Loving Open Book Management

I remember in 3rd or 4th grade we had a guest come into our classroom.  Mrs. Wondra wrapped a bundle and set it in the front of the room.  She didn’t mention it to us and watched to see how we reacted to the bundle.  Eventually, when none of us brought it up, she asked us what we would do if we came across a package like that.  Without thinking I blurted, ‘Well I’d open it, of course!’  Apparently, this was not the answer she was looking for.  She chuckled and said, ‘Well, you certainly are inquisitive and like to get right to the point.’  

As I’ve gotten older, this inquisitive spirit has not diminished.  I tend to ask questions that I should probably keep to myself most of the time. I find that this inquisitiveness has helped me meet people I probably would never have talked to, tested me to try new things that I would never even think are possible and helped me make better decisions.   

I recently had the opportunity to attend the 2017 Gathering of the Games Conference. BFO is an All-Star Awards Finalist for the second straight year for our implementation of open-book management using the Great Game of Business framework.  If you are unfamiliar with the Great Game of Business, I strongly suggest you read the book of the same title written by Jack Stack and Bo Burlingham.  

I love open-book management.  It allows me to ask the questions that are running through my head and gives me a safe space to do so. The concept is simple: open up your financial books with the entire company to give everyone a voice in the direction of the company and provide all with a financial stake in the outcome.    

It is often said that each person has between 50,000 and 70,000 thoughts a day.  Imagine the power if you are able to capture a fraction of those thoughts from everyone you work with!  Through opening your books, you are exposing your business reality and generating a common base for you and your co-workers to work from – whether to help get the company out of a financial crisis or to take your existing positive results and blow them out of the water!  

Stay tuned as I dive into some of my favorite concepts from GGOB.  Oh… and what was in the bundle in front of the classroom?  A baby doll wrapped up in a blanket.  

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