Introduction:

How is the theme of World Class Business and Professionalism relevant to XXXXXXXX?

What is World Class?

What is Professionalism?

What is the relationship between World Class and Professionalism?

How is the theme of World Class Business and Professionalism relevant to

XXXXXXXXXX?

Your business is focused on sophisticated customers ranging from institutions to high

net worth individuals.

They see themselves as already world class and they do business with other world class
outfits. The demand therefore is to build a world class business, fit the profile. They will
be aware of you, you then have to be the better option, they perceive a difference.

Creating that difference happens through professionalism. Its not just what you provide,
its how you provide it.

Reputation, branding, quality, value, security, innovation are products of professionalism.

It is possible to create the veneer of World Class in the short term, the challenge is long
term sustainability. Professionalism is key.

Sophisticated Customers (seen them eat?) Manage Perception

High Expectations
Conservative – Seek security
Slow to decide for change
Wow me!

Competitiveness Manage Execution

Race for market share

Ability to see opportunities
Fast response
Creativity
What is World Class?

The concept of World Class in business is fairly recent. One of the principal benchmarks
used today to identify a world class company is ISO9001. This is an accreditation of
quality from the International Organisation for Standardisation which was founded in
1947 in Geneva. It is usually associated with Manufacturing industry and documents
quality processes and procedures that help control costs and deliver consistency and
measurement.

So QUALITY is a chief characteristic. The challenge is always to define quality within our
own organisation, which can be a limiting factor.

“Our policy and procedures manual says that we can’t do this” used as an excuse not to
change.

Compliance does some of the quality control for you. Some of which is frustrating. You
see the boundaries.

There are many organisations who apply for ISO 9001 and achieve it. Our perception
could be that they are not World Class

There are 8 Principles

Principle 1 Customer focus

Organizations depend on their customers and therefore should

understand current and future customer needs, should meet
customer requirements and strive to exceed
customer expectations.

Principle 2 Leadership

Leaders establish unity of purpose and direction of the

organization. They should create and maintain the internal
environment in which people can become fully
involved in achieving the organization's objectives.

Principle 3 Involvement of people

People at all levels are the essence of an organization and their

full involvement enables their abilities to be used for the
organization's benefit.
Principle 4 Process approach

A desired result is achieved more efficiently when activities and

related resources are managed as a process.

Principle 5 System approach to management

Identifying, understanding and managing interrelated processes

as a system contributes to the organization's effectiveness and
efficiency in achieving its objectives.

Principle 6 Continual improvement

Continual improvement of the organization's overall performance

should be a permanent objective of the organization

Principle 7 Factual approach to decision making

Effective decisions are based on the analysis of data and

information.

Principle 8 Mutually beneficial supplier relationships

An organization and its suppliers are

interdependent and a mutually beneficial relationship enhances
the ability of both to create value

You will recognize some or the principles you are currently adept at, others need working
on.

These Principles are not only central to ISO Quality they are also adapted by companies
to create a Set of Values as a way of transforming process into attitude.

Another way of defining World Class has been developed by Prof Philip Barkan of
Stanford University.

What is World Class?

“Competitiveness”
Features + Cost + Time (Speed)

Strong Emphasis on Early Planning

Project Vision & Product Definition

Integrated Use of Systematic Tools

Strategic Combination and Timing

“The conflicting demands have never

been greater–Companies
must create competitive products in
minimum time, at lowest cost, with
customized features and frequent updates.”

Philip Barkan, 1995

What is Professionalism?
We know what World Class looks like. Creating a World Class organization requires
Professionalism

A Dictionary definition states that

pro·fes·sion·al (pr -f sh -n l)
adj.

Having or showing great skill; expert:

pro·fes·sion·al·ism (pr -f sh -n -l zm)

n.
Professional status, methods, character, or standards.

Professional standards are higher, possess more power finesse awareness operate at a
level others can only aspire to..

We need professionalism to differentiate us. Qualities of a Professional

PROFESSIONAL UNPROFESSIONAL

Takes personal responsibility Somebody else will do it

Has high standards OK is OK
Takes Pride in performance Feels relief after the event
Possesses Objectivity Subjective views
Is Pro-active - prepares Reactive- unprepared
Seeks to improve /learn Why change?
Polite/ well mannered Oblivious of others
Understands the power of teamwork “I want a transfer”
Exemplifies and enhances corporate reputation Can be a liability
Able to self-motivate How much will you pay me?
“What do I need to do for tomorrow?” “What am I doing tonight?”
Willingly accepts a challenge Would rather not
Can deal with failure Afraid of the possibility