A framework to predict business performance!

Have you ever been looking for a framework to help pinpoint aspects of outstanding execution? One strategy you may want to consider is the DCOM framework developed by CLG, a global consulting firm based in Pittsburgh.

The acronym DCOM stands for direction, competence, opportunity, and motivation. The model was defined after CLG analysts; James Hillgren and Steve Jacobs studied companies that maintained levels of high performance for over a decade. Although DCOM is easy to describe, implementing the model requires considerable forethought, planning, effort, and often, radical changes in organisational behaviour.

DCOM has proven to be a robust framework for assessing an organisation as it currently exists. But more importantly, it is an invaluable body of knowledge for planning and guiding the transformation or a change effort in an organisation to one capable of achieving and sustaining high level or outcome and ongoing performance.

An interesting test for any company is to see what happens if any of the DCOM elements is missing or weak.

If Direction is lacking—people make their own direction, and you have chaos.

If Competence is weak—you get poor or erratic performance, and bankruptcy lies ahead.

If Opportunity is limited—performers can’t act and are frustrated with the lack of time, tools, authority, and their inability to remove barriers.

If Motivation is low—performers become indifferent and lethargic, offering little in the way of extra effort.

The DCOM framework is scalable from tiny change efforts to large multinationals. It can be used in any industry and across any culture.

It is a handy framework that works anywhere!