Be Among 10% Who Hit Their Goals

Achieve Excellence with the McKinsey 7S Model

It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg.

C. S. Lewis

Dear Friends,

Did you know that 9 out of 10 companies don’t hit their goals?

If you want to know how the remaining 10% manage to do that, there is a great framework that can help: the McKinsey 7S Model.

Introduced in the late 1970s by Peters and Waterman, the 7S Model is a framework that helps organizations achieve goals and implement change.

It addresses the critical role of coordination rather than rigid structure in organizational effectiveness.

The 7S Model identifies seven internal factors that must be aligned for an organization to be successful.

Let’s discuss them in detail:

1. Strategy:

The overall organizational strategy designed to achieve organizational goals.

A well-defined strategy guides an organization’s direction and decision-making processes, ensuring all efforts are aligned towards common objectives.

It involves setting long-term goals and determining the best course of action to achieve them.

2. Structure:

The way the organization is organized, including its hierarchy, departments, and reporting lines.

Structure defines how tasks are allocated, coordinated, and supervised within an organization.

An effective structure ensures clear roles and responsibilities, facilitates communication, and supports the execution of the strategy.

3. Systems:

The processes and procedures that govern how work is done within the organization.

Systems include the formal and informal procedures that support the day-to-day activities.

Efficient systems streamline operations, enhance productivity, and ensure consistency and quality in the output.

4. Skills:

The capabilities and competencies of employees required to execute the strategy effectively.

Skills refer to the collective expertise and abilities of the organization’s workforce.

Developing and leveraging the right skills is crucial for achieving strategic objectives and maintaining a competitive edge.

5. Staff:

The personnel within the organization, including their size, experience, and skills.

Staffing involves not only hiring the right people but also managing their development, performance, and retention.

Effective staff management ensures that the organization has the human resources needed to achieve its goals.

6. Style:

The leadership and management style within the organization, including the culture and values.

Leadership style and organizational culture significantly influence employee behavior and organizational performance.

A supportive and adaptive leadership style fosters a positive work environment and drives engagement.

7. Shared Values:

The core beliefs and principles that guide the behavior and decisions of the organization.

Shared values are the foundation of an organization’s culture.

They influence all aspects of operations and are crucial for ensuring alignment and cohesion among employees.

Categorizing the Elements:

In the McKinsey 7S Framework, elements are categorized as hard and soft:

  • Hard Elements: Strategy, Structure, Systems, and Skills.

  • Soft Elements: Shared Values, Style, and Staff.

Hard elements are tangible and easier to define or measure, while soft elements are qualitative and more challenging to quantify.

Using the 7S Model Effectively:

To use the 7S model effectively, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the seven key elements.

  2. Assess each element's status.

  3. Determine alignment and discrepancies.

  4. Develop strategies for improvement.

  5. Implement changes.

  6. Monitor and adjust as needed.

Remember and Take Action

I've created an infographic to help you understand the McKinsey 7S Model better. Use it to assess and align the key elements within your organization.

Deep Dive:

For a deeper understanding of organizational effectiveness and the McKinsey 7S Model, consider these resources:

Conclusion:

Aligning the seven elements of the McKinsey 7S Model can significantly enhance your organization’s effectiveness and help you achieve your goals. Take the time to evaluate and adjust each element, fostering a cohesive and adaptive organization that thrives in a dynamic environment.

Until our next discussion,

Igor

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