often ask for more of the same(i.e., Maintain Efficiently activities). Again, while this work must be done, it will not enhanceyour group’s standing as a strategic contributor to the organization.H OW TO USE THIS LEADERSHIP TOOL“You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be consideredthe only ones who do what you do.”—Jerry GarciaIt often happens that individuals or groups become so busy doing necessary but routine work,that when high value-added projects arise in their organizations, these are actually outsourced toexternal service providers! This Strategic Resourcing model will help you initiate a review of yourgroup’s current work activities and plan a more value-added business strategy for your servicegroup. Don’t be dismayed if you are able to identify only a few High Value-Added activities.Use this tool to begin improving your group’s strategy and focus. This will lead to contractingout some lower-value activities, and training others in the organization to do some ofyour Business Necessity work. Most importantly, it will help you define the High Value-Addedwork that your group most needs to Market Actively.WEB WORKSHEETAsk yourself and then involve your group in asking these questions. Note responses in theworkspace provided.• Which activities in our group are presently directed at generic work, and could be doneby others?• Which activities in our group involve Maintain Efficiently work, and distract us fromdoing High Value-Added work? (Note: If there is debate over whether an activity isSECTION 3 TOOLS FOR STRATEGIC THINKING 83