Status calls are bullsh$t. Eliminate them.
Here at Resin, we’re offering more than just a software platform to manage your business processes. We’re offering a level of consulting and support that most ERP/CRM providers simply haven’t been able to provide up to this point, and this post is part of our ongoing series on how your tools, technology, and processes influence organizational culture and performance at your company. Resin’s core offering is all about business process improvement, so if you want to explore our offerings further, please feel free to reach out to our team directly to kick off a discussion. Our platform is affordable, effective, and built for small-to-medium sized businesses.
“Hey what’s the status of __________. Any updates there???”
The worst phone call or meeting ever, in one sentence 👆🏼
Status calls have long been a staple of business operations, intended to keep team members informed and foster collaboration. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that these calls are almost always a waste of valuable time and resources. We have banned these meetings here at Resin, and we hope you’ll see the light.
I present to you a simple and effective alternative: A centralized database, combined with a rigorous process, that will completely eliminate these meetings and phone calls. That leaves you more time for actual work, instead of work about work, and maybe more time to grab a beer with your friends 🍻
1. Time Efficiency - Status calls can be time-consuming affairs, with multiple participants spending significant portions of their workday to discuss updates. In contrast, a centralized database allows team members to input their progress asynchronously. This ensures that everyone's time is respected, as they can review updates at their convenience, without the need for lengthy and often redundant discussions.
2. Real-Time Accessibility - With status calls, information shared is often limited to that particular moment. Once the call ends, participants may forget or miss crucial details. A centralized database, however, offers real-time accessibility, enabling team members to access the latest information whenever needed. This ensures transparency and keeps everyone on the same page.
3. Reduced Meeting Fatigue - The constant barrage of status calls can lead to meeting fatigue, resulting in decreased productivity and engagement. By transitioning to a centralized database, teams can alleviate the burden of recurring meetings and focus on meaningful discussions that require collaboration and decision-making.
4. Data Integrity and Accuracy - Status calls are prone to human error and miscommunication, leading to potential inaccuracies in the information shared. A centralized database provides a more structured and standardized approach to data entry, minimizing the risk of data discrepancies and improving overall data integrity.
5. Historical Tracking and Reporting - With status calls, it can be challenging to refer back to previous updates and track the progress of projects over time. A centralized database stores historical data, allowing for easy tracking and generating comprehensive reports for future analysis and decision-making.
6. Remote Collaboration and Flexibility - In an increasingly remote work environment, status calls may not always be feasible due to time zone differences or scheduling conflicts. A centralized database accommodates global teams, enabling collaboration regardless of location and providing the flexibility to update progress at any time.
Transitioning from status calls to a centralized database can be difficult for some companies… inertia is a real thing. Howver, this method is better and offers a more efficient, accurate, and flexible approach to managing your business. By adopting this approach, businesses can save time, enhance collaboration, and improve data integrity, leading to better-informed decisions and increased overall productivity. Embrace technology, great process, and see the results!
