Business Operating Layer

Execution is critical for contractors because we work in a highly competitive business with relatively low margins compared to the risks taken.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
D. Brown Management
February 16, 2018 2 minute read
Share

Execution is the discipline of getting things done. A simple way to look at your organizational structure is in three major layers:

Contractor Business Model Business Operating Layer.
  1. Ownership & Senior Executive Leadership:  Defining what you want the business to look like over 10+ years and how the business will be setup for the next generation of leadership.  
  2. Business Operating Layer: This is the layer that ensures execution of the long-term strategy and delivers the financial returns required by the owners.
  3. Project Execution Layer:  This is where the rubber meets the road and value is added to your customers.  This layer makes up the majority of the talent, time and other resources in any contracting business.  This includes all project related people and support. This is the foundation and any weaknesses here will show up everywhere.  

How many of the problems you are having at the Project Execution Layer are due to weaknesses in the Business Operating Layer?   

Learn More

Incentive Compensation for Contractors - Alignment
One of the most challenging aspects of incentive programs is communicating demonstrated success in such a way that every functional group believes they have direct impact on their incentive outcome and that it is fairly applied across all stakeholders.
Related Article
Evolving Focus with Growth and Leadership Levels
All contractors are built on the same foundation, which starts with the amazing crafts people. With growth in the business, project size, and your level of leadership, the time you allocate to different layers of the pyramid must evolve.
Related Article
Management Accountabilities: Two Foundational Basics
Managers have two basic foundational accountabilities. The first is delivering consistent outcomes given the inconsistencies of the inputs, people, and environment. The second is developing people at all levels into their fullest potential along the way.
Related Article