Episode #11. James Burstall On The Flexible Method

There’s a considerable debate among consultants and academics regarding the definition of management: what is it? Is it a science, is it a process, is it a set of tools that business schools teach us how to use? 

In this episode, James Burstall comes on to explain his perspective on management as a mindset (the interacting mindsets of many different people in many different circumstances in fact)  as proposed in his new book titled The Flexible Method: Prepare To Prosper In the Next Global Crisis.

Resources:

James Burstall’s Production Group – Argonon

James Burstall’s Book: The Flexible Method: Prepare To Prosper In The Next Global Crisis

Knowledge Capsule:

  1. Introduction to the Flexible Method:
  • “Flexible Method” is an approach tailored to managing uncertainties in business.
  • Central components include adaptability and radical determination, combined to form a powerful decision-making framework.
  • This method encourages an open-minded approach to research, teamwork, and resolute action for decision-making.

Action: Elevate responsiveness to change over planning.

  1. Radical Determination and Decision-Making:
  • Making and committing to decisions is crucial in the Flexible Method.
  • Teams need to reach a consensus and show unwavering determination.
  • Tough decisions are embraced and executed with full resolve.

Action: Don’t just make decisions, commit to them, and get team commitment.

  1. Adaptiveness and Scanning for Opportunities:
  • Radical determination is about executing decisions; adaptiveness involves identifying opportunities.
  • Scanning the horizon for changing circumstances is vital.
  • A case from the credit crunch illustrates the need to be open to new avenues.

Action: Where possible, anticipate change in the form of an opportunity space.

  1. Cash Flow as a Critical Metric:
  • Cash flow is the most critical business health metric, needing respect and management.
  • Managing finances during crises involves making tough decisions.
  • Strategies to retain relationships and sustain the business are discussed.

Action: Measure your business’s health with cash flow and cash availability.

  1. Entrepreneurial Mindset and Restlessness:
  • Organizations in crisis operate like startups.
  • Restlessness is essential for fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Embracing change, creativity, and innovation is emphasized.

Action: All business is entrepreneurial, not managerial.

  1.  Leadership, Care for People, and Reflection:
  • Leadership involves emotional intelligence, authenticity, and prioritizing people.
  • Values like diversity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility are retained.
  • Gratitude, rewards, and reflection play a role in the Flexible Method.

Action: Caring brings resilience to business.

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