Improving the parts does not guarantee a better whole
Organisations do not fail for lack of effort. They often fail to see the whole system. Siloed targets encourage functions to improve their own part, even when those decisions make the total result worse. Russell Ackoff described this as sub-optimisation.
We see it when purchasing reduces price but increases stock, production improves utilisation but lengthens queues, or sales wins demand the operation cannot deliver reliably. 6E gives everyone a common sequence, clear ownership and a line of sight from need to sustained result.
The six stages of every engagement
The 6E Model® began as my consulting model. It also provides a practical spine for business transformation. It takes us from understanding the needs of everyone affected, through evaluation and action, to a result the organisation can sustain.
e1
Engage
Understand the needs of all stakeholders
We begin by understanding what the organisation needs to achieve and what that means for every stakeholder affected by the result. We establish competing expectations, obligations and constraints before deciding what should happen next.
e2
Evaluate
Establish the condition before choosing the intervention
Timeline Evaluation establishes the operating and financial condition as it really is, what needs to change, what it is worth and where intervention should begin. It may stand alone or provide the agreed baseline for T90 or T360.
e3
Enable
Build the ability to transform
Through The Practice, we develop the Direction, Cognition and Capability people need to make sound decisions, understand what is happening and act. Enable is for everyone involved in achieving and sustaining the result.
e4
Execute
Turn intent into controlled action
Execution may use a focused T90, powered by ICETIM®, within a wider engagement. T90 addresses a defined recovery or reset. T360 is the full 6E journey across one complete financial cycle and may contain focused T90 interventions.
e5
Embed
Make the improved condition part of normal business
We agree who owns the result, the standards that define it, the measures that reveal movement and the management routines that keep it under control. The change becomes part of normal business rather than something carried by a project team.
e6
Ensure
Confirm the result and provide continuing support
We return to the evidence. We confirm that the result has held and that the intended benefit has been realised. Support can continue through scheduled reviews, a help desk, advisory support or, where appropriate, a Board, NED, Fractional or Interim relationship.
Choose the right level of intervention
Some organisations need a clear evaluation. Some need focused recovery. Others need wider transformation or stronger internal capability. We establish the condition first and then agree the right level of support.
The formal Evaluate route. It can stand alone or create the signed-off baseline for T90 or T360.
The Enable arm. It develops Direction, Cognition and Capability for everyone involved in achieving and sustaining the result.
A focused recovery or reset powered by ICETIM®. It is usually concentrated in Execute, with the required evaluation, enablement, embedding and assurance around it.
The complete 6E journey across one full financial cycle. T360 is not the Execute box. It can contain several focused T90 interventions.
Start with the condition, not the product
The first conversation establishes what the organisation and its stakeholders need. We then agree the evaluation needed to confirm the condition and choose the appropriate support. Every T90 and T360 proceeds against an Evaluation baseline that I have created or signed off.