An eel is your high performance friend

An eel is your friend. Wait, what?

You’re probably wondering why am I talking about the snake of the sea. That’s because high performing teams execute 2x faster with an Executive Enablement Layer (EEL).

So what’s an EEL?

The Executive Enablement Layer is a unique system of People, Process and Technology (PPT) that combine to enable your top executives to reach top performance. Typically, the Chief of Staff & Executive Assistant and other resources join forces to follow standard executive enablement processes enabled by specially configured tools.

Let’s dive into the nitty gritty of the EEL below.

Why Executive Enablement (EE)?

We take inspiration from the term “sales enablement.” From Salesforce:

In the same way, executive enablement is all about coaching, training and tech to help execs onboard, improve their skills and become a productive, high performing leader.

Why Layer (L)?

We borrow the term from software development. The technology layer refers to a specific level of an application's architecture that executes specific functionalities and performs a specific task, like data processing or database management.

In our case, the EEL provides executive enablement functionalities and completes defined tasks to help leaders improve their performance, like board support done by Chiefs of Staff and calendar management completed by Executive Assistants. The layer is flexible, scalable, modular and dependent on leaders’ needs.

So how does an EEL work?

The 3 People, Process & Technology (PPT) pillars combine to create a solid layer that sits directly underneath the leadership team, enabling them to achieve high performance. Each pillar has many possible components that are specifically designed and configured to enable leaders to achieve peak performance.

What are the component parts of the People (P) pillar?

For people, it can include the following resources depending on budget and need. More standard resources include the Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant, and an Executive Coach. Advanced resources include a PR Director and resources that focus on wellness, like a fitness coach or a mental strength coach.

What are the component parts of the Process (P) pillar?

The resources listed above need a structured way to complete their defined roles & responsibilities by interacting with each other in a standard way. They also should have an eye towards EEL continuous improvement. They leverage SOPs, Checklists, Flow Charts, Process Maps while engaging in Triage, Gap Analysis and Root Cause Analysis.

What are the component parts of the Technology (T) pillar? 

Each resource can be fully enabled by the use of technology. Tools can include Task List, Calendar, OKR System, Knowledge Base, Async Video, and Presentation Tools. With the fast development of AI, tool availability is exploding. It’s up to the EEL team to decide which are the best for their leaders.

Take a look at the graphic below which (hopefully) sums this all up.

So, why should you go into all of the trouble in the first place to create an EEL?

After all, it requires thought, care, and an upfront investment of time and money. It’s not easy. Here are the 10 reasons why an EEL can significantly benefit both leaders and the company:

Executive Benefits include:

• More energy

• More time

• Better focus

• Better decision-making

• Maximum impact

And companies benefit as well:

• Clear strategy

• Fast execution

• More efficiencies

• Accelerated growth

• Higher performance

And that’s all for now on eels. Have you implemented a similar EEL system at your company? Reply to this note and I’d love to talk to you.

Want to implement an Executive Enablement Layer (EEL) at your company?

We offer a High Performance Leader Program for CEOs and top executives to Assess their current performance, Design and Build their Executive Enablement Layer (EEL) and achieve peak performance.

Reply to this email if you’re interested in learning more or check out our website for more information.

Want to achieve high performance as a Chief of Staff?

Our High Performance Chief of Staff Program is ready for enrollment. 

To start, begin with our free 360º Performance Assessment - a Typeform of 70 self-evaluative questions that can tell you exactly what areas you are over/underperforming.

Click here to begin your no-commitment Assessment.

Note that this Assessment is Part 1 (Free) of our High Performance Chief of Staff Program that we are currently testing.

What you’ll get in Part 2 (Paid):

1. 360º Performance Scorecard that tells you exactly what areas you are over/underperforming in a color-coded heatmap

2. Live Readout with your High Performance Coach to get 1:1 coaching on your performance

3. High Performance Development Plan that gives you a simple roadmap to high performance

4. Community Support & Accountability of your peers in an online Circle community designed to accelerate your journey to excellence

Again, to start the Program, simply complete your free 360º Performance Assessment here.

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