{"id":1217,"date":"2018-10-13T13:24:00","date_gmt":"2018-10-13T17:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.chiefmotivatingofficers.com\/?p=1217"},"modified":"2020-02-24T18:24:03","modified_gmt":"2020-02-24T18:24:03","slug":"5ps-obm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chiefmotivatingofficers.com\/5ps-obm","title":{"rendered":"The 5 P’s of an OBM Project"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the last several years, the topic of \u201chow-to-do\u201d Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) project comes up from individuals who are new to the field and those who have been practicing OBM for years and yet are looking to raise their professional game. This is not an introduction to OBM, check out this article for an intro. The purpose of this article is to answer the question \u2013 <\/span><\/p>\n

How does one do an OBM project?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s put some stakes in the ground. \u00a0First stake, an OBM project is the specific use of applied behavior analysis, the science of behavior, to positively influence change, any change, in workplace performance. \u00a0The project could be a small or large-scale change from procedural changes on daily activities to a major merger\/acquisition. The project could be focused on a small team or a large department or business unity. The OBM project can be to improve an end to end process incorporating multiple departments (e.g., HR, Operations, Sales, Marketing), or a daily work practice (e.g., proper lifting techniques). \u00a0Second stake, an OBM project follows the scientific method towards achieving tangible results such as revenue\/sales, quality, productivity, safety, etc. From setting clear goals and expectations, measuring performance, determining the contributing factors to the problem at hand, and managing solutions through analytics and evaluations, an OBM project is precise and scientific in implementation. Third stake, OBM is interdisciplinary. \u00a0The foundation is in behavior analysis, founded by Dr. B.F. Skinner. However, the fields of industrial engineering, industrial\/organizational psychology, organizational design and development, and the theory in organizational behavior have influenced both OBM has a scientific discipline, and the world of business.<\/span><\/p>\n

With those stakes in the ground, allow me to describe what an OBM project is. <\/span>Can you think of at least one problem at work you would like to see improve? <\/b>\u00a0When I ask this question to clients or to an audience when presenting on the topic of OBM, a resounding \u201cyes\u201d comes through either from a head nod, or a hand raise, or an actual vocal \u201cyes!\u201d \u00a0An OBM project starts with an important area for change that impacts business results. The purpose is clear, improvement is needed. Once we have our \u201cyes,\u201d we define it clearly for all stakeholders. \u00a0What is the \u201cyes\u201d and why is it so important. The next set of questions by clients inevitably shape to something like \u2018ok, so how do we go about improving it? How do we use OBM to make a difference?\u201d The consultant answer of \u201cit depends\u201d doesn\u2019t help anyone. This article is intended to provide a framework for how-to conduct an OBM project. The elements of the framework are intended for the OBM practitioner, as well as any executive or manager to focus their efforts when implementing a project with OBM as the methodology for positive change. The framework is what I call <\/span>the<\/b> 5 P\u2019s of an OBM project<\/b> which I have found to be a successful framework no matter how small or large the project is.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Purpose<\/b><\/p>\n

The purpose of the project sets the tone, direction and overarching goal of the project. \u00a0Without clarity in purpose, what the heck are we working towards. <\/span>You know you are doing an OBM project when:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n