Scorecard intangibles

Finances are not the alpha and the omega

Financial targets are important but getting financial outcomes requires human input. Many companies do not reach the next level because they ignore their intangibles.

The aim of this page is to highlight the importance of selecting the right people, training them, looking after them and turning them, one by one, into emotionally engaged team members.

Human Capital, Information Capital and Organisation Capital

Learning & Growth

Heed the importance of mobilising your company's intangibles, represented by the three ovals: Your Human Capital, your Information Capital and your Organisation Capital. All of these assets are centred within the people of your company: Your company is based on the knowledge and skills of your people, their ability to learn and grow, to create the right systems and the right culture; and on their ability to be innovative and to make huge contributions. And on their abilty to provide a perfect service and create loyal clients.

Major listed companies are marketing their Human Capital in their annual reports and on their Web sites. Share and financial analysts base their advice to shareholders primarily on what they learn about the intangible assets of a company. Who is the CEO/MD? Is the company well run? Does it have the technical expertise to meet future challenges?

Companies do not perform - people do

  • People develop customer relationships that lead to loyal customers
  • People create innovative new products, new services and unlock new markets
  • People mobilise their skills for continuous improvements; and people meaningfully deploy information technology, databases and systems
  • People determine the growth of your company and the success thereof
  • People determine the climate and especially the culture of your company - and whether it is a great place to work in

In planning start with your people

The BSC is a simple yet highly sophisticated management tool. Start with the Learning and Growth Perspective. In order to grow your company you have to grow your people and if you are the owner/MD, start with your own growth.

Do not make the mistake of giving scant attention to this perspective. Many of my clients are initially in a hurry to get their systems going, to reach their markets and to increase revenue growth. They do not give special attention to their people.

Get your people behind you

You cannot do much if your people are not emotionally committed and totally behind you. Start by giving attention to your people. Recruit and select for talent with which to execute your strategic plan. Place individuals in roles which fit their talents. Train to strengthen talent. Reward outcomes which build the business, which have a positive impact on clients; and which build the team and the company culture.

Build your people and they will build your company.

We suggest that you might also visit managing change and company culture.

As arriving at agreement is an important soft skill consider visiting building agreement.

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Last modified: 24-06-2009

Client Quote

"Albert provides wise counsel and inputs to a complex and fast-growing business.

We count on him and not only in times of need.

He brings clarity to our business thinking."

Elsje - Elsje Designs