By: Shannon Kraiger
For over thirty-nine years Doug Jones of Doug Jones & Associates has been assisting client change initiatives aiding organizations to diagnose business problems and assisting in prescribing and implementing real solutions. A tall, distinguished looking man with a spattering of gray hair, silver framed glasses and a smile that tells audiences he’s happy to help and that’s he’s passionate about what he does.
Jones exhilarated that passion to the PMI Atlanta Members at the October 7th Alpharetta Luncheon held at The Metropolitan Club. As members sauntered their way into the event Jones made a point to ask, “I could be more effective in my job if (fill in the blank)…” He then used the responses from participants in his presentation to relay what is often missing in organizations. Answers included change management, communication, decent management, one project manager to report to and more effective communication with one’s superior.
Investing at least one percent in the planning phase of the project accounts for a more productive end result was a key point Jones mentioned in his presentation. He also spoke about what makes an effective and efficient leader, “The best thing to do as a leader is to think things through.” Jones stated connecting this key point with the standards and qualities a leader looks for in an organization. Values, beliefs and attitudes are pertinent to the success of not only the organization but the team players as well. People appreciate feedback and praise and the excuse that we are simply too busy to offer such needs to be pushed to the wayside. To be successful is to be authentic – this belief taken from author Peter Block, author of several best- selling books, including, “Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used” and “Stewardship: Choosing Service over Self-Interest”, has been a sort of mentor for Jones in his career path and it was obvious by his presentation skills and keen interaction with the audience. At one point Jones joked about a past desire to be the funny man on stage and entertain audiences as a comedian. Humor was a consistent trait in his delivery and I’ll bet he would fare well at any amateur night.
Of course, praise, feedback and humor are not enough to make an organization successful. It’s key to start with the basics, Jones stated and every company needs three key factors in their organization assets file – balance sheet, profit and loss statements and cash flow. Organizations exist for one reason- to maintain repeat customers, Jones shared. Furthermore, leaders should always deliver the three key points to a meeting – objective, agenda and outcome.
Jones who has been married for forty-three years and has five grandchildren delivered a wealth of knowledge and a plethora of humor to the PMI Atlanta Members. It’s easy to see why he has been successful for almost forty years.