The Systems Drivers of Business

Practices are the basic skills that must be mastered to successfully execute the four Disciplines of Business. There are three key practices for each Discipline, forming the heart of the High Impact System (HIS). These practices require time and dedication to perfect, but once mastered, they can revolutionize your business performance.

The 12 Key Practices of Business

1. Purpose Practices

To clearly define and align your business purpose:

• Purpose Statement – Defining why your business exists.

• Principles and People Attributes – Establishing core values and cultural expectations.

• Promises – Setting clear commitments to customers and employees.

2. Strategy Practices

To develop a clear and effective business strategy:

• The Problem – Identifying the specific issue your business solves.

• Your Unique Solution – Defining what sets your business apart.

• 3-10 Year Strategic Goals (Envisioned Future) – Setting long-term objectives.

3. Operations Practices

To ensure operational excellence:

• Critical Success Factors – Identifying the essential elements for business success.

• Assessment – Measuring where you stand and areas for improvement.

• Operational Goals (Proven Processes) – Defining and refining standard procedures.

4. Execution Practices

To ensure consistent and effective execution:

• Optimization – Continuously improving efficiency and effectiveness.

• Scoreboards – Tracking key performance indicators.

• Real-Time Navigation – Adjusting and adapting to market changes in real-time.

By implementing these 12 key practices, businesses can create a well-structured, scalable, and high-performing organization.

Performance: The Ultimate Business Advantage

If you understand the four Disciplines and apply them through the four Drivers, your business will gain a powerful competitive advantage. We call these the Performance Drivers.

1. Trusted Brand (Linked to Purpose)

A strong Trusted Brand is the result of honoring your Purpose, Principles, and Promises. Businesses that operate with integrity and transparency build long-lasting trust with customers.

Key Question: Does my decision align with my stated Purpose, Principles, and Promises?

2. Raving Fans (Linked to Strategy)

A business with a clear and unique strategy creates Raving Fans—loyal customers who advocate for your brand. Your Unique Solution, brand excellence, and superior customer experience drive long-term customer enthusiasm.

3. World-Class Experience (Linked to Operations)

Operational excellence leads to a World-Class Experience for customers. Efficient and well-documented proven processes lower costs and enhance service levels, ensuring customer satisfaction.

4. Wise Decisions (Linked to Execution)

Disciplined Execution results in Wise Decisions. By following the principle of Stewarding Capital, practicing Optimization, monitoring Scoreboards, and using Real-Time Navigation, businesses can confidently make bold and informed choices.

By mastering the Systems Drivers of Business, companies can create a scalable, sustainable, and high-impact organization.

Each element—Purpose, Strategy, Operations, and Execution—works in harmony through structured practices and performance drivers.

Take a moment to reflect on this framework. How well are you implementing these practices in your business today?

By embedding these systems into your company culture, you can drive long-term growth, efficiency, and success.