The Systems Alignment Over Input Optimization (SAIO) Approach
An Evidence-Based approach to organization improvement
Engagement Philosophy
- Initial system Diagnosis:
- Document Review
- Data Analyses
- Leader Interviews
- Provide Clear, written findings and recommendations:
- Executive Summary
- Detailed findings
- Sources cited
- Executive decision Support over time
- Individual coaching
- Group facilitation
- Strategy Formulation
- Key Points:
- Remote first to minimize engagement costs
- Minimize intrusions in organization operations
- Inform and engage stakeholders on a predetermined cadence
Most improvement approaches assume a linear causal relationship between problems and actions.
Linear models fail to recognize the organic nature of organizations.
Assumptions of the SAIO model
- Outcomes are emergent, not engineered
- Satisfaction is a lagging indicator of system health
- Small structural changes outperform large initiatives
- Stability matters as much as speed
The Improvement Loop
- Observe system behavior
- Identify misalignment
- Redesign constraints
- Test small changes
- Stabilize successful patterns
- Scale deliberately