Today, we tackle S for Structure, the vital phase where you build the company's organizational foundation. After clearing chaos (Brute Force) and analyzing problems (Analyze), Structure establishes the necessary processes, policies (BOPs/SOPs), and organizational clarity.

A cornerstone of this phase is documenting the Quote-to-Cash process, which Dean notes is likely described five different ways by five different people in your organization. Structure is essential for accountability: shared responsibilities cannot exist. Clear org charts must assign responsibility for every task, such as PO execution.

Documentation is critical. Without written policies (BOPs/SOPs) for historical knowledge—which is valuable intellectual property built over years—the company falls into chaos when someone leaves or gets sick. The leader is accountable for setting and enforcing these documentation standards.

We discuss how documentation removes emotion: if an instruction is documented and clear, not following it becomes a person problem, not a process problem. Dean shares how he fixed a major safety and efficiency liability by physically moving the shipping office next to the dock doors, proving that investing in structure saves money and improves perception. Structure sets the definition of what the company should be, which is necessary before attempting to improve.

Next time, we discuss the Improve phase: turning a functioning company into an efficient powerhouse.

Your current structure might be costing you millions.

• Chart your path from crisis to success: Pick up Trojan Horse: The Unseen Solution to Critical Business Problems.

• Website: DeanSvarc.com