How Top-Performing Organizations Differ from the Rest

Did you ever wonder why some organizations (businesses, not-for-profits, churches, etc.) just seem to perform better than others? Is it luck? Chance? More resources?

There are five key differences - all of which are described in detail in the top-rated book "Six Disciplines for Excellence"

At Six Disciplines Corporation, we conducted extensive research to determine how top performing organizations differ from the rest. We found several areas where the contrasts were significant between the highest- versus lowest-performing small businesses.

Here's the top five - in order of their importance:

1. Strength of the Leadership Team. Top-performing organizations rated 155% higher than the lower performers. The two primary factors were the ability of leadership to define a clear vision for the company, and the appropriate involvement of leadership in leading and supporting projects that were strategic to the organization.

2. Ability to Attract and Retain Quality People. Top-performing organizations rated 142% higher than the lower performers. The best small businesses have found that success in this area all starts with recruiting.

3. Disciplined Approach To Business. Top-performing organizations rated 114% higher than the lower performers. Top performers are also good planners, but are practical and are disciplined about the commitments they make.

4. Strategic Use of Technology. Top-performing organizations give more emphasis to using technology to impact the business in strategic ways (114% more) than the lower performers.

5. Effective Use of Trusted Relationships. Top-performing organizations rated 100% higher than the lower performers in their ability to utilize the expertise and talents of external organizations.

Other factors contribute to top-performing organizations and how they differ from lower performers (i.e., work ethic/attitude, teamwork, commitment, etc.). The five described above highlight the areas of greatest difference.

BOTTOMLINE: Understand further each of the characteristics of top-performing organizations by investigating the step-by-step Six Disciplines Methodology.