01 - Performance Improvement: The X-Factor

Exceed’s aim is to exceed expectations, but how do we do it?  What is the X factor in delivering a successful performance improvement project? Is it the plan, the processes, or our visual management tools? Or is it the quality of our coaches or the level of support from clients?

Many performance consultancies claim to have the magic formula that guarantees project success. The reality is that there is no such thing. In order for a project to be successful a number of factors have to come together – and not all of those factors are under our control. 

At Exceed, we’ve accepted the reality that the perfect solution doesn’t exist, but it doesn’t mean we’ve given up and just tick the box. Instead, it has left us all the more determined to go the extra mile. What do we do differently?

Exceed offers a number of key differentiators which distinguish us from any competitors. Our three directors originate from the wells discipline and have a combined 80+ years experience; this gives them a deep understanding of industry challenges and client opportunities.

Like others, we consistently implement solid project management principles, but that’s where the similarities end ...and we add a few magic ingredients of our own.

Here’s what works for us and why it works.

Rig Team Involvement – We don’t change technology, introduce new systems or make other capital investments; we simply work with your most important asset: the rig team. If you want your people to care, involve them! Exceed is unique in our emphasis on both people and process. We involve the rig team and work to bridge the gap between operator, contractor and service providers. From an initial project identity competition to monthly newsletters with staff interviews, a “recognition & celebration” corner on our Performance Dashboards, and many other small touches, our coaches are constantly looking for opportunities to recognise achievements and create an “untouchable” team. Ultimately, it’s not us but your people who deliver the results.

Constant Innovation – People learn in different ways and are motivated by different things. Our response is to be constantly innovative and creative in our approach, the tools we use and the way we get the message across.  Our coaches aren’t just good with Excel, PowerPoint and people; they also know how to handle a video camera and edit the captured footage into a succinct video clip for your next Advanced Planning Meeting or After Action Review.

Hands-On Oil & Gas Expertise – We make it our business to know your business. While other consultants may have the right academic credentials, we’ve adopted an innovative blended coaching model, combining a business improvement coach with a technical coach with hands-on rig experience. The credibility of the technical coach helps to secure early enrolment and rig involvement while the business improvement professional brings pinpointed measurement and raised leadership accountability.

Less Work, Not More – Our coaches come to the rig ready to get stuck in and do their part.  Rather than imposing additional responsibilities on others, they own and implement any new routines and activities themselves. In addition, they’re ready to lend a helping hand with advanced Excel graphs, PowerPoint presentations or anything else that alleviates the workload of those around. Handover of newly established processes takes place only when reaching the transfer and sustainability phase of a project, which is usually the last 3 months.

An Extensive Toolkit – Exceed’s team of directors have a combined 80+ years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry. They know what works and adds value and what doesn’t. Our toolkit proves this. In addition to great visual management tools such as our Performance Dashboards, newsletters and videos, our tools include a client-configurable CIP Learning Tracker, a client-configurable Variance Tracker, and an online Performance & Learning Tracker.

A Planned Exit Strategy – This may not be what you’d expect to hear from a consultancy, but we actually agree upon a departure date and exit strategy prior to starting a performance improvement project. In doing so, we give our clients peace of mind that we’re not planning to become part of the woodwork but follow a time schedule with key milestones around project implementation and sustainability. Rest assured though; we don’t quit until we have delivered on our commitments and embedded a sustainable process.

These are just some examples, but they’re a testimony to the mindset that drives the Exceed team. There is no such thing as the perfect project, but we also know that by consistently applying and building on what works, we have a formula that delivers real results.

A successful performance improvement project is always a great achievement, especially because the step change is realised not by us but by the rig team. We realise that, like any piece of equipment, our tools are only as good as the people who use them. Without the direction from leadership and support and willingness from the rig team, our efforts would make little difference.

That’s why our ultimate measure of success is not what happens while we’re on the rig, but what your people continue doing after we’ve gone. That’s when it’s no longer a project, but a way of life...

For more information or to request case studies of recent projects, please contact us.