all the data, which then easily hig

all the data, which then easily highlighted inefficiencies. For example,
one janitor received $12 per hour, and another in the same
region was being paid $30 per hour. The team then assessed all the
deferred-maintenance deficiencies.
“Managers in corporations are finally beginning to realize the
real estate asset,” says Ellerthorpe. “It’s the last frontier. Industries
are so focused on their own thing, they can’t see the benefit of
accounting for space.”
In its own organization, OWP/P also found that even though
its main focus is on results from its clients, it also had to keep looking
at what it does internally. The company ultimately determined
that it would be more efficient to outsource the competitive tasks,
such as printing and computer code writing. “Once you hit volume,
it was worth it. We have to keep looking at the things we do
because the markets change so quickly,” explains Ellerthorpe.
Says Ellerthorpe, “I’ve never worked harder in my life. It’s crazy
hard. One of the things I used to be able to do was task things
based on my e-mail. I haven’t been able to file an e-mail in a folder
in seven months. Everything is running in light speed now. We’re
in a ‘now’ environment, so I’ve had to increase my effectiveness.”
Ellerthorpe also found that tough management requires a constant
sharing of information, as we discussed earlier. “We’re sharing
all data in the consulting group. There’s more common
knowledge now. Everyone understands the contractual obligations.”
The information flow also allows all the stakeholders to understand
what is important to the organization as well as to the individual.
This further allows an understanding of each person’s focus
and what results each person is seeking.
Be Realistic About Results
Tough management requires business leaders to be more realistic
in the results they demand from those who work for them. It’s no